Welcome to Child Care

This ten hour course is designed to be an orientation to the world of childcare for new child care center staff, although many experienced staff enjoys it as a refresher course. Trainers usually present it in five sessions.

Session One: Becoming an Early Childhood Professional

In this final session, staff will learn about work ethics, including appearance, professionalism, confidentiality, diversity and attitude. Participants will receive resource information for classrooms, field trips and continued education. Also, a list of local and national contacts will be provided for professional development.

Session Two: Welcome to Your New Classroom

This session introduces new staff to the basic verbal and written communication tools that they will need to use in a child care setting (with children, co-workers, parents and supervisors). Classroom management techniques will be discussed, as well as information on the use of learning centers and the environment in the classroom. 

Session Three: Healthy and Safe Places for Children

In this session, staff will become familiar with state licensing regulations and how they relate to keeping the child care setting a safe and healthy place for children. Additionally, staff will receive basic information on nutrition, including family style meal service, sanitation and nutrition activity ideas.

Session Four: Reducing Risks in Child Care

A CCR&R nurse consultant will teach this session and discuss the transmission of diseases, and how to protect staff and children from transmission in the child care setting.

Session Five: Understanding and Guiding Young Children

Staff will learn about the specific developmental stages of infants through preschool-aged children. Developmentally appropriate practices will be introduced, as well as examples of activities for specific age groups. A variety of guidance techniques for use in early childhood will be discussed.

Pre-registration is required for all classes

"Welcome to Child Care" is a series. Participants are expected to attend all five classes.