Parents looking for child care are more attracted to accredited child care programs and providers with advanced credentials. Studies show that not only is the quality of care higher in these programs, but the child care givers are typically more satisfied with their work. These programs and providers may also be eligible for additional subsidy and grant programs, and in many cases are able to charge higher fees for the care.

Child Development Associate (CDA)
The CDA is a nationally recognized credential for both center based and family child care providers. This on-the-job program recognizes the skills of the experienced provider and gives additional training to the new provider. Individuals in Vermont with a CDA may qualify for Director or staff positions in a center. Family Child Care providers become more attractive to parents looking for care and therefore are able to charge slightly higher rates for that care. These providers also qualify to receive a bonus and higher subsidy rates for caring for children funded through SRS by the State of Vermont.

Child Care Resource offers four courses that provide the 120 training hours in the eight required CDA subject areas and also offer students the opportunity to compile the portfolio component of the CDA application process.

Course 1: Child Development
CDA Subject Areas 1,2,3, 5, 7 and 8
Included are: developmental influences from birth to age 5, cultural influences on development, steps to advance children’s physical and intellectual development, and positive ways to support children’s social and emotional development.

Course 2: Creating an Environment for Learning
CDA Subject Areas 1,2,3,6 and 7
This course focuses on an introduction to the filed of teaching and learning. Educational Materials will be explored in relationship to the students’ teaching environment and experiences. Students will examine current career choices in education and a t variety of educational programs. Child, parent and teacher communication is also a strong component of the class.

Course 3: Essential Elements of Curriculum
CDA Subject Areas: 1, 2, 3, 4, 7 and 8
In this course, the child care provider will examine developmentally appropriate curriculum based on students’ observations of children. There will be specific focus on play-based, child-centered and emergent curriculum. Students will examine strategies for collecting objective information and observations that will be used as the basis for organization of space, materials, equipment and consideration of health and safety issues.

Course 4: Program Planning for the Early Childhood Professional
CDA Subject Areas 4, 5, and 6
This course is for anyone who has daily interactions with parents and teacher, plans, does record keeping, holds parent conferences, works with young children and strives to maintain a professional attitude. Participants will develop a working philosophy, supportive policies and skills for building partnerships with teachers and parents.

Child Care Resource offers these classes in a cycle with two classes per quarter in the fall, winter and spring taught by a masters level teacher. These classes may also be taken with the option of college credit through Union Institute and University.

National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Center Accreditation
The NAEYC Accreditation sets the standard in our industry for quality center-based care. High quality is defined as one that meets the needs of and promotes the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development of the children and adults - parents, staff, and administrators - who are involved in the program. The Accreditation process involves four steps: Enrollment, Application, Candidacy and Meet and Maintain the Standards.

For more information contact:
Visit their website or call (800)424-2460.
You may also contact the Vermont AEYC Facilitated Accreditation program for support. Locally, call Shelley Henson at (802) 862-9622.

National Association for Family Child Care Accreditation
The National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC) accredits family child care homes that offer high quality child care services. The purpose of the Accreditation is to offer professional recognition and consumer distinction to those providers who meet these high standards of quality child care through their consistency and dedication. The Accreditation is intended for those providers who not only meet the child care standards defined by state licensing and registration agencies, but have demonstrated a commitment to reach beyond these minimum requirements to achieve standards of excellence.

For more information contact:
Visit the NAFCC website or call (800)359-3817. If you have further questions you can E-mail us.

Vermont Child Care Apprenticeship Program
This program offers caregivers the chance to apprentice in an accredited program under the supervision of an experienced, trained mentor. You will take college level courses, receive on the job training and an increase in your salary as you move through this program. Funded through a grant from the United States Department of Labor and the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training, its' purpose is to create a supply of stable, high quality child care programs.

If you are interested in learning more about this program, call Sue Ryan at (802) 660-2914 or visit their website at www.vtchildcareindustry.org.