On Monday, April 8, 2024, LA County agencies launched the Assistant Teacher Apprenticeship Program. This program, under the direction of the Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) and in partnership with Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, Los Angeles County Second District, will be supported by the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE), the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH), the Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA), Child Care Resource Center, West LA College and Pierce College.

L.A. County is experiencing a teacher shortage with early education being the hardest impacted. The 2-year Assistant Teacher Apprenticeship Program provides a career pathway to anyone interested in and seeking work in the early education sector. Once in the program, apprentices will earn a living wage during their paid work-based learning, which is subsidized by DEO in partnership with hiring employers.

Overview of the Program

• Free community college education (180 hours)

• On-the job site-based training

• 2,000 hours of paid on-site, work-based learning

• Tuition and debt-free start to a career

• Potential for wage progression

• Supportive services through the County’s America’s Job Centers of California

• Connection to committed hiring employers

• Additional job readiness, trauma informed instruction, and professional development are also additional services available to apprentices through the Teacher Preparation Academy.

• Upon program completion, apprentices will earn a California State-issued child development permit

Program Funding

This program is funded by the DEO’s $18 million investment in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds with an additional $39 million in LACDA grants funding.

How to Apply

Interested participants can fill out an interest form.

• Access Interest Form Here

For more information, visit the Department of Economic Opportunity's website.