2026-2027 ECHO Teacher Aide/Registered Apprenticeship CDA Cohort Program
Teacher Aide + Registered Apprenticeship Pathways
ECHO’s Teacher Aide/Registered Apprenticeship CDA Cohort offers a no-cost pathway for early childhood educators in York County to earn their nationally recognized Child Development Associate (CDA) credential.
Participants may enroll as a Teacher Aide or choose the optional Registered Apprenticeship pathway, which includes enhanced training, structured wage progression, and additional financial incentives.
This cohort is designed for educators who are new to the field as well as current early childhood staff seeking to obtain their CDA credential. Participants will receive CDA coursework through HACC, mentoring, coaching, Community of Practice sessions, and paid on-the-job learning opportunities.
Eligible CDA tracks include:
- Infant/Toddler
- Preschool
- Birth-to-Five
- Family Child Care
New for This Cohort
All Keystone STARS 1 programs are now eligible to apply. This is a new eligibility expansion for the ECHO Teacher Aide Program, allowing more early childhood programs to access support for staff professional development and workforce growth.
BLOOM Child Care Start-Up recipients who are actively working toward DHS certification are also eligible to participate as they work toward opening their programs.
Cohort Details
The in-person CDA classes will be held from August 2026 through April 2027 at:
Community Progress Council
226 E. College Avenue
York, PA 17403
Applications will be open from June 10, 2026, through July 2, 2026.
Up to 24 participants will be selected through a competitive application process.
The cohort will conclude with a Recognition Ceremony on April 30, 2027.
Information Session
Apply Beginning June 10
Early childhood programs interested in participating are encouraged to review the application information and apply during the open application window.
Application Deadline Extended: Applications will now be accepted through Friday, July 10, 2026.
BLOOM Start-Up Child Care Forgivable Loan Program
This forgivable loan program will support new childhood education providers in York County, PA through recruitment, education, and funding support.
Those interested in this forgivable loan program must meet with the BLOOM Team prior to receiving the link to submit an application.
Review the program guidelines, schedule the meeting, and start preparing necessary information at https://bloomyork.org/loans/
Forgivable loan requests will be accepted by BLOOM throughout 2026 and be considered for funding on a monthly basis until Friday, October 30, 2026.
ECHO Innovation Grant Program
This grant program will directly fund early childhood educators and providers in York County, PA who present creative solutions for increased capacity and quality.
Professional Development Mini-Grant Program
This pilot mini-grant program will support early childhood educators in attending select regional and/or national conferences, training, or advocacy opportunities to build professional skills, network with peers, and increase knowledge of best practices.