This 18-month registered apprenticeship provides comprehensive support to preservice professionals, combining on-the-job learning and coursework at Santa Ana College. Students will take college classes for free in a cohort while getting paid to work at one of our apprenticeship locations. Students must have the legal right to work in the United States, must be at least 18 years of age and must be willing to have a health screening/TB assessment and required immunizations. Apprentices will receive support from lead educators, faculty, peers and have access to all support services at Santa Ana College.
Contact Information
Office of Child Development and Education Studies Apprenticeship Programs
Email: CDESApprenticeships@sac.edu
Janet Deusenberry, M.Ed
Director, Child Development and Education Studies Apprenticeship Programs
Email: deusenberry_janet@sac.edu
Carla Reyna, MSW
Student Services Coordinator, Child Development and Education Studies Apprenticeship Programs
Email: reyna_carla@sac.edu
Elaine Yaherlener
Administrative Clerk, Child Development and Education Studies Apprenticeship Programs
Email: yagerlener_elaine@sac.edu
Dr. Chris Becerra
Faculty Lead, Child Development and Education Studies Apprenticeship Programs
Celebrating a Historic Milestone: Cohort 1 ECE Apprentices Completes the Program
We are proud to celebrate the achievements of Cohort 1 – the first group of ECE Apprenticeship Program completers at Santa Ana College. This milestone marks a historic moment for the college, setting the foundation for future cohorts and showcasing the success of our innovative program. These trailblazing students have demonstrated exceptional commitment and resilience, completing a rigorous curriculum that blends on-the-job learning with academic excellence. Their success not only reflects their hard work but also paves the way for a new era of opportunity and growth at Santa Ana College.
A big thank you to Chancellor Martinez, Joy Hermsen from the Department of Labor, faculty and administrators for attending this monumentous event.
Student Testimonials
Maria Torres, Early Childhood Education Apprenticeship Program (Cohort #1)
My name is Maria Torres, I am 28 years old, and I have three wonderful daughters. My apprenticeship experience has been incredible. I've learned so much in class, and it's helped me move forward in my career by teaching me things I didn’t know before.
Even when I was pregnant with my daughter, I never stopped going to class or working. During this time, I learned how to complete DRDP assessments properly and understand the milestones of child development, identifying areas where improvement is needed. It’s been a wonderful experience working with children—something completely new for me.
Before this, I was an LVN, and now I’m on my way to becoming a special education teacher. Throughout this journey, I always remember a quote from a dear friend: “Believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers, you cannot be successful.”
Irma Esqueda, Early Childhood Education Apprenticeship (Cohort #1)
In fall of 2023 I decided to return to college after almost 10 years of leaving college. In Santa Ana College I learned that a new apprenticeship program was going to open and since my major was going to be Child Development I decided to join. I applied and having no idea what was going to happen. In this program I have learned about the child development stages thru the classes but also witness the child development stages on the work field.
In the work field I have work with amazing lead teacher that are willing to teach you how to plan the lesson plan based on the children’s needs. The lead teacher explain you how to talk to parents, how DRDP’s work and how to write a clear descriptive note. In the school the classes are taken two per semester which is very good because is not overwhelming. The professors are very understanding and they help you with any concerns and questions you may have.
Overall the child development apprentice program is a very good experience to have for anyone who want to obtain a career in child development.
Yanet Vega, Early Childhood Education Apprenticeship (Cohort #1)
I chose the apprenticeship program because I want to be able to do more with the children, I worked with but did not have the units that were required. I asked my site supervisor what classes I needed to have to be able to be more hands on with the children. She gave me the list and I started taking my first class. My master teacher told me that the district was planning to have an apprenticeship program. I decided to join. Key skills/experiences I’ve gained throughout the apprenticeship program are knowledge and the opportunity to learn how to take better care of a child. Having the opportunity to work with the children is a unique way of connecting with each of them.I have seen the attachment we create with each child. I can say that the apprenticeship program gave me the opportunity to return to school after 20 years and I have accomplished already a year of experiences.
