Training and Professional Development Overview

Training and professional development, in the field of early child care, provides opportunities for learning from entry-level assistants to multi-site administrators. Through ongoing informal/ formal training, intentionally designed to enhance knowledge, skills, and abilities, staff are fully equipped to best support the needs of the children and families served.

Training and professional development will sometimes be referred to as "education and training." Education is coursework taken at a college or university. Training is usually designed to deliver a very specific body of knowledge or to teach a specific skill (such as playground safety or first aid). Training should be used as a follow-up, rather than a substitute, for education.

Professional development is the continued learning that occurs throughout an individual’s career. Professional development includes, but is not limited to: setting goals, conducting research, participating in skill-based training, attending informal/formal conferences, collaboration, career advancement and performance evaluation.