Dakota Bargielski

For Dakota Bargielski, the path to early childhood education was not part of the original plan. Born and raised in Erie, Pennsylvania, Dakota expected to pursue a biology degree and eventually enter the medical field. After taking a childcare position as a temporary summer job, something unexpected happened. He discovered a natural connection with children, a genuine enjoyment of the classroom, and a growing desire to teach.

Today, Dakota is completing his Child Development Associate (CDA) Registered Apprenticeship through Early Connections and has already enrolled in the associate degree apprenticeship that will take him further along his new professional path.

Why Registered Apprenticeship?

Dakota learned about apprenticeship in late summer 2023 after asking his director, Barbara “Miss Barb” Gainer, about earning his CDA. She introduced him to Kim Kuehl, Workforce Coordinator, NW Region, Early Connections, Early Childhood Education Registered Apprenticeship Program who explained how the Registered Apprenticeship model provides professional skills, industry credentials, and paid on-the-job training at the same time.

Dakota wanted real experience, real coaching, and an opportunity to become more confident in the classroom.

“I didn’t feel confident in my teaching abilities at all,” he shared. “So the 2,000 hours of on-the-job learning sounded like the perfect way to grow.”

Through the program, Dakota received hands-on guidance from his supervisor, Joanna Gilkinson, who helped him learn how to conduct observations, manage challenging behaviors, complete developmental assessments, and strengthen communication strategies. “Reading something in a book is one thing,” he said. “Doing it with real children, with support, is completely different.”

Finding Purpose in the Classroom

Dakota currently teaches preschool and pre-K children ages three to five at Care-A-Lot Early Learning Center. He has worked there for nearly two years. During the summer months he teaches school-age youth ages six to twelve, an age group he has grown especially interested in due to his strong science background.

As his confidence grew, so did his clarity about his professional future. What started as a temporary job has become a career he feels deeply connected to.

A Pathway to Advancement

Dakota completed his CDA on July 30, 2024, marking a major milestone in his journey. He immediately applied to PennWest University and enrolled in the AA-level Registered Apprenticeship to continue building on the foundation he created during his CDA experience.

He sees apprenticeship as a launchpad for both skill development and career mobility. Under Pennsylvania’s Keystone STARS system, his CDA elevates his professional level, which in turn strengthens his center’s quality rating. “Once I upload my certificate, I will move from CDA level A to A+,” he explained. “And with the associate degree, I will reach level B.”

These advancements offer increased opportunities, stronger credentials, and higher earning potential, benefits Dakota hopes will support him throughout the next phases of his education and teaching career.

Building Skills, Confidence, and Commitment

Dakota sees clear growth when he looks back at the past year.

“I feel much more confident in my teaching now,” he said. “I can handle situations I could not before. I understand the kids better. And I approach things differently thanks to Ms. Jo and Kim.”

He believes apprenticeship strengthens the entire early childhood workforce, not just individual educators. Programs that provide credentials and wage increases attract and retain stronger, more reliable staff. “When centers support apprenticeship, people take early childhood education more seriously,” he explained. “It keeps staff longer and builds more dependable teams.”

What’s Next?

Dakota plans to stay in Erie, continue teaching, and complete his associate degree. He is also considering a bachelor’s degree in Pre-K through 4th grade if the opportunity remains available. His long-term goal is to teach elementary school, ideally around third or fourth grade, where he can use his science background to help children explore more advanced concepts.

Dakota’s Message to Future Apprentices: “I would tell them to go for it. You gain so many important skills, real hands-on experience, and it looks great on a résumé. If you are willing to put in the time, it pays off.”