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Professional & Educational Resources
Required State of Florida Training
These core competencies establish the framework that supports the professional development of Career Advisors who work with early childhood practitioners throughout the state of Florida.
The Florida Core Competencies for Early Care and Education Practitioners is a set of knowledge and skill standards that define what early care and education practitioners that work directly with children should know and be able to do in order to facilitate child growth and development and partner effectively with families. The core competencies include expectations across a continuum of training, education, and experience, ranging from the entry-level practitioner to practitioners with degrees, certifications, and extensive experience. The identification of a core body of knowledge, defining the content knowledge expectations for those working in the profession, is a crucial and foundational component to the development and implementation of a professional development system in Florida.
The Trainer-Training Standards, an outgrowth of the Core Competencies for the Early Care and Education Workforce, ensure that professional development workshops address these competencies through quality instruction that focuses on the needs of the early child care and education workforce and the goals of their programs.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Bright Futures Scholarships
The Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) State Programs, within the Florida Department of Education, administers a variety of postsecondary educational state-funded grants and scholarships, and provides information to students, parents, and high school and postsecondary professionals.
The Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) State Programs, within the Florida Department of Education, administers a variety of postsecondary educational state-funded grants and scholarships, and provides information to students, parents, and high school and postsecondary professionals.
Early Childhood Professional Organizations & Resources
Is to improve the quality of early care and education for all children by promoting policy, research and organizing that ensure the early care and education workforce is well-educated, receives better compensation and a voice in their workplace.
Is focused on promoting the social emotional development and school readiness of young children birth to age 5. CSEFEL is a national resource center funded by the Office of Head Start and Child Care Bureau for disseminating research and evidence-based practices to early childhood programs across the country.
Offers a comprehensive, up-to-date, and easy-to-use collection of more than 20,000 resources from the many disciplines related to child care and early education.
Based in San Francisco, CA is a national nonprofit legal services organization that uses legal tools to make high quality, affordable child care available to every child, every family, and every community.
Connects child welfare and related professionals to comprehensive information and resources to help protect children and strengthen families. We feature the latest on topics from prevention to permanency, including child abuse and neglect, foster care, and adoption.
Makes available high-quality print products – magazines, books, and training materials – for the field, while expanding its digital offerings. Free articles are available to view online.
A website site filled with useful information, strategies, activities, and resources for all teachers of ELLs, whether you are an ESL teacher or a content area teacher with one or two English learners in your class. Although many of the activities have been designed for children in PreK-3.
Approaches to learning, creative arts, language & communication, literacy, mathematics, science, physical health, and social/emotional development.
An information resource for Head Start and Early Head Start communities, and other early childhood entities. The site contains information on OHS priorities, policies, and programs, and tips and promising practices on early childcare topics including child development, early math, science and literacy, and health.
Is a free, online magazine that gives early childhood educators access to advice, teaching strategies, and appropriate practice guidelines from prominent early-childhood experts, answers to questions about classroom management, behavior issues, developmental expectations and much more.
(FWBC) is an entrepreneur resource center dedicated to assisting women in achieving their dreams by helping them start, grow and run successful businesses. The FWBC's primary focus is to provide training, counselling, mentoring, resources, referrals, and support to women entrepreneurs.
At National Louis University is dedicated to building the leadership capacity of the early childhood workforce. The activities of the McCormick Center encompass four areas: professional development, evaluation, research, and public awareness.
Created by the National Academies to publish the reports issued by the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, the Institute of Medicine, and the National Research Council, all operating under a charter granted by the Congress of the United States. The NAP publishes more than 200 books a year on a wide range of topics in science, engineering, and health, capturing the most authoritative views on important issues in science and health policy. A complete section on early childhood topics is available.
Website has an area on-line that contains an archive of selected articles and columns that were published in Young Children or exclusively online. Additionally, on the website, Teaching Young Children (TYC), a magazine for preschool educators, can be found. This is a collection of ready-to-use training outlines that suggest ways to build on the content of articles and implement new strategies in the classroom.
NSDC, provides a number of services and resources to staff developers, school improvement teams, and other educational leaders. Publications include the Journal of Staff Development, the Developer, and the Innovator. In addition to print materials, NSDC also offers video and audio materials and sponsors conferences and workshops on leading school change and improvement.
Has expanded the possibilities for women and girls in this country. We have succeeded in getting new laws on the books and enforced; litigating ground-breaking cases all the way to the Supreme Court, and educating the public about ways to make laws and public policies work for women and their families.
Provides high-quality preK-12 educational resources. Here you'll find classroom materials suitable for a wide range of subjects and grade level, lesson plans, teaching activities, on-demand video assets, and interactive games and simulations. These resources are correlated to state and national educational standards and are tied to PBS' award-winning on-air and online programming like NOVA, Nature, Cyberchase, Between the Lions and more.
Completed its 10-year campaign to advance high-quality, voluntary pre-kindergarten for all three- and four-year-olds in 2011. Through its successes, Pre-K Now changed the national conversation about pre-k education, and in its final report, challenged the nation’s policy makers to transform public education by moving away from the current K-12 system to pre-K-12.
(PBS) and Supports has been established by the Office of Special Education Programs, US Department of Education to give schools capacity-building information and technical assistance for identifying, adapting, and sustaining effective school-wide disciplinary practices.
PPN is a group of individuals and organizations who are dedicated to providing quality evidence-based information about what works to improve the lives of children, families, and communities.
Research on children covers the prenatal period up to age 18 and includes areas such as child health and the role of the family unit, neighborhoods, and communities in influencing child well-being. RAND's family-focused research covers additional topics such as marriage and divorce, senior care, and family finances.
A non-profit alliance of America's leading providers of quality early learning programs. Consortium members operate more than 7,500 licensed centers in every state, caring for and educating over one million children every day across the country. The Early Care and Education Consortium is an advocacy voice for child care providers as policies for child care and early learning develop and change across the country.
A national, nonprofit organization that informs, trains, and supports professionals, policymakers, and parents in their efforts to improve the lives of infants and toddlers.
State of Florida Early Childhood Standards
Inclusion & Special Education Resources
A not-for-profit charitable organization dedicated to people who rely on alternative or augmentative communication.
Provides information and support services to adults and children with disabilities using standard, assistive, and information technologies.
Free information and tutorials on using assistive technology devices.
Is focused on promoting the social emotional development and school readiness of young children birth to age 5. CSEFEL is a national resource center funded by the Office of Head Start and Child Care Bureau for disseminating research and evidence-based practices to early childhood programs across the country.
Website was created to help parents of children with special needs. Articles and resources on topics related to special education and disabilities can be viewed. The Children's Disabilities Information website has a special focus on the special needs of preemies and young adoptees.
A statewide information and referral service for families, service coordinators and other professionals who work with children and youth, birth to age 21 years who are at risk for developmental delays, or have disabilities and/or special health care needs.
Is funded by the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council to support the development of demonstration sites for program-wide adoption of the Pyramid Model. This project will provide training and technical assistance to five program-wide adoption sites that are competitively selected to launch their program-wide effort.
Has developed web-based modules on effective research-based practices to help providers who serve young children with disabilities.. Each CONNECT Module focuses on a discrete practice in a key content area (e.g., inclusion, family-professional partnerships, transition) and is organized around the 5-Step Learning CycleTM.
Assists more than one million children and adults with disabilities and their families annually through a nationwide network of more than 450 service sites. Each center provides top-quality, family-focused and innovative services tailored to meet the specific needs of the particular community it serves.
Has developed foundational information on Autism Spectrum Disorders including recommended and evidence-based practices for early identification and diagnosis, as well as for intervention and education. The National Professional Development Center is making the content of this online course available to increase knowledge about Autism Spectrum Disorders and the challenges individuals with ASD encounter. Content material for each session can be downloaded as narrative readings.
Provides responsive services to achieve successful and enduring professional development and systems change for high quality Early Childhood Education and inclusion of young children with disabilities and their families. Multimedia Training Library on this website are provided at no cost with funding from the Office of Head Start.
TATS, is a statewide project which supports programs serving prekindergarten children with disabilities by providing technical assistance and training. This support promotes high quality programs leading to positive outcomes for children and their families. Primary recipients of services are coordinators for programs serving prekindergarten (Pre-K) children with disabilities in each of Florida's 67 school districts. TATS also works with school district early childhood partners such as Head Start, community child care programs, Early Learning Coalitions which oversee Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) programs, and Early Steps.
Takes the research that shows which practices improve the social-emotional outcomes for young children with, or at risk for, delays or disabilities and creates free products and resources to help decision-makers, caregivers, and service providers apply these best practices in the work they do every day.
A web site for early childhood service providers and families of young children with disabilities. This web site offers demonstrations of and information about the effective practices of inclusive educational programs and using tools for implementing inclusive practices for children from birth through age eight.
UM-NSU CARD
A comprehensive outreach and support program serving people with autism and related disabilities.
A comprehensive outreach and support program serving people with autism and related disabilities.
Blogs/On-line Discussions
Early Childhood Family Support- A community of practice blog on supporting families of children with disabilities, Birth to Eight.
Host to eleven different blogs on subjects related to early childhood education and care.
This blog is concerned with policy issues and practices relevant to the field of early childhood studies. It is hoped that it will be of interest to students, researchers and practitioners alike.
The center hosts a series of online discussions moderated by nationally recognized early childhood experts. These online discussions are open to the public.
A non-profit organization in St. Paul, MN dedicated to making sure all kids enter kindergarten fully prepared for learning success. The blog provides tips on getting children school ready and a perspective on current early childhood news.
Provides a discussion blog and resources for Family Home Providers.
(TOUCH) Initiative is a true collaborative effort among more than 30 community organizations and coalitions that support efforts to reduce health disparities and improve the health and well-being of the residents, commuters, and workers of Broward County. Topics include active living and eating healthy.
Universities/Colleges/Technical Institutes
Completion of the Early Childhood Education Program will result in the issuance of a Florida Department of Education Early Childhood Professional Certificate (ECPC) which is accepted for the Department of Children and Families (DCF) Staff Credential
DistanceLearn.org is operated by the Florida Distance Learning Consortium to provide access to distance learning courses and degree programs for students currently enrolled in a Florida higher education institution.
Public/Private Universities and Colleges in South Florida offering degrees and courses in early childhood education
Consumer Warnings
Consumers must remain vigilant as they pursue their education. There are many quality institutions of higher education in Florida, but some may offer a better match than others. How do you know which to choose? Information, published by the Commission for Independent Education, an agency of the Florida Department of Education, is designed to help you ask the right questions, know where to find the answers, know what you are getting into, and to make the decision that is best for your future. They may also be able to confirm whether those in other states are recognized.
On this website, Prepare For My Future- Diploma Mills, Accreditation - Resources and Publications, the US government offers advice when making a decision regarding which institution of higher learning is right for you.
Gold Seal/Accreditation
Religious Exemption from Licensure, and Voluntary Pre-kindergarten accreditation requirements.
Training and Training Calendars
For over 40 years, Family Central has played a pivotal role in the lives of South Florida families by strengthening the social, emotional and economic binds that family members have to one another, as well as to their community. The Family Central's Training Academy was established to improve the status of Early Childhood teachers in a new and creative way. Trainings have been developed that offers CEU’s to successful participants. In addition, FCCPC’s, FCCPC renewals and Director Credential renewals are courses are held.
Effective January 13, 2010, Continuing Education Units (CEUs) earned to renew a Staff or Director Credential must be earned from education institutions accredited and recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or nationally affiliated state professional organizations. Quick Tips • 1 CEU = 10 contact hours CEUs must be approved by one of the following bodies: • regionally accredited college or university • organization approved by the International Association for Continuing Education & Training If you have any questions regarding this requirement, please call the Child Care Training Information Center at 1-888-352-2842. This requirement is listed in Rule as 65C-22.003(1) (d), Florida Administrative Code
Empowers you to customize your own training programs as part of a comprehensive professional growth and enhancement plan for you and your staff.
The CSC's Broward’s Training Collaborative, provides staff of organizations serving children and families within Broward County access to quality, affordable, culturally competent county wide trainings.
Child Care Services Program Office, is statutorily responsible for the administration of child care licensing and training throughout Florida. The purpose of this program is to ensure that children are well cared for in a safe, healthy, positive and educational environment by trained, qualified child care staff. On this website you will find the information on the mandatory training required of all child care personnel (40 hour training) from the Training Information Center.
Early care and education providers play a critical role in the health and wellbeing of children and are well positioned to help identify children who might need extra support in their development. To help in this important role, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention developed this free, 1-hour, continuing education course. The course offers tools and best practices for monitoring the development of children in their care and for helping them talk with parents. This is an interactive and engaging, online self-paced training course featuring video and audio elements, captivating imagery and questions to encourage application of content to real-world scenarios.
Community Health Resources
Introduction: 12 easy-to-follow lesson plans to child care providers
Breastfeeding Support - Is Your Center Breastfeeding Friendly?
Complete the child care center self-assessment to find out if your child care center qualifies. If your center meets all six standards and has a breastfeeding policy, you may qualify to receive the Florida CCFP Breastfeeding Friendly Child Care Center designation.
Breastfed babies and their moms who breastfeed them experience lasting health benefits. Providing a breastfeeding friendly atmosphere at your child care center can encourage moms to continue breastfeeding after returning to work or school.
The Child Care Food Program and two related programs, the Afterschool Nutrition Program and the Homeless Children Nutrition Program, are administered by the Bureau of Childcare Food Programs.
The Children's BMI Tool for Schools is an Excel spreadsheet intended for use by school, child care, and other professionals who want to compute Body Mass Index (BMI)-for-age for a group of up to 2000 children, for example a school class room or grade. Children's BMI Tool for Schools
The second edition of Preventing Childhood Obesity in Early Care and Education Programs is the new set of national standards describing evidence-based best practices in nutrition, physical activity and screen time for early care and education programs (adapted from Caring For Our Children, 3rd edition).
Give Your Kids the Best! Water keeps kids hydrated best. Replacing sweetened drinks, including 100% juice, with water is healthy and free.
Helpful tips for child care providers to reduce the amount of time children in your care spend in front of a screen (such as a television, computer, or mobile device). Facts on why reducing screen time can help prevent obesity in young children are included, and share them with the families of the children for whom you care. You will be instilling healthy behaviors that will influence children’s healthy choices for a lifetime.
The Institute of Medicine (IOM) report, Early Childhood Obesity Prevention Policies, recommends that child care centers: 1) promote breastfeeding, 2) provide healthy meals and snacks that meet the Dietary Guidelines, 3) serve meals family-style to be responsive to children’s hunger and fullness cues, and 4) teach children about healthy eating and physical activity.
