Professional Development Programs From individual workshop sessions and technical assistance to conferences and preparatory programs, the Child Care Council offers a variety of professional development opportunities.
Individual Professional Development Training Workshops assist child care personnel in meeting the training hours required of them by NYS Office of Children and Family Services child care regulations. According to the regulations, child care personnel must complete 30-hours of training in the following topics:
- Principles of Childhood Development
- Nutrition/ Health Needs of Children
- Child Day Care Program Development
- Safety and Security Procedures
- Business Record Maintenance and Management
- Child Abuse and Maltreatment Identification and Prevention
- Statutes and Regulations Pertaining to Child Care
- Statutes and Regulations Pertaining to Child Abuse and Maltreatment
- Shaken Baby Syndrome
Professional development opportunities are scheduled on a quarterly basis, and are held a various locations throughout the Child Care Council's tri-county area.
Child Development Associate Credential Preparatory Program (CDA) enables child care professionals to earn a Child Development Associate (CDA), a nationally recognized credential. Students complete a two semester preparatory course at the Child Care Council and work individually with a program advisor to meet their individual needs. Students may obtain a specialization in one of the following areas: center-based pre-school; center-based infant/toddler; or family child care. Financial assistance to cover tuition costs may be obtained through the NYS Educational Incentive Program, if eligible.
New York State School-Age Care Credential has been developed to promote quality services to children and families by providing specific standards, training and evaluation of school-age staff members and providers. It is an opportunity for adults working with school-age children to gain professional recognition for demonstrating competence in their on-the-job skills. The Child Care Council offers a two-semester preparatory course to candidates as part of the credentialing process.
On the SPOT Training provides Specialized, Professional, On-site Training to NYS regulated child care programs. Experts in a variety of child care-related fields work with you to improve your understanding and success in different aspects of child care. Training takes place during the normal operating hours of the program. Training can be used to meet requirements outlined by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services Child Care Regulations. Participants can access Educational Incentive Program (EIP) scholarships to cover some, or all, of the costs associated with program training.
SUNY Educational Incentive Program helps to cover the cost of approved trainings, courses and fees on an income-eligible basis. Depending on your income, you may qualify for 25%, 50% , 75% or 100% of your requested course cost. For more information, contact SUNY EIP at 800-295-9616 or visit EIP here.