Research has shown that children’s growth and development is positively impacted by an adult’s continual participation in quality professional development activities. To be successful and provide a quality service in any industry, one must engage in continuing education. This is even more critical when you are responsible for the care and early education of children.
Professional development in the child care and early learning community generally refers to learning that occurs outside of direct child care experiences. This could include workshops, conferences, seminars, and classes that are offered by Action for Children and community agencies, as well as insitutions of higher education (which may give credit for child care teaching experience).
Child Care Licensing Rules specify the minimum requirements that are necessary to work in a child care center in Ohio, but individual child care centers may differ in their requirements for specific roles and responsibilities (eg. center director, assistant director, lead teacher, teacher assistant, cook, administrative assistant). Requirements can also vary depending upon the size of the center, whether it is accredited, if it has a contract with their county Department of Job and Family Services, if it has a collaborative partnership with a Head Start program, if it provides services for children with special needs, etc.
Going above and beyond the minimum requirements leads to success in any business. In child care and early learning, there are paths for directors and teaching staff that can set them apart from the rest of the field. One of these is credentialing and the other is accreditation.
For more…
Center Provider’s Map for specifics on child care center staff requirements and professional development offerings.
Action for Children Workshops for the latest calendar of professional development offerings sponsored by Action for Children.
Starting Your Own Center for guidance on beginning a childcare center business.
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