BCSC Early Childhood Education Registered Apprenticeship

Description

BCSC Pre-K operates out of 13 sites, housed within 9 different schools. This Registered Apprenticeship is designed to give 3rd year Early Childhood Education pathway students on-the-job training in one of our classrooms. During this experience, apprentices will work closely with one of our teams, providing small group instruction and assisting with child care tasks. Apprentices will be mentored by the lead teacher and expected to complete a standard set of competencies to earn wage increases. The goal of this apprenticeship is to prepare apprentices to be be lead early childhood teachers and practices the skills they have learned along their pathway. In addition, apprentices will earn hours toward acquiring their CDA.

Responsibilities

1. Works with students individually and in small groups to reinforce basic learning and implement assigned programs.
2. Assists professional staff in the administration and correction of classroom exercises, tests and assessments.
3. Assists in classroom preparations and strategies for reinforcing instructional materials and skills according to individual student needs.
4. Assists with record-keeping procedures to document student learning and performance.
5. Assists with classroom behavioral management to minimize disruptions, ensure a safe and orderly classroom, and ensure students are on task.
6. Assists students in non-instructional areas, such as supervising the student lunch programs, bus duty, playground duty, corridor, study hall, and other related non-instructional areas.
7. Accompanies students on field trips for the purpose of assisting with supervision.
8. Constructs, copies and distribute and use educational materials as needed.
9. Assists students with special needs in all aspects of classroom instruction to maximize inclusion, learning, achievement of IEP objectives, etc.
10. Assist students with disabilities with activities of daily living for the purpose of maximizing their ability to participate in school or learning activities.
11. Follows all applicable safety rules, procedures and regulations governing the proper manner of assistance for all students, including those with disabilities or other special needs.

Qualifications

1. Currently enrolled in the C4 Early Childhood Education Pathway
2. Approved by the Director and Pathway Teacher of C4 and the ECE Pathway for the apprenticeship
3. Ability to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form.
4. Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide, and perform arithmetic operations as needed to assist students.
5. Ability to understand, apply and use personal computers and software applications (e.g., Word, Excel).
6. Ability to work with a diverse group of individuals.
7. Ability to maintain confidentiality of information regarding students, employees and others.
8. Ability to establish a supportive and compassionate relationship with students with special needs.
9. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with students, staff and others contacted in the course of work.
10. Ability to report work orally or in writing to supervisor as required.
11. Effective writing and verbal communication skills

Learning Objectives

Child Development & Learning

1. Describe the developmental milestones typical of 4-year-olds across cognitive, language, social-emotional, and physical domains
2. Recognize how curiosity, imagination, and symbolic play drive learning in preschool-aged children
3. Identify signs of typical and atypical development in 4-year-olds and know the proper BCSC referral process for concerns

Reggio-Inspired & Opening World Practices

1. Explain the core principles of the Reggio Emilia approach, including children as capable learners, the environment as the "third teacher," and documentation as a learning tool
2. Support project-based and inquiry-driven learning by following children's interests and asking open-ended questions
3. Use the Opening World framework to intentionally plan experiences that build social understanding, empathy, and cultural awareness
4. Contribute to classroom documentation panels, learning displays, and portfolios that make children's thinking visible

Learning Environment Design

1. Arrange and maintain a Reggio-inspired environment with intentional, aesthetically thoughtful materials that invite exploration and provoke curiosity
2. Rotate and curate open-ended materials (natural materials, loose parts, art media) that support 4-year-old inquiry and creativity
3. Apply UDL principles when setting up learning centers to ensure all children can access and engage with materials regardless of ability or learning style

Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

1. Explain the three UDL principles — multiple means of engagement, representation, and action/expression — and how they apply in a Pre-K classroom
2. Plan and adapt activities that offer multiple entry points so every 4-year-old can participate meaningfully
3. Collaborate with the lead teacher to modify materials, instructions, or support strategies for children with IEPs, language differences, or varying readiness levels

PBIS & Social-Emotional Learning

1. Describe BCSC's PBIS framework and the school-wide expectations as they apply to the Pre-K setting
2. Consistently model, reinforce, and acknowledge positive behaviors using PBIS language and strategies
3. Use proactive, relationship-based strategies to support self-regulation and conflict resolution with 4-year-olds
4. Recognize the connection between social-emotional safety and children's readiness to learn and explore

Observation, Documentation & Assessment

1. Use observational documentation tools (photographs, anecdotal notes, work samples) to capture and interpret children's learning in the Reggio tradition
2. Maintain accurate, objective, and confidential records aligned with BCSC Pre-K assessment expectations
3. Use observational data to contribute to project planning and to identify individual children's strengths and next steps

Health, Safety & Classroom Routines

1. Follow all BCSC and Indiana licensing health and safety requirements, including sanitation, supervision ratios, and emergency procedures
2. Support smooth daily transitions and routines in ways that are predictable and calming for 4-year-olds
3. Recognize and respond appropriately to illness, injury, and behavioral crises according to BCSC protocol

Family & Community Engagement

1. Communicate professionally with Pre-K families using BCSC-approved communication channels
2. Honor and incorporate the cultural backgrounds and home languages of BCSC Pre-K families into classroom practices and Opening World projects
3. Support family engagement opportunities such as classroom visits, documentation sharing, and school events

Professionalism & Ethics

1. Follow the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct in all interactions with children, families, and BCSC colleagues
2. Demonstrate professional behavior including punctuality, confidentiality, and a reflective growth mindset
3. Participate actively in mentorship, feedback conversations, and apprenticeship check-ins as part of the Indiana Registered Apprenticeship Program

CDA Competency Goal Alignment

1. Build a professional portfolio documenting competency across all 6 CDA Goal Areas using evidence from the BCSC Pre-K classroom
2. Complete the required 120 clock hours of professional education with coursework connected to Reggio-inspired practice, UDL, and PBIS where possible

Contact Information