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Types of Training Available
There are essentially two (2) categories of training that will be accepted as meeting the regulatory requirements: live stand-up training and online training.
Live Stand-Up Training
Classroom Training
These are trainings that you attend in front of a live person who gives you credit for participating in the training once you have completed it. Classroom training can take several forms, including but not limited to: in-service trainings by an ASPIRE credentialed trainer or those who meet the standard set forth in policy, workshops held at conferences, and college and university courses.
If the training is conducted by a non-ASPIRE approved trainer, training credit will be counted, but will NOT be eligible for Educational Incentive Program, EIP.
Conferences and Workshops
Examples of organizations that host annual conferences include, but are not limited to:
- National Association for the Education of Young Children
- New York State Association for the Education of Young Children
- Family Child Care Association of New York State, Inc.
College/University Courses
The Early Childhood.org website contains a page where child day care programs can find out information on degree programs related to early care and education available at colleges and universities in New York State.
In-service Training
For convenience, trainers are sometimes brought into child care programs to train staff on a specific topic(s).
If conducted by an approved ASPIRE trainer, training credit will be counted and could be eligible for Educational Incentive Program (EIP). If the training is conducted by a non-ASPIRE approved trainer, training credit will be counted, but will NOT be eligible for EIP.
Online Training
Distance Learning
Watch this video to learn how you can tell if distance learning trainings can be used to meet OCFS training requirements.
Distance learning is one way to obtain training. The New York State Office of Children and Family Services issued a policy on how distance learning courses can be used to satisfy OCFS training requirements. Distance learning courses that are non-credit bearing and approved by OCFS may be used to satisfy OCFS childcare provider training requirements. There may be a fee for these courses. However, approved courses may quality for Educational Incentive Program (EIP) funding.
Go to OCFS approved distance learning courses to choose courses that are right for you. Additional distance learning courses and organizations will be added to the site as determinations are made.
The Early Childhood Education and Training Program (ECETP) e-Learning Courses
OCFS funds the ECETP catalog of online trainings. The courses are available to all child day care programs in New York State at no cost to them. They are available online seven (7) days a week, 24 hours a day, and offer a 30-day window of completion.
Where can I take training?
You have many options for finding training. You can find educational activities and meet your training requirements through:
- Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies
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Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies provide the bridge between parents, providers, community leaders and policymakers through direct services and planning expertise. They provide information to new and prospective child day care providers about many aspects of program start up and maintenance, such as program design, referrals, insurance, budgeting, record keeping, zoning and the Child and Adult Care Food Program.
- Colleges and Universities
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The Early Childhood.org website contains information where providers can learn about degree programs related to early care and education available at colleges and universities in New York State.
- Distance Learning and Online Programs
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Distance learning and online programs are an alternative way to obtain training. Non-credit bearing distance learning courses need to be reviewed and approved by OCFS before they can be taken to satisfy OCFS requirements.
- In-Service Training
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- In-service training in your child care program, when conducted as per Office policy.
- Local Conferences and Workshops
- The Professional Development Program
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The Professional Development Program (PDP) is the entry point for many OCFS-funded training opportunities. It's home to the:
- The Early Care & Learning Council (ECLC)
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The Early Care & Learning Council (ECLC) offers Early Care Management Training, New Director's Institute and other Center Director workshops for child care center and school-age program directors. For more information, visit: www.earlycareandlearning.org/programs---services.html
- Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs)
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- Small business development centers (SBDCs) provide a vast array of technical assistance to small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs.
- Statewide and National Associations
Mandated Reporter Training
WHO is considered a Mandated Reporter?
New York State law recognizes certain professionals, such as child day care workers, as holding the important role of Mandated Reporter of child abuse or maltreatment. These professionals can be held liable by both the civil and criminal legal systems for intentionally failing to make a report of suspected abuse or maltreatment. Visit the Child Protective Services Frequently Asked Questions Page for a full listing of professionals who are considered Mandated Reporters.
WHAT are my responsibilities as a Mandated Reporter?
All child day care workers are Mandated Reporters. As a Mandated Reporter you are required by law to report suspected child abuse or maltreatment to the New York Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment (SCR) immediately. Reports can be made at any time of the day and on any day of the week, by telephone at 1-800-342-3720. Click here for more information about making a call to the SCR. If you are a Mandated Reporter you can use the Mandated Reporter-specific line: (800) 635-1522
WHERE can I get Mandated Reporter training?
- A no-cost, OCFS-approved Mandated Reporter training is available online.
- Check with local Social Service districts to find out about any trainings they may also provide to Mandated Reporters.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and First Aid Training
WHAT are Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and First Aid?
First Aid is help given to a sick or injured person until full medical treatment is available. By knowing what to do, and what not to do, in a variety of situations you can help keep a person's injuries from becoming worse.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is an emergency procedure for manually preserving brain function until further measures can be provided to restore spontaneous blood circulation and breathing in a person who is in cardiac arrest. By being prepared to perform CPR, and performing it in a timely fashion, you can save a life.
WHO is required to take CPR and First Aid Training?
All child day care programs must have at least one (1) staff person, who holds a valid certificate in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and First Aid, on the premises of the child care program during the program's operating hours.
CPR and First Aid certificates must be appropriate to the ages of the children in care.
The staff person(s) who holds the valid certification in CPR and First Aid must have their certification on file and available for review during their working hours at the program.
A limited number of training slots in CPR and First Aid are available at no cost to child day care staff and caregivers.
WHERE can I get First Aid and CPR Training?
The OCFS contract with the National Safety Council to provide First Aid/CPR training opportunities to child day care employees is ending December 31, 2015. Despite the fact that OCFS is no longer contracting with this organization, the National Safety Council training in First Aid and CPR will continue to be accepted as meeting the regulatory requirement.
As of January 1, 2016, OCFS will no longer provide training slots for First Aid/CPR through a contracted training vendor. Employees and caregivers seeking to take CPR and First Aid training must arrange for certification classes on their own. Educational Incentive Program (EIP) funding will continue to be available for those who are eligible and choose training organizations in the ASPIRE registry.
There are other qualified agencies that offer CPR and First Aid training. Check for resources in your community.