Printed on 4/30/2025

Early Childhood Educator Apprentice

50-307-1 Apprenticeship (A) Full Time 24 Credits Not Financial Aid Eligible Location*: Appleton

*If general education courses are required, they may be available at multiple locations.

Have a passion for helping children grow during the early years of development? This apprenticeship provides you with the opportunity to attend classes at FVTC while employed at a childcare center. The two-year apprenticeship focuses on child development, family and community relationships, health and nutrition, supporting student needs and much more. Early Childhood Educators support the cognitive, social/emotional and physical development of children through developmentally appropriate programming and environments.

COURSE LIST

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Course list for reference only. Current students please refer to your individualized program plan or see your advisor.
**Outside effort hours are an estimate based on state standards, and may vary from person to person.

    Occupational Specific (24 Credits)

    Course Title
    Course Number
    Credits
    Instructional Hours
    Outside Effort Hours**
    Early College Credit Options
    Prior Learning Credit Eligibility
  • ECE: Early Language & Literacy
    10-307-108
    3Credit
    72
    90
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 90
    • Course Number: 10307108
    • Credits: 3.00

    This 3-credit course explores strategies to encourage the development of early language and literacy knowledge and skill building in children birth to 8 years of age.

  • ECE: Foundations of Early Childhood
    10-307-148
    3Credit
    54
    108

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10307148
    • Credits: 3.00

    This 3-credit course introduces the early childhood profession through a historical overview of the field. The course will explore program trends, quality indicators, and developmentally appropriate practices for children birth to 8 years of age.

  • ECE: Infant & Toddler Development
    10-307-151
    3Credit
    54
    108

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10307151
    • Credits: 3.00

    This 3-credit course explores infant and toddler development as it applies to an early childhood education setting. This course focuses on children's development from conception through thirty-six months (3 years). This course includes training for Wisconsin Breastfeeding Friendly Child Care certification.

  • ECE: Hlth Safety & Nutrition
    10-307-167
    3Credit
    54
    108

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10307167
    • Credits: 3.00

    This 3-credit course examines the topics of health, safety, and nutrition within the context of the early childhood educational setting for children from birth through 8 years of age. This course includes training for Abusive Head Trauma, SIDS, and Mandated Reporter certifications.

  • ECE: Child Development
    10-307-179
    3Credit
    54
    108

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10307179
    • Credits: 3.00

    This 3-credit course examines child development within the context of the early childhood education setting. This course focuses on children ages 3-8 years of age.

  • ECE: Children w Diff Abilities
    10-307-187
    3Credit
    54
    108
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10307187
    • Credits: 3.00

    This 3-credit course focuses on the child with differing abilities in an inclusive early childhood education setting while examining strategies for cultivating partnerships with families and community supports for children from birth to 8 years of age.

  • ECE: Guiding Child Behavior
    10-307-188
    3Credit
    54
    108
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10307188
    • Credits: 3.00

    This 3-credit course examines positive strategies to guide children's behavior in the early childhood education setting for children from birth to 8 years of age. This course meets the requirements of the Wisconsin Pyramid Model training.

  • ECE: Family & Community Relationships
    10-307-195
    3Credit
    54
    108

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10307195
    • Credits: 3.00

    This 3-credit course will examine the role of relationships with family and community in early childhood education for children from birth to 8 years of age. In this course, students will complete the Strengthening Families Training.

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Expected Competencies


For more information visit our Credit For Prior Learning page.
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Eligible Dual Credit Course

What is Dual Credit?

FVTC courses taught at the high school by certified high school teachers. These teachers receive mentorship from FVTC faculty to ensure alignment in competencies, curriculum, and assessments.


  • Students earn both high school and college credits, with grades applying to both transcripts.
  • There is no cost to the school district or family.
  • Dual Credit course availability varies by high school based on factors such as lab space, equipment, and teacher qualifications.

Process:

As part of the annual course planning, students and families should meet with their High School Guidance Counselor to discuss future college and career goals. This conversation will help identify Dual Credit courses that best align with specific pathways.

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Recommended Start College Now Course


What is Start College Now?

Qualified public-school juniors and seniors may enroll in college level classes at FVTC or online, if a comparable course is not offered within their district.

Student Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must have parent/guardian approval.
  • Must meet all course entry requirements.
  • Must be in good academic standing with an acceptable disciplinary record.

Application Process:

Interested students should consult their High School Guidance Counselor to explore course options and complete a “Start College Now” application. Applications must be submitted to High School Counselors by March 1st for fall courses and October 1st for spring courses. If approved by the school board, the cost is covered by the high school.

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Eligible Dual Credit & Recommended Start College Now Course:


What is Dual Credit?

FVTC courses taught at the high school by certified high school teachers. These teachers receive mentorship from FVTC faculty to ensure alignment in competencies, curriculum, and assessments.

  • Students earn both high school and college credits, with grades applying to both transcripts.
  • There is no cost to the school district or family.

**Dual Credit course availability varies by high school based on factors such as lab space, equipment, and teacher qualifications.

What is Start College Now?

Qualified public-school juniors and seniors may enroll in college level classes at FVTC or online, if a comparable course is not offered within their district.

Student Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must have parent/guardian approval.
  • Must meet all course entry requirements.
  • Must be in good academic standing with an acceptable disciplinary record.

Application Process:

Interested students should consult their High School Guidance Counselor to explore course options and complete a “Start College Now” application. Applications must be submitted to High School Counselors by March 1st for fall courses and October 1st for spring courses. If approved by the school board, the cost is covered by the high school.

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N/A


This course is not available for Dual Credit or Start College Now due to factors such as course rigor, necessary equipment, and prerequisite requirements.