Contents
Types of Training Available
There are essentially two (2) categories of training that will be accepted as meeting the regulatory requirements: live stand-up training and online training.
Live Stand-Up Training
Classroom Training
These are trainings that you attend in front of a live person who gives you credit for participating in the training once you have completed it. Classroom training can take several forms, including but not limited to: in-service trainings by an ASPIRE credentialed trainer or those who meet the standard set forth in policy, workshops held at conferences, and college and university courses.
If the training is conducted by a non-ASPIRE approved trainer, training credit will be counted, but will NOT be eligible for Educational Incentive Program, EIP.
Conferences and Workshops
Examples of organizations that host annual conferences include, but are not limited to:
College/University Courses
The Early Childhood.org website contains a page where child day care programs can find out information on degree programs related to early care and education available at colleges and universities in New York State.
In-service Training
For convenience, trainers are sometimes brought into child care programs to train staff on a specific topic(s).
If conducted by an approved ASPIRE trainer, training credit will be counted and could be eligible for Educational Incentive Program (EIP). If the training is conducted by a non-ASPIRE approved trainer, training credit will be counted, but will NOT be eligible for EIP.
Online Training
Distance Learning
Watch this video to learn how you can tell if distance learning trainings can be used to meet OCFS training requirements.
Distance learning is one way to obtain training. The New York State Office of Children and Family Services issued a policy on how distance learning courses can be used to satisfy OCFS training requirements. Distance learning courses that are non-credit bearing and approved by OCFS may be used to satisfy OCFS childcare provider training requirements. There may be a fee for these courses. However, approved courses may quality for Educational Incentive Program (EIP) funding.
Go to OCFS approved distance learning courses to choose courses that are right for you. Additional distance learning courses and organizations will be added to the site as determinations are made.
The Early Childhood Education and Training Program (ECETP) e-Learning Courses
OCFS funds the ECETP catalog of online trainings. The courses are available to all child day care programs in New York State at no cost to them. They are available online seven (7) days a week, 24 hours a day, and offer a 30-day window of completion.
Where can I take training?
You have many options for finding training. You can find educational activities and meet your training requirements through:
- Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies
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provide the bridge between parents, providers, community leaders and policymakers through direct services and planning expertise. They provide information to new and prospective child day care providers about many aspects of program start up and maintenance, such as program design, referrals, insurance, budgeting, record keeping, zoning and the Child and Adult Care Food Program.
- Colleges and Universities
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The Early Childhood.org website contains information where providers can learn about degree programs related to early care and education available at colleges and universities in New York State.
- Distance ?earning and Online Programs
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Distance learning and online programs are an alternative way to obtain training. Non-credit bearing distance learning courses need to be reviewed and approved by OCFS before they can be taken to satisfy OCFS requirements.
- In-Service Training
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- In-service training in your child care program, when conducted as per Office policy.
- Local Conferences and Workshops
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- The Professional Development Program
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The Professional Development Program (PDP) is the entry point for many OCFS-funded training opportunities.It's home to the:
- The Early Care & Learning Council (ECLC)
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The Early Care & Learning Council (ECLC) offers Early Care Management Training, New Director's Institute and other Center Director workshops for child care center and school-age program directors. For more information, visit: www.earlycareandlearning.org/programs---services.html
- Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs)
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- Small business development centers (SBDCs) provide a vast array of technical assistance to small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs.
- Statewide and National Associations
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Mandated Reporter Training
WHO is considered a Mandated Reporter?
New York State law recognizes certain professionals, such as child day care workers, as holding the important role of Mandated Reporter of child abuse or maltreatment. These professionals can be held liable by both the civil and criminal legal systems for intentionally failing to make a report of suspected abuse or maltreatment. Visit the Child Protective Services Frequently Asked Questions Page for a full listing of professionals who are considered Mandated Reporters.
WHAT are my responsibilities as a Mandated Reporter?
All child day care workers are Mandated Reporters. As a Mandated Reporter you are required by law to report suspected child abuse or maltreatment to the New York Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment (SCR) immediately. Reports can be made at any time of the day and on any day of the week, by telephone at 1-800-342-3720. Click here for more information about making a call to the SCR. If you are a Mandated Reporter you can use the Mandated Reporter-specific line: (800) 635-1522
WHERE can I get Mandated Reporter training?
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and First Aid Training
WHAT are Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and First Aid?
First Aid is help given to a sick or injured person until full medical treatment is available. By knowing what to do, and what not to do, in a variety of situations you can help keep a person's injuries from becoming worse.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is an emergency procedure for manually preserving brain function until further measures can be provided to restore spontaneous blood circulation and breathing in a person who is in cardiac arrest. By being prepared to perform CPR, and performing it in a timely fashion, you can save a life.
WHO is required to take CPR and First Aid Training?
All child day care programs must have at least one (1) staff person, who holds a valid certificate in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and First Aid, on the premises of the child care program during the program's operating hours.
CPR and First Aid certificates must be appropriate to the ages of the children in care.
The staff person(s) who holds the valid certification in CPR and First Aid must have their certification on file and available for review during their working hours at the program.
A limited number of training slots in CPR and First Aid are available at no cost to child day care staff and caregivers.
WHERE can I get First Aid and CPR Training?
The OCFS contract with the National Safety Council to provide First Aid/CPR training opportunities to child day care employees is ending December 31, 2015. Despite the fact that OCFS is no longer contracting with this organization, the National Safety Council training in First Aid and CPR will continue to be accepted as meeting the regulatory requirement.
As of January 1, 2016, OCFS will no longer provide training slots for First Aid/CPR through a contracted training vendor. Employees and caregivers seeking to take CPR and First Aid training must arrange for certification classes on their own. Educational Incentive Program (EIP) funding will continue to be available for those who are eligible and choose training organizations in the ASPIRE registry.
There are other qualified agencies that offer CPR and First Aid training. Check for resources in your community.
FAQs
CDA Subject Areas
- Planning a safe and healthy learning environment.
- Advancing children's physical and intellectual development.
- Supporting children's social and emotional development.
- Building productive relationships with families.
- Managing an effective program operation.
- Maintaining a commitment to professionalism.
A childcare or education course achieved at college or in a sixth form. Work experience or volunteering in a childcare setting. A childcare apprenticeship, working and learning at the same time.
What are the 4 different areas of CDA? ›
CDAs have knowledge of how to put the CDA Competency Standards into practice and an understanding of why those standards help children move with success from one developmental stage to another. Put simply, CDAs know how to nurture the emotional, physical, intellectual, and social development of children.
What is DCF training Florida? ›
The Department of Children and Families Office of Child Care Regulation has updated the 6-hour course providing child care professionals associated with family homes with an understanding of the rules and regulations governing child care in Florida so they can provide a safe and healthy setting for children in out-of- ...
How do I get my CDA in NY? ›
Training: Complete 480 hours (about 1 year full time) of experience working with children (specific to the CDA designation – Infant/Toddler, Preschool, or Family Child Care) Complete 120 clock hours of formal education/coursework. (All coursework must have occurred within 5 years of the application date)
What are the 8 subject areas you may receive training in? ›
The CDA standards identify 8 subject areas:
- Planning a safe and healthy learning environment.
- Advancing children's physical and intellectual development.
- Supporting children's social and emotional development.
- Building productive relationships with families.
- Managing an effective program operation.
Remember that there is a CDA® credential for four different settings to conveniently suit your professional goals in early childhood education: For center-based programs there is an Infant/Toddler CDA® and a Preschool CDA®, the Family Child Care CDA® (for children from birth to five years), and the Home Visitors CDA® ( ...
What is a level 3 childcare qualification? ›
The Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator) prepares learners to become Early Years Educators, enabling them to work with and care for children from birth to 5 years and gain knowledge of children aged 5 to 7 years.
How long does it take to get a childcare qualification? ›
Course Content
This qualification confers the licence to practise as an Early Years Educator. This qualification will take 2 years to complete.
What is a Level 6 childcare qualification? ›
The BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies (level 6 top up) is a one-year full-time or two-year part-time course. This course provides a progression for those who wish to 'top up' their Early Years Foundation Degree or equivalent foundation qualification to a full BA Honours degree.
The Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential is the most widely recognized credential in early childhood education in the United States and is a key stepping stone on the path of career advancement in the early childhood field.
What do you learn in a CDA course? ›
“Put simply, CDAs know how to nurture the emotional, physical, intellectual and social development of children,” writes the Council for Professional Recognition.
What is a CDA certification good for? ›
Earning your Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential may help prepare you for work as daycare or preschool teacher, teacher assistant, nanny, or child care worker. Pursuing your CDA Credential may also help you stand out as a childcare professional.
How do I become a DCF worker in Florida? ›
Minimum Qualifications:
A bachelor's degree. Bachelor's or master's degree in social work or related field preferred. (When applying please attach required education, certification, or licensure). Must obtain provisional Child Welfare Certification from the Florida Certification Board within 12 months of hire.
What is childcare course? ›
The study of childcare is focused on how to provide proper care and support services for children. Because caring for kids can involve more than just physical care, courses may also branch into psychology, child and family development and early childhood education.
What do you need to work at a daycare in Florida? ›
Child Care Personnel – Must complete 40 hours of department-approved training and pass a competency exam. Also must complete a minimum of 10 hours of in-service training. This does not apply to volunteers or those that work less than 40 hours, as long as they are supervised constantly by a licensed member.
How long does it take to get a CDA in NY? ›
To get the CDA Credential you must take a 120 hour CDA course and apply to the Council for Professional Recognition. From beginning a class to receiving the credential can take about 1 year.
How many questions is the CDA exam? ›
The CDA Exam has 65 questions.
Is a CDA equivalent to an associate's degree? ›
Difference. CDA programs differ from AAS programs in the amount of coursework versus field experience required. The CDA is primarily intended for individuals who are already teaching young children that require some training to supplement their hands-on experience.
What does CDA stand for in childcare? ›
The Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential™ is a widely recognized credential in early childhood education administered by the Council for Professional Development.
By studying children, we can learn more about why they develop the way they do and also the most effective ways to help them to develop as responsible citizens with positive contributions to make.
What are the benefits of studying child development? ›
By learning more about how kids grow, parents can help their kids grow in healthy ways and address challenges that might arise. In addition to learning things that can help make you a better parent, you can gain greater insight into how your children behave, think, learn, and feel.
How long does a CDA last? ›
The CDA® renewal process gives you the opportunity to reaffirm your competence as Preschool, Infant-Toddler, Family Child Care or Home Visitor Child Development Associate®. A CDA credential is valid for 3 years from the award date. Please note: You must renew your CDA credential before it expires.
What are 2 of the 6 CDA competency standards? ›
CDA® Competency Standards
I. To establish and maintain a safe, healthy learning environment. II. To advance physical and intellectual competence.
What must you do to keep a CDA? ›
You earn your CDA by:
Meeting 120 hours of qualified professional development (typically completed through a CDA training course) Meeting 480 hours of professional work experience. Passing the Child Development Associate Certificate exam, given by Pearson VUE at a designated testing site. Passing your Verification ...
What is a Level 4 in childcare? ›
The Level 4 CCLD is an NVQ for professionals working in childcare. It recognises specialist learning and helps develop the candidate's career. Course provider: FE colleges and training providers.
What is Level 7 childcare? ›
The Postgraduate Level 7 Diploma In Childcare Management is designed to provide learners with a comprehensive understanding of the different areas of child care and the skills required to promote the development, health and safety of children.
What is a level 2 childcare qualification? ›
This programme provides you with the knowledge and skills required to work in a childcare setting at an assistant level. It allows you to gain technical knowledge and real practical experience, along with functional and personal skills, required for their job and future career with children and young people.
What is a Level 1 childcare qualification? ›
Early Years Level 1
Qualifications are a introduction to caring for children and help develop basic skills and knowledge. Learners will cover topics such as communicating with children, engaging children through activities, supporting learning and planning for the care of children's physical and emotional needs.
How long does a Level 2 in childcare take? ›
How long will the course take me to complete? As with anything worthwhile, this course requires you to dedicate some of your time to it. This will be up to 15 months in total if you are working full-time – and up to 27 months if you are working part-time.
The three I's of “Intent – Implementation – Impact” work hand in hand with the three core aspects of successful early learning based on teachers' Planning, Observation, and Assessment.
What is a level 5 in childcare? ›
The aim of the Level 5 Diploma for the Early Years Senior Practitioner qualification is to support leadership and management skills in early years and the knowledge and skills relating to the early years practice. The Early Years Senior Practitioner will be a positive role model for the team.
Is Level 5 childcare a degree? ›
Overview. The level 5 children's care learning and development (CCLD): Management diploma is a recognised qualification for people who are working as a senior practitioner or manager within early years and children and young peoples' settings.
What's the difference between Level 2 and Level 3 childcare? ›
Level 2 qualifications allow you to work in early years under supervision. Getting a qualification at a Level 2 is excellent preparation for doing a Level 3 qualification. However, you do not need to complete a Level 2 before progressing onto a Level 3.
What is a CDA professional portfolio? ›
The CDA Professional Portfolio is a: • Requirement for the national CDA Credentialing Process. • Collection of specific resource materials to help you in your work with children and families. • Method for the national CDA Council to evaluate your competence.
What is the role of a daycare director? ›
Day care directors are responsible for the daily operations of a daycare center. They ensure a safe and educational environment for young children, manage teaching staff, develop curricula in coordination with teachers, communicate with parents, and uphold the center's reputation.
Is getting a CDA worth it? ›
Having a CDA credential helps qualify you for more jobs by showing potential future employers that you have reached a professional level of skill and knowledge. Muhs explains that while a CDA credential may not always be required by employers, it holds great value.
How many hours of professional work experience must you have for CDA? ›
How many hours of work experience are required to apply for the CDA Credential? You are required to complete 480 hours of professional work experience with young children. Your work experience must be with children of the correct age according to the CDA setting for which you are applying.
How long does the CDA observation take? ›
Schedule the CDA Exam at a Pearson VUE testing center. strength and growth for the purpose of setting professional goals (1 hour) ❖ The CDA Verification Visit lasts a minimum of 4 hours.
Is the CDA only recognized in the United States? ›
2. The CDA is portable, recognized in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, community colleges, school districts and the military.
The thirteen Functional Areas describe the major responsibilities and objectives early care professionals must complete and understand in order to carry out the CDA Competency Standards.
What are 2 of the 6 CDA competency standards? ›
CDA® Competency Standards
I. To establish and maintain a safe, healthy learning environment. II. To advance physical and intellectual competence.
How many hours of professional work experience must you have for CDA? ›
How many hours of work experience are required to apply for the CDA Credential? You are required to complete 480 hours of professional work experience with young children. Your work experience must be with children of the correct age according to the CDA setting for which you are applying.
Is there a portfolio required for CDA? ›
Please note that you are required to bring your Portfolio to the Verification Visit. Do not send your Portfolio to the National CDA Council. While there are no specific “rules” about how your Professional Portfolio should appear, it does need to be well organized and easy to use.
