The Institute's FAQ's
Can I sign up for a course or training as an individual?
Our courses are designed to be offered to groups of 15 – 50 participants. However, we can also arrange training for smaller groups or larger groups. Although we do not offer individual instruction at this time, there may be space available in one of the courses we are offering in your area or an online course that we offer. Please call to inquire about our current course schedule.
What does each course include?
Our trainings include a variety of learning formats to address the varied needs of adult learners. These include PowerPoint presentations, reflection on current practice, handouts, small and large group activities, videos, discussions and additional resources for participants to take home and use in their work. We supply all training equipment including technical equipment, handouts, course evaluations and training certificates.
Do you offer trainings on weekends?
Yes! We will offer trainings at the time that is most convenient to your organization, including weekdays, evenings and weekends. We also offer Online Courses, which can be taken at your own convenience, right from your home or office.
Where do you hold the trainings?
We can come to your site. We also have training sites available, depending on the size of your group and where you are located.
What training do you offer for earning my CDA or NAFCC Accreditation?
We provide the required training along with mentoring and advising for the CDA and the NAFCC accreditation submission. We will support your staff through the CDA or NAFCC Accreditation process from start to finish. Most providers complete their CDA requirements in 9 months – 1 year. The NAFCC process is a 6 month + process depending on the needs of the provider. We also offer courses toward the renewal of your CDA or NAFCC Accreditation.
We would like to have a conference on a Saturday. Do you provide conference services?
We can design a complete conference for you, customized to the specific needs of your staff or organization. Several shorter trainings or workshops can be combined into an all-day event. CEUs are available as well for conferences of 5 hours or more.
What is a CEU?
The Continuing Education Unit (CEU) is a nationally recognized unit of measurement for noncredit continuing education programs. It is designed to document learning experiences that are valid in their own right but are not academic credits from a college or university. One CEU represents 10 contact hours of participation in an organized education/training experience under responsible, qualified direction and instruction. Our CEUs are awarded by the Massachusetts Association for the Education of Young Children (MassAEYC).
Do I get my CEU Certificate on the day of training?
The CEU application must be submitted after completion of the training with proper documentation. MassAEYC then issues the certificate. We will award each participate a Certificate of Training that meets Department of Early Education and Care training requirements. This is issued by The Institute for Education and Professional Development and provided to participants on the day of the training. You should receive your CEU certificate within 4 – 6 weeks after successful completion of the training.
How do your Online Courses work?
We use Blackboard Learning Systems for our online courses and hope to offer courses on our website soon. Upon registration for an online course, you will be issued a User Name and Password. This will enable you to access the course and participate in it at your own convenience. A qualified instructor will monitor your participation and receive any assignments. You will need to have a computer with internet service, and ability to read Microsoft Word, PDF, and PowerPoint formats. A minimum amount of expertise in computer use is required including: ability to receive and send email, ability to save and name documents, ability to attach documents to email, and ability to navigate the internet. Online learning is wonderful for people who have busy family lives or limited free time. Call us to inquire about our available online courses.