Become an Early Childhood Educator at No Cost
Apply for EECI’s no-cost ECE Apprenticeship and CDA pathway using SNAP to Work, WIOA, ITA, and Missouri Fast Track funding. Earn your CDA, apprenticeship credential, and college credits while you work—without taking on student debt.
Our mission
Removing Financial Barriers So Diverse, Working Adults Can Become Certified Early Childhood Educators
Services
How the No-Cost ECE Apprenticeship Works
EECI’s U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship combines paid on-the-job training with live, instructor-led CDA coursework and wraparound support. Most or all tuition can be covered through SNAP to Work, WIOA Individual Training Accounts (ITA), Missouri Fast Track, and other workforce grants—so you can focus on learning, not bills.
Step 1 – Check Your Eligibility
You must be 18+, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and be eligible to work in the U.S. Many apprentices are already working in childcare or want to start. If you receive SNAP, unemployment, or other benefits, you may qualify for SNAP to Work, WIOA, ITA, or Missouri Fast Track funding.
Step 2 – Apply for WIOA / SNAP to Work / ITA
Contact your local American Job Center or Missouri Job Center and ask about WIOA training, SNAP to Work, or Individual Training Accounts (ITA) for Early Education Career Institute’s ECE Apprenticeship and CDA program. Bring your ID, proof of income, and any benefit letters. A career specialist will help you complete the paperwork.
Step 3 – Enroll with EECI & Start Earning While You Learn
Once funding is approved, EECI finalizes your enrollment, matches you with an approved employer (or supports your current job), and starts your CDA/apprenticeship classes. You’ll complete 16 instructor-led modules, 2,000 hours of supervised on-the-job training, and earn stackable credentials that lead to better pay and long-term careers.
Benefits
Why Choose EECI’s No-Cost ECE Apprenticeship
Our apprenticeship is built for working adults—especially first-generation, bilingual, and nontraditional learners who need flexible schedules, real support, and funding that actually covers the cost.
Funded by SNAP to Work, WIOA, ITA & Missouri Fast Track
Most apprentices pay little to nothing out of pocket. We work directly with American Job Centers and state partners so SNAP to Work, WIOA, ITA, and Missouri Fast Track dollars cover tuition, books, and support services where available.
Missouri Fast Track Incentive Grant Highlight
In Missouri, eligible adult learners can use the Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant to cover remaining tuition after other aid. EECI’s ECE Apprenticeship and CDA pathway is Fast Track eligible, helping Missouri educators upskill without new student loans.
Proven Career Outcomes
EECI has 20 years of experience, an 88% completion rate, and 100% job placement after graduation in our CDA/apprenticeship pathways. Apprentices earn a wageable job, national CDA, DOL apprenticeship credential, and up to 21 college credits.
About Us
About Early Education Career Institute (EECI)
Early Education Career Institute is a nonprofit career school and U.S. Department of Labor Apprenticeship Ambassador focused 100% on early childhood education. For two decades, we’ve helped diverse, working adults earn their CDA, complete registered apprenticeships, and move into better-paying roles in childcare centers, Head Start programs, and school-based ECE. Our model is simple: high-quality instruction, real-world coaching, bilingual support, and smart use of workforce funding so cost is never the reason someone stays stuck.
Contact Us
Ready to see if you qualify for a no-cost ECE apprenticeship using SNAP to Work, WIOA, ITA, or Missouri Fast Track? Reach out and our team will walk you through eligibility, funding steps, and enrollment—no pressure, no jargon.
enrollment@tipsforchildcare.com
(833) 467-9997
Serving multiple states including Missouri, South Carolina, Indiana, Michigan & more
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FAQ
Here are answers to common questions about our no-cost ECE apprenticeship, funding options, and how to get started with WIOA, SNAP to Work, ITA, and Missouri Fast Track.
Is this apprenticeship really no cost to me?
How do I start the WIOA or SNAP to Work application?
What is the Missouri Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant and how does it help?
Do I need to already work in childcare to qualify?