Explore San Bernardino County Services: Apprenticeship program creates career pathways for parents and future educators

"San Bernardino County Update", yellow arrowhead and "SBCounty.gov

Click on the image to view the video.

For many parents, stepping into a preschool classroom begins with dropping off their child. For others, it can become the first step toward a new career.

San Bernardino County Preschool Services Department is helping residents build that future through its Pathways to Success apprenticeship program — an initiative that connects parents and community members with hands-on experience, education and career opportunities in early childhood education and related fields.

“We’ve always had apprenticeship programs, but they haven’t gained a lot of steam,” said Rodney Barrios, program manager for Preschool Services Department’s enrollment, recruitment, selection, eligibility and attendance team. “With this new revamping of the program and its formatting, it gives our parents opportunities to get more involved.”

The program offers several career pathways, including teacher aide, custodial and family development tracks. Through partnerships with organizations such as San Bernardino Valley College and the San Bernardino County Workforce Development Department, participants receive instruction, educational support and practical experience inside Preschool Services classrooms and facilities.

“We basically serve as the facilitator,” Barrios said. “We’re partnering with community organizations like San Bernardino Valley College and Workforce Development to create this apprenticeship program, which gives people the opportunity to train and work right here in our space.”

Participants receive online instruction through San Bernardino Valley College while also gaining on-the-job experience at Preschool Services sites throughout the county. The department provides additional support by loaning laptops and hotspot access to participants who may not have reliable access to technology at home.

“We strive to provide them with every tool and resource they need to get the job done,” Barrios said.

The apprenticeship model combines classroom learning with real-world experience. Participants are assigned to preschool sites where they work alongside experienced teachers and supervisors who provide coaching, mentoring and evaluations throughout the program.

“They receive instruction and classroom time,” Barrios said. “As they’re learning these concepts, they get to see it modeled.”

That immediate application of skills has helped make the program successful. According to Barrios, retention and completion rates continue to improve with every cohort.

“We’ve performed better than we anticipated,” Barrios said. “Our retention rate, completion rate, and student performance have all shown steady improvement with every new cohort.”

The program is also helping address workforce shortages in early childhood education while creating opportunities for residents who are looking to begin a new chapter in their lives.

“Many of these parents haven’t had recent job experience,” Barrios said. “It really does help them. It gives them confidence.”

Participants leave the program with transferable college credits and educational requirements needed to apply for California credentials in the field. For some, the experience may lead directly into careers in early childhood education. For others, it may open doors to related professions supporting children and families.

“It serves as a springboard for them to pursue whatever path they choose next,” Barrios said.

Looking ahead, Barrios said Preschool Services hopes to expand the program across San Bernardino County and connect with students exploring career opportunities after high school.

“There’s a spot there for everybody,” Barrios said. “Some students do the four-year route, some do the junior college route, some do the trade vocational school route. It’s just another option for our youth.”

The department also plans to continue outreach efforts through job fairs, informational materials and community partnerships to ensure more residents learn about the opportunity.

“I love the idea of us being in the community more and residents knowing more about Preschool Services,” said Barrios.

By investing in workforce development, supporting families and creating pathways to opportunity for residents throughout the county, the Pathways to Success apprenticeship program helps to achieve the Countywide Vision.

“Explore San Bernardino County Services” at sbcounty.gov to learn more about the programs, resources and services available to residents.

Additional County Update News – June 25, 2026