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Our Mission

To expand and enhance the YMCA early childhood workforce by creating a career pathway for entry level and current employees that includes degrees, teaching permits, and wage increases through an early educator apprenticeship.

Values:  Collaboration  •  Diversity  •  Equity  •  Inclusion  •  Education  •  Success

Early educator apprenticeships lead to fulfilling careers working with young children and their families. Currently, we serve:

1500+ Families
25 Locations
4 Counties
OUR STORY

The YMCA of the East Bay Early Childhood Impact programs serve 1,500 low-income children and families in four counties (Alameda, Contra Costa, Yolo and Sacramento) using a variety of state and federal funds. We provide high quality, comprehensive early learning services to pregnant women and children birth to age 5 and their families.

WE WORK IN PARTNERSHIP TO:
  • Provide community college early childhood classes virtually or at one of our early learning centers.
  • Embed tutors and success coordinators in classes and available to support participants.
  • Secure funding for the program so participants pay no fees.
  • Build relationships with other service providers throughout the community to support apprentices to be successful in school and work.

Our Staff

Melanie Mueller

Executive Director

mmueller@ymcaeastbay.org Read Bio

Dr. Roslynn Hyneman

Workforce Development Director

rhyneman@ymcaeastbay.org Read Bio

Brandi Hamilton

Success Manager

bhamilton@ymcaeastbay.org Read Bio

Diego Garcia-Serna

Success Coordinator

digarcia@ymcaeastbay.org Read Bio

Rishneel Maharaj

Success Coordinator

rmaharaj@ymcaeastbay.org Read Bio

Melanie Gibson

Success Coordinator

mgibson@ymcaeastbay.org Read Bio

Rosie De Vera

Workforce Program Assistant

rdevera@ymcaeastbay.org Read Bio

Noor Ghanem

Workforce Program Assistant

nghanem@ymcaeastbay.org Read Bio

WE ARE:

  • Creating a model of support that drives successful completion of degrees, permits and job placement.
  • Improving the developmental outcomes for children while preparing parents for a career in early education.
  • Contributing to communities by creating sustainable jobs with benefits and ongoing training.
  • Demonstrating that non-traditional learners can be successful in school and work.

WE DO THIS BY:

  • Making high quality career pathways accessible for early childhood educators.
  • Partnering with funders so apprentices pay no fees.
  • Providing supports needed to succeed – including tuition, fees, books, child care, transportation, case management, technology, soft skills training, tutoring and much more!
  • Collaborating with community colleges and 4-year universities to streamline enrollment, academic counseling and transcript analysis.

SUPPORT US

Our Early Childhood Apprenticeship Program offers training and support for aspiring early childhood professionals. We are especially interested in training parents from our ECI and Head Start programs. By training and adding more qualified staff in Early Care and Education programs, we’re helping individuals to be a part of the workforce, support their family, and earn financial income. Your gift will allow more people to take part in our apprenticeship!

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Email: apprenticeship@ymcaeastbay.org

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