While historically aligned to skilled labor and trades, and unlike many European nations, apprenticeship models in the United States have long existed outside the realm of university teacher preparation programs and other professions requiring four-year degrees. With threats of increasing childcare options, teacher shortages and difficulty in teacher recruitment, particularly in rural areas, a national spotlight now shines on apprenticeship programs, a "place-based" or "working-integrated" educational approach that occurs in the community childcare centers and schools. The authors explore the critical need for high quality early childhood educators and the many challenges and barriers impacting individuals and rural communities invested in high quality early childhood education. Several place-based models of apprenticeship will be explored with particular emphasis on the Apprenticeship Program at Carlow University, the first four-year Department of Labor approved program in Pennsylvania.