Child Care Center

Teacher Training and Technical Assistance

The Capital District Child Care Council offers a range of training opportunities and program development services to employees of child care centers, community development agencies, and other organizations that work with children and families. The Council’s overall goal is to help caregivers improve child care practices through professional development, staff training, and technical assistance.

 

Workshops

Workshops are intended for staff working with young children in child care centers, family, friends and neighbors who care for children and are legally-exempt from regulation, as well as regulated family child care providers. Participants who complete training receive a certificate from the Council. The trainings can be offered on-site or at one of the Council’s training centers. On-site trainings can be custom-designed to meet each program’s specific needs. Visit the Compass webpage for a current workshop schedule or contact Sheri Dushane at sdushane@cdcccc.org.

 

Six Countys' Director Club

The Six County Directors’ Club meets regularly at the Council's Training Center, 319 Broadway, Menands, to discuss current issues important to child care facilities. The group functions as a support network to address training, supervision, and advocacy. Contact Heather Sweet at hsweet@cdcccc.org for more information.

 

Program Administrator Scale (PAS) Services

Designed for early childhood program administrators, child care regulators, and board members, the Program Administrator Scale Service offered at the Council, is intended to support best practices for program quality from an organizational perspective. The PAS assesses quality in ten areas: human resources development, personnel cost and allocation, center operations, child assessment, fiscal management, program planning and evaluation, family partnerships, marketing and public relations, technology, and staff qualifications. Contact Sheri Dushane at sdushane@cdcccc.org.

 

Child Development Associate Credential Preparation Program

The Child Development Associate is a nationally recognized credential.  The Council's Preparatory Program is a unique combination of training and mentoring.  This dual approach supports the CDA candidate in successfully completing their credential while focusing on quality improvement within their program.  Learn more about the CDA credential by visiting the Council for Professional Recognition's website at www.cdacouncil.org.

Click here for the CDA Application 

 

Individualized Classroom Rating and Technical Assistance

Child Care Council Center Educators use the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale, Revised Edition (ECERS-R) and the Infant/Toddler Environment Rating Scale, Revised Edition (ITERS-R) to assess the overall early learning environment and experiences. The ECERS and ITERS consist of 43 items that assess the quality of the early childhood environment including use of space, materials and experiences to enhance children's development, daily schedule, and supervision. This 43 item scale covers seven categories:

Overall scores are determined and individualized training plans are made for classroom teachers. Individualized Training Plans (ITP) include classroom pre and post ECERS or ITERS scores and from 10 to 50 hours of technical assistance. Please contact Heather Sweet at hsweet@cdcccc.org or Sheri Dushane at sdushane@cdcccc.org to set up an individualized training plan.

 

 

Distance Learning Course Work

The Capital District Child Care Council offers opportunities for distance learning classes. Course work is completed under the direction of a Council Educator. Participants of this distance learning class have 30 days to complete the class materials, in their own home and at their own pace. Internet access is required to participate. Courses are approved by SUNY Educational Incentive Program. Contact Arlene Schmidt at aschmidt@cdcccc.org for more information.