Teacher Apprenticeship Pathway
Full-time Program for Teachers
The Teacher Apprenticeship Pathway (TAP) is an intensive, full time eleven week apprenticeship program for individuals interested in teaching in early childhood classrooms. In order to build high quality early childhood education classrooms, we know that teacher apprentices benefit from hands-on learning experiences with mentor teachers and sustained time to engage in learning about best practices as an early childhood teacher.
During the eleven week apprenticeship period, a group of up to twelve individuals will be selected to participate in the program, as apprentice teachers. Each apprentice teacher is placed in a model early childhood setting side by side with a mentor teacher for five hours each morning. Early childhood settings include centers, family and group family care, and nursery schools. In the afternoon, the apprentice teachers gather for a collaborative seminar.
As of June 2025, 12 cohorts in Poughkeepsie and 3 cohorts in Kingston have graduated a total of 101 TAP Apprentices.
Apprentice teachers successfully completing the eleven week apprenticeship program will be eligible for a monthly stipend as long as certain criteria continue to be met (e.g. demonstration of ongoing
best practices in the classroom; continued employment in an early childhood home, center or school within Dutchess or Ulster County; continued participation in ongoing supervision
mentorship.)
View an interview with a member of our TAP Program to learn more!
View this informational video to learn more about our TAP Program!
View this informational video to learn more about our TAP Program!