Programs That Support Child Care Providers

Professional Development Programs

Career Ladder
The Utah State Career Ladder is a voluntary statewide training certification program for early childhood workers. Participants receive a certificate and cash bonus for each level of training they complete. For more information you can visit the Child Care Professional Development Institute (CCPDI) website.

Training & Longevity Supplement
The Training & Longevity Supplement is an annual award and bonus available to individuals employed in licensed center and family child care programs. The purpose of this program is to improve the quality of care children receive by improving training and reducing turnover among their caregivers. This will make it possible for children to develop stable, consistent relationships with a limited number of well-trained caregivers. For more information you can visit the Child Care Professional Development Institute (CCPDI) website.

Mentor Program

If you are interested in working with professionals through a partnership program where the goal is to increase professionalism and improve the quality of child care State of Utah, contact Gina at 801-626-7662 or by email at godriscoll@weber.edu
As a protégé in the Family Child Care Mentor Circle you will find ways to

• Expand the ages in your child care program.
• Organize your learning environment to be compatible with your home and family.
• Gain a better understanding of guidance and discipline.
• Market your child care business.
• Involve infants and toddlers in you program.
• Help children who have special needs.
• Expand your knowledge of child development.
• Enjoy the knowledge that children in the state are in quality child care because of your efforts.

Grants

The TEAM grants are available to family child care providers who have completed any endorsement in the Utah State Career Ladder. For more information on this grant, contact Gina at 801-626-7662 or by email at godriscoll@weber.edu

TEAM Grant Information Letter
TEAM Grant Application
TEAM Grant Goal Sheet

To view any of the TEAM Grants that are available, click on their name below

• Block Play TEAM Grant
• Infant / Toddler TEAM Grant
• Math / Science TEAM Grant
• Outdoor TEAM Grant
• Special Needs TEAM Grant
• Literacy TEAM Grant

There are also some national programs you may wish to participate in

Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential
The CDA National Credentialing Program is a program that focuses on the skills of early care and education professionals. It is designed to provide performance-based training, assessment, and credentialing of child care staff, home visitors, and family child care providers. You can visit the CDA Council website for more information.

National Accreditation
National accreditation is available to early childhood and school age child care programs that meet high standards for best practices.
The following associations offer national accreditation:

• The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) accredits center-based early childhood programs.
• The National Child Care Association (NCCA) also accredits center-based early childhood programs.
• The National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC) accredits family child care homes.
• The National After-school Association (NAA) accredits school age child care programs.

Each national association has their own accreditation requirements and procedures. All involve a self-study of the program followed by an observation/validation visit from a national accreditation representative.