Resources for Training

Child Care Training Information Center

Questions about child care training? The Florida Department of Children and Families' Child Care Program Office has established the Child Care Training Information Center (CCTIC). CCTIC is operated by the Children's Forum.

CCTIC is staffed by a team of professional call center specialists who are available to answer questions about state-mandated training, educational exemptions and staff requirements in the state of Florida. Specialists are available Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST. The phone number is 888-FL-CCTIC (888-35-22842).

Staff Credential

Staff Credential: A Staff Credential is an official designation that means an individual's professional education meets or exceeds the professional criteria set by the Department of Children and Families.

A staff member with one of the qualifications listed below will be issued a CF-FSP 5206, Staff Credential Verification form.

1. National Early Childhood Certificate - Active National Child Development Associate (CDA).
2. Formal Educational Qualifications
1. B.A., B.S. or advanced degree in ONE of the following areas: Early Childhood Education/Child Development, Pre-Kindergarten or Primary Education, Preschool Education, Family and Consumer Sciences (formerly Home Economics/Child Development), Exceptional Student Education, Special Education, Mental Disabilities, Specific Learning Disabilities, Physically Impaired, Varying Exceptionalities, Emotional Disabilities, Visually Impaired, Hearing Impaired, Speech-Language Pathology or Elementary Education with certification to teach any age birth through 6th grade (certification may be inactive provided the certificate is not suspended/revoked). The Department of Education has adopted criteria and procedures for approving equivalent credentials as provided in Section 1002.55(4)(e), Florida Statutes. The approval process is outlined on the Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) website: www.myfloridaeducation.com/earlylearning, under VPK Instructor Qualifications.
2. A.S., A.A. degree or higher in Early Childhood Education/Child Development
3. Associate's degree or higher WITH at least six (6) college credit hours in early childhood education/child development AND at least 480 hours experience in a child care setting serving children ages birth through eight (8).
3. Active Birth through Five Child Care Credential (Formerly the Florida Child Development Associate Equivalency Credential (CDAE))
4. Active School-Age Child Care Credential (Formerly the Florida School-Age Certification)

A Staff Credential is obtained by submitting copies of transcripts or a program certificate to the credential unit of the Department of Children and Families. Please visit www.myflorida.com/childcare/training for application and more information on the Staff Credential.

Florida Child Care Professional Credential

The Florida Child Care Professional Credential (FCCPC) is a Department of Children and Families approved training program, recognized in the State of Florida by early childhood professionals. This program is designed to provide performance based training, assessment, and credentialing of early childhood professionals. Classes are conducted by DCF approved training providers. The competency standards of the FCCPC program are composed of 8 content areas in which the candidate will demonstrate knowledge and/or skill.

• REQUIREMENTS:
• Candidate may be required to have a high school diploma or GED
• Have 480 hours of experience working with children within the past 5 years, 80 of which must occur during the formal training
• Have 120 clock hours of formal child care education within the past 5 years
• DOCUMENTATION OF COMPETENCE:
• Early Childhood Portfolio which includes an autobiography, statements of competence, and a resource collection
• Formal observation using the program's approved observation tool

An FCCPC is valid for 5 years and must be renewed prior to the expiration date. Early childhood educators who hold a valid FCCPC qualify for the Florida Staff Credential which is needed for licensed centers to meet the credentialing ratio.

For more detailed information, visit www.myflorida.com/childcare/training

National Early Childhood Certificate

The National Early Childhood Certificate (NECC) is issued by the Council for Professional Recognition, Washington, DC and is recognized by early childhood educators nationwide. This program is designed to provide performance based training, assessment, and credentialing of early childhood professionals. The competency standards of the NECC program are composed of six goals, which describe the guidelines for practitioner behavior, and thirteen functional areas, which describe the major tasks they must complete.

• REQUIREMENTS:
• Candidates must be 18 years or older
• Hold a high school diploma or GED
• Have 480 hours of experience working with children within the past 5 years, 80 of which must occur during the formal training
• Have 120 clock hours of formal child care education within the past 5 years
• DOCUMENTATION OF COMPETENCE:
• A Professional Resource File as described in NECC booklet
• Parent Opinion Questionnaires
• NECC Assessment Observation Instrument
• Oral Interview
• Written Assessment

An NECC is valid for 3 years from the award date, after which it must be renewed every 5 years. Early childhood educators who hold a valid NECC qualify for the Florida Staff Credential which is needed for licensed centers to meet the credentialing ratio.

For more detailed information, visit www.cdacouncil.org

Early Childhood Professional Certificate

The Early Childhood Professional Certificate (ECPC) is a Department of Education approved training program, recognized in the State of Florida by early childhood professionals. Candidates must be working at a facility based preschool only. The program is designed to provide performance based training, assessment and credentialing of early childhood professionals. The competency standards of the ECPC program are composed of 8 content areas. The formal training hours MUST include the 40 hour DCF Introductory Training and the 5 hour DCF approved literacy course. Classes are conducted at DOE secondary schools and Postsecondary Adult Vocational programs.

• REQUIREMENTS:
• 480 hours working with children in a child care setting, to be completed while enrolled in the training program
• 120 clock hours of formal child care education
• DOCUMENTATION OF COMPETENCE:
• Early Childhood Portfolio which includes an autobiography, statements of competence, and a resource collection
• Formal observation using the program's observation tool

An ECPC is valid for 5 years and must be renewed prior to the expiration date. Early childhood educators who hold a valid ECPC qualify for the Florida Staff Credential which is needed for licensed centers to meet the credentialing ratio.

For more detailed information, visit www.myflorida.com/childcare/training

Director Credential Certification

Director Credential Certification Requirements

Core Requirements for all Levels:

1. High School Diploma or GED
2. The 30 hour Part I
   - FOR SCHOOL-AGE APPLICANTS ONLY: School-age training from a national organization as outlined in 65C-22.008(4)(b) may substitute for the Child Growth and Development and Behavioral Observation and Screening components of the 30 hour Part I Department of Children and Families' training.
3. A minimum of eight (8) hours of in-service training on children with disabilities or the department's Special Needs Appropriate Practices course.

Level I Requirements

Core Requirements: Must meet all core requirements listed above

Education: An "Overview of Child Care Management" course approved by the department for vocational credit, CEU's or college credit; or a Director Credential recognized by another state, subject to approval by the Florida Child Care Director Credential Program.

Experience: A minimum of one (1) year experience as an on-site child care director* in a licensed child care facility or facility that is legally exempt from licensure.

* Experience may be gained as a director, co-director, assistant director or lead teacher in a Head Start program.

Level II Requirements

Core Requirements: Must meet all core requirements listed above

Education: An "Overview of Child Care Management" course approved by the department for vocational credit, CEU's or college credit; or a Director Credential recognized by another state, subject to approval by the Florida Child Care Director Credential Program.

Experience: A minimum of one (1) year experience as an on-site child care director* in a licensed child care facility or facility that is legally exempt from licensure.

* Experience may be gained as a director, co-director, assistant director or lead teacher in a Head Start program.

Advanced Level Requirements

1. Meet all core requirements listed above
2. Meet the requirements of one (1) of the following categories:
• An associate's degree or higher; a minimum of two (2) years experience as an on-site child care director** in a licensed child care facility or facility that is legally exempt from licensure; and an "Overview of Child Care Management" course approved by the department for vocational credit, CEU's or college credit.**
• A minimum of two (2) years experience as an on-site child care director* in a licensed child care facility or facility that is legally exempt from licensure; an "Overview of Child Care Management" course approved by the department for vocational credit, CEU's or college credit; ***and at least two (2) three (3) credit courses in the following curriculum areas:
• Child Care and Education Organizational Leadership
• Child Care and Education Financial and Legal Issues
• Child Care and Education Programming
• Five (5) years experience as an administrator or director* in a licensed child care facility or facility that is legally exempt from licensure and an "Overview of Child Care Management" course approved by the department for vocational credit, CEU's or college credit. ***

* Experience may be gained from the positions of director, co-director, assistant director or lead teacher in a Head Start program.

** The "Overview of Child Care Management" requirement may be substituted by successfully passing a corresponding child care competency exam with a minimum score of 70; by completing a three (3) credit college level course in Child Care Administration, Business Administration, or Education Administration; or with a Director Credential recognized by another state, subject to approval by the Florida Child Care Director Credential Program.

*** The "Overview of Child Care Management" requirement may be substituted by successfully completing a three (3) credit college level course in Child Care administration, Business Administration, or Education Administration or with a Director Credential recognized by another state, subject to approval by the Florida Child Care Director Credential Program.

Director's Credential Course

Miami Dade Community College
EEC 2002 Operation of an Early Childhood Facility
www.mdc.edu

Nova University
EDUC 2260 or ECA270 Administration of Child Care and Education Programs
954-262-6934
813-393-4440 (on-line course)
www.nova.edu/msi

VPK Director Endorsment

Consistent with the requirements of section 1002.55(3)(f), F.S., a private prekindergarten program delivering the VPK program must have a director who has a VPK Director Endorsement, issued by DCF, that meets the requirements of Rule 6A.6.040(2), FAC.

Exempt: Successful completion of the Director Credential prior to December 31, 2006, satisfies this requirement, although individuals are strongly encouraged to acquire the VPK Endorsement. Exempt individuals are strongly encouraged to apply for the endorsement.

Resources for Education

Participating Educational Institutions

Miami-Dade Community College
Florida International University
Nova University

Miami-Dade Community College

Main Website
www.mdc.edu

School of Education
http://www.mdc.edu/iac/AcademicPrograms/education/default.asp

Locations and Contact Information:

MDC - West Campus
3800 N.W. 115 Avenue
General Information - 305-237-8918

MDC - North Campus
11380 NW 27 Avenue
General Information - 305-237-1000
Early Childhood Education Contact - Professor Phyllis Bochman 305-237-1022

MDC - Kendall Campus
11011 SW 104 Street
General Information - 305-237-2000
Early Childhood Education Contact - Professor Lucia Obregon 305-27-2453

MDC - InterAmerican Campus
627 S.W. 27 Avenue
General Information 305-237-6000
Early Childhood Education Contact - Jim Sullivan 305-237-6225

MDC Homestead Campus
500 College Terrace
General Information - 305-237-5555
Early Childhood Education Contact - Beverly Tate 305-237-5123

MDC Hialeah Campus
1776 W. 49 Street
General Information - 305-237-8700
Early Childhood Education Contact - Lisandra Colon 305-237-8863

MDC Entrepreneurial Campus
6300 N. W. 7 Avenue
General Information - 305- 273-1900

English as a Second Language Programs at Miami Dade Community College

Miami Dade Community College offers three distinct programs for Non-Native English Speakers at their six campuses. Each program has their own criteria which has been delineated below.

Vocational English Language Program

(ESOL for non-native English speakers) This program is recommended for non-native English speakers who want classes based in Reading, Conversation, Listening and Grammar.
• Program is designed so that student attends classes four to five times per week.
• Program offers seven levels/classes of English coursework
• Each level/class lasts two and a half months
• Classes or laboratories are held daily
• Attendance is Required (five times per week)
• The Placement Exam is called the CASAS (Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment System)
• These courses are free of charge.

English as a Second Language

(Community Education)(www.mdc.edu/ce/) This program is recommended for non-native English speakers who want to learn the English Language through Intensive Classes highly based in grammar, conversation, listening and speaking.
• The program offers six levels of English classes
• The duration of each level/class equals two months
• Classes are held either one, two or three times per week
• The Placement Exam is called the Childcare English as a Second Language Exam and can be scheduled by contacting the Community Education Department at the particular MDCC campus.

English for Academic Purposes Program

(www.mdc.edu) This program is recommended for Non-native English speakers who are enrolling in the Associates of Arts/ Associates of Science degree program and taking the College Placement Test.
• Program offers six levels of English courses
• Each level equals 12 credits/ 4 classes of English Classes plus 3 credits of Laboratory work
• Classes are composed of Speech, Grammar, Reading and Writing
• Coursework, if taken full-time, can be completed in two years and if taken part-time, can be completed in four years
• The Placement Exam is called the ACT- English as a Second Language

Florida International University

Main Website
www.fiu.edu
Admissions
admissions.fiu.edu/scholarships.htm
School of Education
education.fiu.edu

University Park Campus
11200 S.W. 8th Street
Miami, Florida 33199
General Information: (305) 348-2000
Office of Admissions: 305-348-2263

Biscayne Bay Campus
3000 N.E. 151st Street
North Miami, Florida 33181
General Information: (305) 919-5500

Nova University

Main Website
www.nova.edu
School of Education
schoolofed.nova.edu

Nova Southeastern University
Mailman Segal Institute for Early Childhood Studies
Jim & Jan Moran Family Center Village
3301 College Avenue
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida 33314
Phone: 954.262.6900 or 1.800.836.8326
email: family@nsu.nova.edu

Nova Southeastern University
Miami-Kendall Campus
8585 SW 124th Avenue
Miami, Florida 33183
(305) 274-1021
Fax: (305) 274-8075
Toll free: 800-541-6682
Email: nsu-miami@nsu.nova.edu

Placement Exams for College

CLAST (College Level Academic Skills Test)

All students must take the CLAST before receiving a two year associate degree. Prep fees vary from campus to campus, starting at $69.00 to $130.00.

TOEFL (Test Of English as a Foreign Language)

for advance level English student who are ready to attend an American University. Prerequisite completion of advanced Grammar, Reading or equivalent.
Course fees
42 hours $209.00
28 hours $149.00

CPT (College Placement Test)

All students entering into a Miami-Dade Community College degree program must take this exam to verify the correct level of classes the student will be admitted into.

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