The New York State Infant-Toddler Care Certificate of Completion Program

Developed by: The Infant/Toddler Coalition of New York in collaboration with The Career Development Initiative of New York State, and The State University of New York/Empire College

Funded by: The New York State Council on Children and Families-Head Start Collaboration Project, The New York State Office of Children and Family Services, and Wheelock College-The Center for Career Development

History
With increased numbers of infants and toddlers cared for in group settings, the Infant/Toddler Coalition of New York, formed in 1990, identified a staff development need. The Coalition created the Infant/Toddler Certificate of Completion in collaboration with the Career Development Initiative of New York State and the State University of New York - Empire State College. Through funding and staff support from the NYS Office of Children and Family Services, a structure and process were developed which launched the Infant-Toddler Care Certificate of Completion Program into a statewide initiative.

Vision
The Infant - Toddler Care Certificate of Completion of New York State is designed to set standards by which to measure quality infant and toddler care.

The Program

THE INFANT - TODDLER CARE CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION

Current brain development research addresses the importance of the first three years of life. Acquisition of skills and knowledge in caring for infants and toddlers will contribute to the positive development of very young children. The Certificate of Completion program is designed for those currently employed or planning a career working with infants and toddlers. The student seeking the certificate must be 18 years old, possess a high school diploma or equivalent, and meet the pre-requisites required by the institution of higher education offering the coursework.

" The Certificate of Completion is voluntary.
" The Certificate of Completion is a 12 college credit hour sequence offered at the undergraduate level.
" The sequence consists of three courses. Each course contains a practicum component.
" The coursework has been aligned with the Infant Toddler CDA .

Certificate Content & Competency Areas

The certificate program is a comprehensive, sequential, professional development program for working with infants and toddlers.

CONTENT AREA I. Infant and Toddler Development

" Introduction to Infant and Toddler Care
" Study of Theory and Practice
" Developmentally Appropriate Practices

CONTENT AREA II. Environment and Its Relationship to Learning and Development

" Overview of Quality Care
" Overview of Environment
" Play

CONTENT AREA III. Family Communication and Professional Collaboration

" Interpersonal Communication
" Building Positive Relationships
" Professionalism

The Certificate of Completion Process

The New York State Infant-Toddler Care Certificate of Completion program is comprised of a three-course sequence that includes a practicum component. The certificate recipient receives 12 undergraduate college credits. The New York State institution of higher education offering the coursework awards the Certificate of Completion.The coursework can be used to fulfill the education and competency statement requirements for the national Child Development Associate credential issued by the Council for Professional Early Childhood Recognition.

Further Information

Information about the Infant-Toddler Care Certificate of Completion may be obtained from the Career Development Initiative website www.earlychildhood.org, or by calling the Career Development Initiative office at (518) 463-8663, or email: