What is the Early Childhood Education Professional Development Program at DVC?
The ECE Professional Development Program, with funding from First 5 Contra Costa, provides academic and financial support to ECE students who have worked with children age 0-5 in the same licensed/license exempt program for the last nine months. If you are working towards a Child Development Permit, an Associate Degree in ECE or BA transfer requirements, there are services available at DVC. First 5 Contra Costa www.firstfivecc.org also offers financial rewards and incentives to early care providers who achieve higher levels of professional development and education!
What new services are available at DVC?
Academic supports include individual advising and educational planning, Child Development Permit application assistance, "Cohort" classes in Math, ESL/English Study Groups and tutoring, textbook loans (click here for a request form), and "Lost Wages" scholarships for ECE 249/250. Applications for services are available by contacting the ECE Professional Development office.
How can I find out more about the program services?
The Professional Development Program office is located in FL 202 on the second level of the DVC Children's Center South Building. The office is open from 9-4 Monday- Thursday and Thursday evenings by appointment. Program information handouts and forms are available in display boxes outside the office door. The Program Coordinator, Sue Handy, can also be reached at 925-685-1230 ext. 2162 and by email shandy@dvc.edu
What are the First 5 financial benefits and how do I qualify?
First 5 offers a yearly bonus for completing educational and quality improvement goals, and obtaining new college degrees and Child Development Permits. PDP Benefit recipients must be employed more than 9 months in a licensed/license exempt early care and education program/family child care home, with children age 0-5, at least 15 hours weekly. Recipients must complete required participation activities each year including the planning and completion of approved educational units and a Quality Improvement project.
How do I apply for First 5 financial benefits during the 2008-2009 school year?
Application forms are available at the DVC PDP office or on the www.firstfivecc.org website. Mandatory Information workshops are held every semester. All requirements must be completed by June 30, 2009 for 2008-2009 benefits.
What other financial assistance is available to ECE students?
Students employed in any childcare program can apply for tuition reimbursement from our Child Development Training Consortium grant. Yellow application forms are distributed at the beginning of each semester in ECE classes and are available at the PDP office.
What are the requirements to obtain a California Child Development Permit?
The Child Development Permit Matrix lists the educational and experience requirements to receive all the levels of the Child Development Permit. Application details and forms are available by contacting the ECE Professional Development office.
How do I get started on the pathway to become an Early Childhood Educator?
The 2008-2009 ECE Certificate and Degree Program Student Handbook outlines all the requirements and suggested steps to accomplish your goals. They are available at the PDP office, on the ECE Department webpage, in your ECE classes or can be mailed.
