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Development
At
the foundation of every quality early childhood setting are the
skilled and knowledgeable professionals dedicated to making a
difference in the lives of young children. To maintain their
standard of excellence, professionals must be able to embrace
change, implement new ideas and participate in ongoing training and
professional development. Child Care Resource and Referral is here
to help you along your professional path. Please contact CCR&R’s
Professional Development Specialist at 800-232-0908 for more
information regarding the following credential or accreditation
programs. There may be Professional Development Funds or
Scholarships available to help you achieve your goals (Grants and
Scholarships).
Credentials
Accreditation
Child
Development Associate (CDA)
The CDA is a
national program to credential qualified child care professionals
who document their ability to meet national standards of care and
education for young children and their families. Candidates pursuing
the CDA credential document their child care experience and skills
through a professional resource file, parent questionnaires and
completing 120 training hours in eight different content areas.
Candidates advance through the credentialing process at their own
pace. The credential may be earned in Family Child Care,
Center-based Preschool, Center-based Infant/Toddler or Home Visitor.
Contact: Council
for Professional Development, 800-424-4310; www.cdacouncil.org
or CCR&R, 800-232-0908
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Certified
Child Care Professional Early Childhood Specialist Credential (CCP)
The CCP
credentialing program is designed to recognize an individual’s
achievements as a child care professional. Recognition of individual
achievement is granted through the awarding of the CCP to those
candidates who meet the National Standards of professional expertise
established by the NCCA and the Professional Standards Council.
Candidates advance through the credentialing process at their own
pace. The Professional Standards Council reviews and awards
credentials to successful candidates.
Contact: CCP,
800-543-7191; www.nccanet.org or CCR&R, 800-232-0908
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Illinois
Director Credential (IDC)
Designed for Child
Care Administrators, the IDC is a voluntary credentialing program
created to increase professionalism and recognition for
administrators in early care and education.
It is recognized in the sate as a standard of measurement for
management and leadership capabilities and serves as a symbol of
professional achievement. An individual can achieve the IDC either
by completing an approved program at a college or university or by
completing a portfolio and documenting a degree, experience and
professional contributions. The credential is offered at three
levels including the Associate, Bachelors and Graduate Degrees.
Contact:
INCCRRA, 800-649-1884; www.ilchildcare.org
or CCR&R, 800-232-0908
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National
Administrator Credential (NAC)
The NAC offers
child care directors an opportunity to receive 40 clock hours of
high-quality, relevant college education in five days. The training
focuses on financial, staff and program management. Participants are
expected to complete projects and reading assignments between
classes.
Contact:
NAC, 800-543-7161; www.nccanet.org
or CCR&R, 800-232-0908
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The National
Association for Family Child Care accredits family child care homes
that offer high-quality chidlc are services. The accreditation is
intended for providers who have demonstrated a commitment to reach
beyond the minimum requirements of state licensing. The
accreditation process includes an in-depth evaluation of the family
child care home by another provider, a parent observer and a NAFCC
representative. The provider completes a self-evaluation profile and
reports on improvements and professional development. In addition
there is verification of licensing and records and confidential
parent surveys.
Contact: NAFCC,
801-269-9338; www.nafcc.org or CCR&R, 800-232-0908
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The NSACA is a
professional support network promoting quality programs for children
and youth during their out-of school time. The accreditation is a
process that recognizes safety, care and opportunity to help assure
long-term stability and quality for school age children. The program
reviews the Standards for Quality in School-Age Care and makes
necessary improvements. A self-study process is completed involving
parents, staff, children, administrators and other key individuals
such as the elementary school principal. Finally the program applies
to NAACA for an endorsement visit.
Contact: NSACA,
617-298-5012; www.nsaca.org or CCR&R 800-232-0908
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The National
Academy of Early Childhood Programs, a division of NAEYC,
administers a national, voluntary, professionally sponsored
accreditation system to help raise the quality of child care
programs. The child care program engages in an extensive self-study
based on the Academy’s Criteria for high Quality Early Childhood
Programs. The accuracy of the program’s self study is verified
during a site visit by a team of trained volunteer validators. A
commission reviews the validation and self-study results.
Contact: NAEYC,
800-424-2460; www.naeyc.org or CCR&R, 800-232-0908
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The NECPA
accreditation process examines program areas such as professional
development, work environment, outdoor environment, developmental
program, parent and community involvement and administration. It
begins with a self-assessment and improvement plan which the center
implements. A volunteer peer verifier then follows up with an
on-site visit. The National Accreditation Council studies the
results of the assessment and verification and grants accreditation.
Contact: NECPA,
800-505-9878; www.necpa.net or CCR&R, 800-232-0908
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The NACCP
accreditation process includes a self-study, validation visit and
commission review. Administrators, staff and parents evaluation the
program accordance with NAC accreditation standards, identifying
strengths and weaknesses and making needed improvements as needed.
Trained early care and education professionals conduct on-site
observations and interviews verifying information provided in the
Self Study Report. NAC commissioners assess the Self Study Report
with the Validator's comments and verification that the program
meets NAC accreditation standards. Commissioners recommend to award,
defer, or deny accreditation.
Contact:
NACCP, 512-301-5557; www.naccp.org
or CCR&R, 800-232-0908
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