Child Care Link
Child Care Professionals
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Education and Training
- All child care providers need current CPR, First Aid, and Medication Administration Training (MAT).
- Child care center staff must meet the required 12 hours of essential child care training
- Family child care providers must meet the required 6 hours of essential child care training.
- Trainings and continuing education can come through Child Care Link, community college or on-line.
Contact Child Care Link for local training opportunities.
General Equivalency Degree (GED) may be a good next step to building your career and earning more money.
The Virginia Department of Social Services' Division of Child Care and Development provides child care professional development classes throughout the Commonwealth.
TIPS Calendar:(Training Information for Provider Success)
Calendar is for private, non-profit and governmental organizations to list child care provider training in Virginia and Washington D.C.
Distance Learning (PDF)
Endorsement Program (PDF)
Virginia Child Care Provider Scholarship Program
The Virginia Child Care Provider Scholarship Program is a tuition assistance program offering current and future child care providers a foundation in the care and development of children. The program, funded through Virginia's share of the federal Child Care and Development Fund, provides assistance for providers to attend courses at Virginia institutions of higher learning.
Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential
The CDA is a nationally recognized early childhood credential awarded to educators who are skilled primary caregivers for young children. To successfully complete the CDA assessment process, child care providers must participate in various forms of training and practical experiences. Contact: Council for Professional Recognition (800) 424-4310
National Administrator Credential (NAC)
Child Care Courses
The NAC course offers directors a chance to receive 40 hours of high-quality, relevant, college-level education in a five-day time frame. Classes are limited to 20 students to foster discussion and maximize learning. Contact: NCCA & CCP (800) 543-7161
Square One
Square One offers prevention and early intervention (PEI) courses for child care providers/early childhood educators, home visitors, and parents.
Virginia Department of Health, Division of Injury and Violence Prevention A FREE basic child passenger safety course for child care providers and other staff members is available through the Virginia Department of Health's Division of Injury and Violence Prevention. To schedule a free class or safety seat inspection, or for more information, please contact Tobey Allen at tobey.allen@vdh.virginia.gov.
Virginia Western Community College: Early Childhood Development
This curriculum is designed to enable graduates to qualify as directors, assistant directors, teachers, assistant teachers, or as classroom aides in programs for young children.