New York State’s first
Behavioral Health Apprenticeship Program
Building Pathways to Purposeful Careers in Behavioral Health
The Inspired Community Project’s Behavioral Health Apprenticeship Program is New York State’s first and only paid apprenticeship program in behavioral health. Our mission is rooted in equity, advocacy, and empowerment—this program creates accessible career opportunities while building a more inclusive and representative workforce in early childhood care.
Apprenticeship OVERVIEW
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This is a 12-month, full-time, paid apprenticeship that combines hands-on experience with classroom learning. Apprentices work directly with children in our inclusive early childhood center, gaining 1,220 hours of immersive training supported by experienced mentors. The program includes quarterly assessments, competency exams, and individualized feedback to ensure every apprentice is progressing confidently toward their professional goals.
Upon completion, all participants are eligible to sit for the Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) certification exam.
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At the end of the program:
The top apprentices will be offered full-time salaried roles as Registered Behavior Technicians in the next cohort.
The remaining graduates will receive career coaching, job placement support, higher education guidance, and networking opportunities with our early childhood employer partners.
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We know that life doesn’t pause for career development. That’s why we offer:
Paid training
Free on-site childcare
Flexible weekday shifts: 7:30AM–3:30PM or 10:30AM–6:30PM
Financial literacy workshops, mental wellness supports, and more
We care about our apprentices as whole people—and we’re here to help them thrive both on the job and at home.
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The application process includes:
You will then be contacted and asked to schedule a 15-minute Screening Call.
If we feel this would be a good fit then you will be invited to a 90-minute in-person Group Interview on site. Here is the agenda.
Acceptance Letter sent out and schedule start date.
*We only have 4 more seats for our Next Cohort, starting in July 2026.
Kristynna Soto, Senior Director of Training & Excellence at The Inspired Community Project, is the visionary leader behind the development and continuous refinement of New York State’s first and only Behavioral Health Apprenticeship program. A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and certified Teacher of Students with Speech and Language Disabilities, Kristynna brings over 20 years of experience in early childhood education and applied behavior analysis, specializing in support for individuals diagnosed with autism and developmental delays.
What truly sets Kristynna apart is her unwavering commitment to neurodiversity-affirming, trauma-informed care. Her work is rooted in the belief that all children deserve to feel happy, relaxed, and engaged—a guiding principle inspired by Dr. Greg Hanley and foundational to every program she designs. Whether she’s leading a training, mentoring staff, or shaping curricula, Kristynna centers the dignity, autonomy, and strengths of each learner.
Before joining TICP, Kristynna served as the Director of Behavioral Services at an Early Intervention center-based model where she developed compassionate, high-impact programming for early intervention. She has also provided years of supervision and support to ABA therapists in home, school, and community settings, and has led countless workshops for families and educators on autism, behavior, and inclusive educational practices.
At TICP, Kristynna leads with heart and precision—developing high-quality training modules, supervising apprentices, and ensuring that all behavioral health services meet the evolving needs of the community. Her deep knowledge, paired with her passion for equity and inclusion, ensures that TICP’s training and clinical services consistently exceed industry standards while honoring the humanity of those they support.
Kristynna Soto, M.A., BCBA, TSSLD
Take the first step toward a meaningful, life-changing career.
By applying to become a Behavioral Health Apprentice at TICP, you're not just starting a job—you're building a future. With paid training, expert mentorship, and real-world experience in a neurodiversity-affirming setting, this is your chance to grow, give back, and thrive.
invest in yourself.
our Apprentices & Journey-workers
Get to know the passionate individuals behind the progress. Our apprentices and journey-workers come from diverse backgrounds but share a common goal: to provide compassionate, neurodiversity-affirming support to the children and families we serve. Through hands-on training, mentorship, and a deep commitment to community care, they’re not just learning—they’re leading the future of behavioral health.