Child Daycare Training

Working with kids requires training.

Caring for children is an important responsibility. As such, child care providers--whether they work in a daycare or run a small daycare facility at their home--must undergo training to work with children. Each state has its own licensing requirements for child care providers, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. These training requirements ensure that children are safe when they're away from their parents.

Purpose

Training daycare providers is a necessary step of the daycare's licensing process. The state of Florida mandates training for daycare employees and explains that "the goal of the training program is to provide child care personnel with the tools necessary to ensure quality care in our child care programs." The state of Maryland reiterates this focus, explaining that training improves the "quality of care." A daycare earns its state license once its employees receive training, showing parents that they are leaving their children in capable hands.

Training for Daycare Directors

States hold daycare directors to the highest training standards since they are responsible for overseeing the facility. For example, Florida daycare directors must apply for a director credential and take 40 hours of introductory child care training. In addition, directors must take five hours of early literacy and language development training within their first year of employment and must participate in 10 hours of annual in-service training as well.

Training for Daycare Employees

Although daycare employees do not have to earn a director credential, they also must take part in extensive training. Florida expects its daycare employees to participate in 40 hours of introductory training, five hours of continuing education and 10 hours of annual training.

Ways to Receive Training

Daycare providers can receive training through their post-secondary education or face-to-face or online training courses. The Virginia Department of Social Services recommends daycare employees receive training through accredited four-year colleges, accredited community colleges or conference workshops. Likewise, the state of Florida guides its daycare providers to obtain bachelor's or graduate degrees in fields like early childhood education, preschool education or special education. In addition, Virginia daycare providers can take advantage of training sessions hosted by the state's Division of Child Care and Development. Some web-based courses are also available.

Training Courses

Each state offers a comprehensive list of required child care courses from which daycare providers can choose. Maryland offers a range of courses, including learning activities and materials, developing family partnerships and health, safety and nutrition. Florida's courses include behavioral observation and screening, child care facility rules and regulations and child growth and development.

References

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Child Care Workers
• Florida Department of Children and Families: Child Care Training Overview
• Maryland State Department of Education: Child Care Training Approval
• Florida Department of Children and Families: Child Care Information
• Virginia Department of Social Services: Criteria for Provider Training