Early Childhood Education Career Training Program

The Cambridge Office of Early Childhood and the Cambridge Community Learning Center (CLC) are collaborating to offer a free Early Childhood Education Career Training Program.

Through classes and a paid internship, participants gain hands-on experience to prepare to earn their national Child Development Associate® (CDA) credential. Participants also receive support finding a job in the early childhood education field.

The application period for the 2022-2023 Early Childhood Education Career Training Program is closed.

If you have questions about the program, please contact Sarah Figge Hussain at sfiggehussain@cambridgema.gov or 617-798-0250.

The program runs from October 2022 to April 2023 and includes:

Online course to guide you through the CDA process and build skills working with young children
A paid internship five mornings a week in an early childhood center ($17.00 per hour)*
Coaching from a CDA advisor
Assistance with resume preparation and job search

*Individuals who already work in an early care and education program and are interested in earning the CDA credential can apply for a scholarship directly through the Office of Early Childhood by emailing Emily Callejas at ecallejas@cpsd.us.

To participate, candidates must:

Be at least 18 years old
Be authorized to work in the United States
Have high school diploma or GED
Complete a criminal background check

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The Council for Professional Recognition awards the Child Development Associate® (CDA) credential. The CDA credential is the most widely known and valued in the early childhood education (ECE) field. To earn the CDA credential you must demonstrate your knowledge, understanding and practices as an early childhood educator.

How does earning a CDA credential benefit me?

The CDA credential is a stepping stone to career advancement within the ECE field.

The CDA opens up enormous opportunities for career growth and advancement, including increased earning potential.
The CDA ensures your knowledge of the field is current and at the forefront of the industry.
Earning the CDA builds confidence both personally and professionally.
Earning this credential makes you certified as an infant/toddler or preschool teacher and may also certify you as a lead teacher.

Learn more about the credential at https://www.cdacouncil.org/en/educator-pathways/

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

The Early Childhood Education Career Training program is free for participants, and includes the following:

Enrollment in a 24 week (120 training hours) online course
Weekly in-person group educational coaching and on-site mentoring
480 hours of a paid internship at an early childhood program to build work experience toward the CDA credential
Coverage of all course materials and CDA application fee
Pediatric First Aid and CPR/AED certification
Access to a Chromebook and internet hotspot
Personalized academic support and career advising