Education and Degrees for Child Care Providers

Child Care Providers often begin with no training other than that of being a parent or a baby-sitter. Since caring for a group of children often can present more challenges than your experience has prepared you to meet, you may find that training in early childhood education and child development is very useful. There is much to be learned about positive ways to discipline or guide children and about activities for different developmental levels.

Research has shown that provider training is related to the quality of child care. Trained providers are more in demand by parents, who are becoming increasingly sophisticated about selecting care for their children. Whether or not you have a college degree or a high school diploma, you are required to have a minimum of 15 hours of training in early childhood education to qualify for certification or licensing. For additional information on these requirements, contact your state or local child care licensing office.

Training series and individual workshops are offered by resource and referral agencies, NAEYC affiliate groups, adult education programs and school districts.

The Child Development Associate Program

The Child Development Associate (CDA) Program is one form of training available to child care providers. It offers a national credential based on performance with children and families. By participating in this program, you can learn more about your work and be recognized for your skills. The competency standards for the credential can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, even if you do not apply for the program. For more information about this voluntary program, or a copy of the book containing all the competencies identified for family child care providers, call the Council for Early Childhood Professional Recognition at 202-265-9090 or 800-424-4310 or you can visit them on the web at www.cdacouncil.org

Other Child Care Degree Programs

Many two- and four-year colleges and universities offer degrees in early childhood education. Although you may not have training in this field, if you are planning on eventually making this your lifetime vocation, you may want to consider getting a degree. There is no doubt that the quality of a child's education depends not only on the parent's involvement but also on the education of the teacher and child care provider.

The following degrees are offered in early childhood education:

1. Associate of Arts in Child Developmental and Nursery School Education - two-year degree; total hours required for graduation: 72
2. Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education - four-year degree; total hours required for graduation: 125
3. Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education - graduate degree; total hours required for graduation depends on degree requirements.
4. PhD in Early Childhood Education - total hours required for graduation depends on degree requirements.

Remember, the criteria for graduation depend on the requirements set by individual institutions. For information specific to the degree program you are interested in, contact the admissions
office of the college or university nearest you.