In January 2023, there were around 12 active early childhood educator apprentices across the state — teachers working in early childhood classrooms while going to school. Now, there are 368.
One of those, Micky Johnson, is a “floater,” a flexible staff member who moves between classrooms to support teachers and students at Kids R Kids Learning Academy RTP, a licensed child care center in Durham. Johnson said she has wanted to return to school for a long time but never had the opportunity.
Through the early childhood educator apprenticeship program, Johnson is earning her associate degree at Durham Technical Community College while applying what she learns to her teaching practice. She is also accessing mentorship, tuition assistance through the state-funded TEACH scholarship, and wage increases from her employer…