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Early Childhood Education Career Training Program

Human Service Programs

two young girls do an activity at their Cambridge preschool.The Early Childhood Education Career Training Program provides entry-level training and job experience for people interested in starting a career as early childhood educators.

Participants enroll in an online early childhood education course and complete a paid internship in Cambridge. People who successfully complete all the program requirements will earn the Child Development Associate® (CDA) Credential and be an EEC (Early Education and Care) certified teacher in Massachusetts.

The CDA credential is nationally recognized. CDA applicants must demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities in the early childhood education field. To earn a CDA credential an educator must demonstrate a commitment to career advancement, professionalism and an openness to learning.

The program runs each year from October to June. All class and internship locations are in Cambridge.

The Program Includes:

  • Paid internship at a licensed early childhood program in Cambridge  
  • An online early childhood course  
  • CDA prep class to support online coursework
  • On-site observations, feedback sessions, and academic advising from the CDA coach 
  • Coaching to complete the CDA Professional Portfolio and apply for the CDA credential
  • Help with career planning

This Program May Be Right For You If: 

  • You are looking for entry-level training to become an early childhood educator 
  • You are interested in becoming an Early Education and Care (EEC) certified teacher in Massachusetts  
  • You are ready to commit to a long-term career as an early childhood educator   
  • You are available to work four mornings per week in a licensed early childhood program in Cambridge

To Participate in the Program, You Must:

  • Attend an information session
  • Be at least 18 years old and authorized to work in the U.S.
  • Read and write in English at a high school level  
  • Have a high school diploma or HiSET/GED
  • Pass a criminal background check: CORI, SORI, and fingerprint check
  • Provide a recent physical exam, including proof of MMR vaccination
  • Be able to regularly lift 35-40 lbs. 

Sign Up for an Information Session

The deadline to apply for the 2025-26 program is August 8, 2025.

Questions? Contact Sarah Figge Hussain at sfiggehussain@cambridgema.gov or call / text 617-798-0250.

Scholarship Track for Current Cambridge Early Childhood Educators

Are you currently working in Cambridge as an early childhood educator? The program offers a scholarship track for Cambridge-based early childhood educators who want to earn their CDA for professional advancement.   

Applications for the 2025-26 scholarship track are now being accepted. The deadline to apply is August 15, 2025. 

If you are interested in the scholarship track, contact Emily Callejas, Workforce Development Manager at the Cambridge Office of Early Childhood: ecallejas@cpsd.us or call / text 617-349-9785. 

Questions and Answers

What is the Child Development Associate® (CDA) credential?

It is a professional development opportunity for early educators working with children from birth to 5 years old and their families. To earn the Credential you must demonstrate your knowledge, skills, and abilities in the early childhood education field. The CDA credential is the only national credential in the early childhood education (ECE) field.

The Council for Professional Recognition awards the Child Development Associate® (CDA) credential.

How does earning a CDA credential benefit me?

The CDA credential is a stepping stone to a career as an early childhood educator. Earning a CDA credential:

  • Opens up opportunities for career growth and advancement, including higher pay.
  • Allows you to work anywhere in the U.S. (CDA credential is nationally recognized).
  • Makes you Early Education & Care (EEC) infant/toddler or preschool Teacher Certified in Massachusetts.
  • Can earn you credit at some colleges (e.g. Fisher College awards college credit through Prior Learning Assessments).

Early childhood educators are required to have their CDA Credential to work in federally funded EEC programs like Head Start. Many programs participating in the Cambridge Preschool Program (CPP) also require educators to have their CDA.

How much does the Early Childhood Education Career Training Program cost?

The program is free. All fees and materials required to participate in the program are provided at no cost. This includes:

  • Enrollment in online course and the course materials
  • Paid time for doing internship and CDA prep class
  • Pediatric First Aid and CPR/AED training
  • Access to a Chromebook
  • CDA application fee

Is there childcare available as part of the program?

No. If you have children, you need to arrange childcare when you are working (Monday to Friday mornings from November to mid-June).

The Cambridge Office of Early Childhood can help you find childcare resources.

I already have a degree in early childhood education, but I want to advance my career. Would participating in this program help me?

No, because you are already EEC teacher qualified.

If you are interested in advancing your career as an early childhood educator, the Cambridge Office of Early Childhood (OEC) offers many professional development and academic opportunities for professionals in the field.

You can contact Emily Callejas, the Workforce Development Manager at the COEC, for more information on career development opportunities for people who are already working in the field of early childhood.

Emily’s contact information: ecallejas@cpsd.us or 617-349-9785.

Will I get benefits when I am working as an intern?

No. As an ECE intern, you are a temporary part-time employee of the City of Cambridge. You have no earned time, sick time or insurance. You are allowed to work up to 19.5 hours each week - 17 hours as an intern and 2.5 paid class time. You will be paid $18 per hour.

What will my internship schedule be?

You will work 4 or 5 mornings a week at a licensed early childhood program in Cambridge. Your shift will either be 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. or 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Your schedule will be determined by the center where you work. Each center has its own schedule.

Please note: Your schedule will not be the same as the Cambridge Public Schools.

Page was posted on 7/21/2022 4:45 PM
Page was last modified on 6/12/2025 4:37 PM
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