All organizations linked under this section offer training that has been accepted by Maine Licensing in fulfillment of licensing requirements.
Online webinars are getting better and better. Many provide information that works for both family child care and centers. More organizations are providing ways for providers to have access to current issues, expert knowledge and availability when it works for you. Best is it’s all almost all of it is FREE! This makes it very easy to acquire the minimum training hours that are required for licensing and/or QRIS. The wealth of topics will also meet almost any need or area of interest today’s early childhood educator has.
Early Childhood Investigations Webinars – Early Childhood Investigations regularly offers new webinars presented by many of the thought-leaders and experts in the field of early care and education exploring critical topics that offer new ideas and insights to early childhood professionals. The 1.5 hr training, whether live or viewed archived, provides a certificate accepted for licensing. You can research their vast archive of recordings of past webinars for specific topics/areas.
edWeb.net Early Learning Community – This is a unique training opportunity that many early educators are not aware of. It is different from other training sites in that it’s really about joining an active community to connect with other educators on a wide range of innovative topics from preK-secondary education. And yes, family child care providers are welcome and recognized as early childhood educators. Both live and archived training provide certificates accepted by licensing.You join whichever online communities are of interest to you. Here are just a few of the active early education communities you will find on edWeb.net at this time: Classroom Management for Early Learning / Early Childhood Learning Solutions / Early Learning Book Chats / Music in Early Learning / PreK-3 Digital Learning / Teaching Students with Autism. You will need to set-up a membership account.
Texas A&M Agrilife Extension – Online courses for child care professionals seeking to fulfill state-mandated training requirements or obtain hours toward the Child Development Associate (CDA) National Credential. You will need to create a Free Account to enroll in Child Care courses. To receive official credit for the courses, participants must pass a course exam and pay a processing fee to obtain a printable certificate.
Childcare Education Institute – ChildCare Education Institute’s coursework may be used to fulfill the training requirements required by the Council for Professional Recognition to obtain the National CDA Credential. The Maine DHHS, Division of Licensing and Regulatory Services does not have an formal approval process for CCEI training hours. Courses offered in child related subjects by CCEI may be accepted on an individual basis. For additional information regarding the acceptance of CCEI’s coursework in Maine contact the Division of Licensing and Regulatory Services at 207.287.5807.
Better Kids Care On Demand Distance Education system provides professional development online anytime you are ready to learn! Get started using On Demand with a video tutorial, review the lesson listing, and read frequently asked questions. Create an account to take any lesson for free. You only pay if you need a certificate of completion. Learn at your own pace. If you are interrupted while you are taking a lesson, you can stop and return to the lesson at a later time. Try 2 lessons for free (certificate included): Resilient Caregivers: ‘Bouncing Back’ from Stress and Safe Sleep Practices for Caregivers: reduce the Risk of SUID
Early Sprouts Institute is a collaboration between Health Science and Early Childhood Education departments of Keene State College, offering training that help early childhood educators foster enthusiasm for healthy foods and active play in young children.
AAP (American Academy Pediatrics) Healthy Child Care America -Professional development provides a foundation that can be used to provide the highest quality of care for young children and their families. The AAP PediaLink online courses provide resources that can assist you in gaining specialized skills in health and safety. Some of the course topics: SIDS, Influenza Control, Medication Administration, and Infectious Disease Control.
CDC Birth to 5: Watch me Thrive! (Recognizing Developmental Milestones) – This is a FREE online training from the Dept. of Health & Human Services Office of Early Childhood Development in a coordinated federal effort to promote healthy child development and universal developmental and behavioral screenings. Its purpose is to help caregivers understand the best practices and tools for monitoring children and provides tools to equip you for conversations with families.
You may also obtain Continuing Education Credit (CEU) upon completion of the online training.
Early Educator Central – a multi-faceted website containing tools to support the work of providers. Offered courses are little or no cost, continually updated and with new additions. The site is jointly administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care, and Office of Head Start.
CDC Autism Case Training (ACT) This free web-based course is designed to help professionals gain knowledge and skills to improve early identification of children with autism spectrum disorder and ensure timely and appropriate care. Earn CME, MOC, CNE or CEU credit.
Multihazard Planning for Childcare Emergency – Ensuring the safety of children in your care is a huge responsibility and your number one priority. Unfortunately, hazards, threats, and emergencies, often outside of your control, can and do happen. As a childcare provider, having a comprehensive plan to address potential emergency situations can aid in prevention, lessen the impact, and help you respond and act appropriately. This FREE 2 hr FEMA course will provide the knowledge and tools to analyze hazards and threats, develop a plan to address them, and implement processes to update and practice the emergency plan. It offers 0.2 CEUs.
Town Square understands that family child care is essential to providing quality care for all children. Understanding the challenges faced in balancing the needs of your home and small business, the resources on Town Square are organized so you can quickly get answers, have resources at your fingertips, and stay connected to colleagues and other professionals.
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