Early Childhood Education Career Training Program

A Cambridge early educator engages with preschoolers The Early Childhood Education Career Training Program provides entry-level training and job experience to people interested in becoming early childhood educators. Through coursework and an internship, this program helps participants earn the nationally recognized Child Development Associate® (CDA) Credential and start a career as an early childhood educator. This Cambridge-based program runs from October to June.

The Early Childhood Education Career Training Program is offered in partnership by the Cambridge Community Learning Center and the Cambridge Office of Early Childhood.

The Program Includes:

Paid internship at a licensed early childhood program in Cambridge
An online early childhood course
Weekly 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 mornings until early afternoons in a licensed childcare center in Cambridge

To Participate in the Program, You Must:

Attend an information session
Read and write in English at a 10th grade level
Have a high school diploma or HiSET/GED
Be authorized to work in the U.S.
Able to provide three work-related references
Pass a criminal background (CORI) and fingerprint check
Provide a recent physical exam, including proof of MMR vaccination
Be able to regularly lift 35-40 lbs.

The application period for the 2024-25 program is closed. We will begin recruiting for the 2025-26 program in spring 2025.

Questions? Contact Sarah Figge Hussain at sfiggehussain@cambridgema.gov or 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.

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 617-349-9785.

The application period for the 2024-25 scholarship track is closed. We will begin recruiting for the 2025-26 program in summer 2025.

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.

Learn more about the credential at Educator Pathways - CDA Council.

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, including:

Enrollment in online course and the course materials
Paid internship
Pediatric First Aid and CPR/AED training
Access to a Chromebook and internet hotspot
CDA application fee