a

Lorem ipsum dolor amet, modus intellegebat duo dolorum graecis

Follow Us
  /    /  Education & Training

Education & Training

The Partnership for Children & Families recognizes the role that ongoing education and training plays in achieving high quality caregiving practices.

There are a plethora of opportunities available within our community and across the state of Colorado. We encourage you to contact us directly if you are seeking assistance in which opportunities to pursue. Select the Early Childhood Certificate Flow Chart below to learn more about educational paths within the field.

Child Development Associate Training

The most widely recognized credential in early childhood education (ECE) and is a key stepping stone on the path of career advancement in ECE. The Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential™ is based on a core set of competency standards, which guide early care professionals as they work toward becoming qualified teachers of young children. The Council works to ensure that the nationally-transferable CDA is a credible and valid credential, recognized by the profession as a vital part of professional development.

CDA: Receive a scholarship for a credit for prior learning for your CDA with any community college in Colorado for ECE 101, as a step to a college degree (Prior Learning Assessment required)

  • CDA Course
  • Textbook
  • Observation Hours
  • Exam

Scholarships are available to support providers through each of these parts and the costs associated with them.

Ongoing scholarships are available for the CDA. Mesa County Public Health hosts two scholarshipped CDA courses each year, Red Rocks Community College also offers a flexible scholarship on a frequent basis. Lastly, the Partnership for Children & Families has a general scholarship available for Early Childhood Care and Education trainings.

Ongoing scholarships are available for the CDA. Mesa County Public Health hosts two scholarshipped CDA courses each year, Red Rocks Community College also offers a flexible scholarship on a frequent basis. Lastly, the Partnership for Children & Families has a general scholarship available for Early Childhood Care and Education trainings.

Ongoing scholarships are available for the CDA. Mesa County Public Health hosts two scholarshipped CDA courses each year, Red Rocks Community College also offers a flexible scholarship on a frequent basis. Lastly, the Partnership for Children & Families has a general scholarship available for Early Childhood Care and Education trainings.

Additional Educational Opportunities

PCF recognizes the critical need for investment in educational opportunities for early childhood educators. There are countless ways to further your career in early childhood education when equipped with the right tools. Below are a few of the many opportunities available for strengthening your knowledge of early childhood care and education.

Expanding Quality in Infant and Toddler Care

The Expanding Quality in Infant Toddler Care (EQIT) 48-hour course of training is designed for individuals like you who currently work with or plan to work with infants and toddlers and are interested in improving your knowledge and skills. It is particularly appropriate for child care providers who are looking for an in-depth, hands-on course focused on work with infants and toddlers in group care and who may not have taken many early education college courses. Participants in the EQIT Course learn about the importance of brain development in the first 3 years of life, social/emotional, cognitive, and physical development, and working with families as well as effective strategies for curriculum and discipline through 16 3-hour modules. These modules include: The Wonder of Infancy, Care of the Spirit, Responsive Caregiving for Healthy Relationships, Our Partners, The Families, Cornerstones of Quality Care: Health, Safety, and Nutrition (two modules), The Power of Places and Spaces, Day to Day the Relationship Way: Curriculum for Infants and Toddlers, Exploring Early Learning, Nurturing Language and Discovering Literacy (two modules), Babies in Motion, Understanding and Respecting the Gifts of Culture, Welcoming Children with Special Needs, Making a Difference with Relationship Based Care, and Celebrating Our Profession.

Seeking feedback for Spring 2021 EQIT Course here!

Pyramid Plus

The Pyramid Plus Approach works to embed inclusion practices along the entire developmental continuum (Birth – 5 years) within the Pyramid Model framework. This approach builds on the work of the Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning (CSEFEL), the Technical Assistance Center on Social Emotional Interventions (TACSEI), and the SpecialQuest Approach and materials. While this course is not currently offered in Mesa County, please contact PCF if you are interested and we can connect you with the nearest opportunity.

CPR & First Aid

Many CPR and First Aid options are available in the Grand Valley. Mesa County Public Health offers two free CPR & First  Aid training options each year.

PDIS (Professional Development Information System)

The Colorado Shines Professional Development Information System (PDIS) is a one-stop online resource for training related to early care and learning. PDIS offers a broad array of e-learning courses addressing all aspects of child development, health and safety, and quality instruction. PDIS is designed to support a variety of early childhood professionals at all levels of experience and education.

Benefits of Using PDIS:

  • Completely free and available online 24/7
  • Self-paced, self-directed learning environment
  • High-quality courses created by a local instructional design team
  • Opportunity to earn professional credentials for career advancement
  • Customized learning based on current skills and professional goals
  • Permanent account to maintain and document your professional qualifications and training

Explore this section to learn more about PDIS. Whether you are seeking child care licensure, quality rating and improvement, or general skill-building, PDIS is a great tool.

Higher Education

PCF recognizes the critical need for investment in educational opportunities for early childhood educators. There are countless ways to further your career in early childhood education when equipped with the right tools. Below are a few of the many opportunities available for strengthening your knowledge of early childhood care and education.

Colorado Christian University

CCU currently offers a BA in early childhood education with licensure and a BA without licensure.

See here for more details.

Colorado Northwestern Community College

CNCC offers virtual and in-person options that are suitable for individuals who work during the day.

See here for more details.

WCCC

WCCC offers several options for those interested in ECE, including technical certificates, Associate of Applied Science in ECE, and Associate of Arts in ECE.

See here for more details.