New Horizon Academy Launches First Childcare Provider Apprenticeship Program in Kansas
MINNEAPOLIS, MN (May 26, 2026) — New Horizon Academy today announced the launch of its Registered Apprenticeship Program for Early Childhood Provider Educators in Kansas, developed in partnership with Kansas Works. The program establishes a structured, high-quality pathway for individuals to enter and advance in the early childhood education field; it addresses a critical workforce need impacting families, employers, and communities across the state.
The apprenticeship program combines 2,000 hours of paid, on-the-job learning with 144 hours per year of related classroom instruction, equipping participants with the skills and competencies needed to meet Kansas childcare licensing requirements and deliver high-quality care and education. It is available at New Horizon Academy’s four schools in Kansas in Olathe, Leawood, and Overland Park.
“Childcare is essential infrastructure for working families and employers, but the system depends on a strong, well-trained workforce,” said Dr. Aimee Fearing, the company’s head of career development and education. “This apprenticeship program creates a clear, supported pathway for individuals to build a career in early childhood education while earning a paycheck and gaining real-world experience.”
Fearing notes that Kansas faces a significant childcare supply gap, with estimates showing the state is more than 84,000 childcare slots short of demand. Statewide, the current childcare supply meets only about 49 percent of potential demand, leaving many families without access to care. This scarcity is impacting the workforce: about 12% of Kansas families with young children have had a parent quit, change, or refuse a job due to childcare issues.
The New Horizon Academy apprenticeship opportunity is designed to strengthen the early childhood workforce by improving recruitment, training, and retention of educators. Apprentices participate in a “learn and earn” model, where wage increases are tied to skill development and progress through the program and receive:
- Structured, hands-on training in early childhood classrooms
- Ongoing coaching and mentorship
- Instruction aligned with national early childhood education standards
- Support toward earning key credentials, including the Child Development Associate designation
The program spans seven core competency areas, including child development, curriculum implementation, family engagement, and professional practice. The apprenticeship builds on New Horizon Academy’s long-standing commitment to investing in early childhood educators as professionals. The company offers a range of supports designed to attract and retain talent in a challenging labor market, including tuition assistance, scholarships, clear career advancement pathways, and compensation that is above industry averages.
As part of Kansas Works, the program aligns with nationally recognized standards for early childhood education and complies with federal Registered Apprenticeship requirements, including equitable access, structured wage progression, and standardized training.
“We recognize that the quality and stability of the provider industry is directly tied to the quality of education and care children receive,” said Fearing.
About New Horizon Academy
Founded in 1971, New Horizon Academy is a family-owned provider of high-quality early education and childcare, serving children from six weeks through school age. With more than 100 schools across multiple states, the company is dedicated to supporting children, families, and communities through exceptional care and learning.