Investing in early childhood professional development is one of the most effective ways to improve the quality of your program. When you support your teachers' career growth, you create a more skilled, engaged team and foster better learning outcomes for children.
But what does effective professional development look like, and how can you implement it at your childcare program? This guide offers practical ways to build a qualified team by supporting your teachers’ growth.
Childcare and Preschool Staff Evaluation Forms
Use this template to assess and support professional development for your childcare staff.
What is early childhood professional development?
Early childhood professional development includes any form of continuing education that helps childcare professionals improve their skills. This can range from formal workshops, courses, and conferences to informal learning through research and peer collaboration.
This training helps teachers master key competencies essential for the classroom, including:
- Classroom and behavior management
- Curriculum and lesson planning
- Communication with families and colleagues
- Child safety and health procedures
- Leadership and conflict resolution
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Why is professional development important for early childhood educators?
A strong professional development plan does more than just meet training requirements. It directly contributes to the success of your program.
Introduces the latest education trends
The field of early education is always evolving. Professional development keeps your teachers informed about new curriculum frameworks, the role of technology, and updated best practices, allowing them to bring the most relevant techniques into their classrooms.
Promotes collaboration with peers
Workshops and training sessions provide a platform for teachers to connect and learn from one another. This peer-to-peer learning is an excellent way for educators to share practical strategies, gain fresh perspectives, and feel rejuvenated.
Helps teachers acquire new skills
Targeted training equips your staff with critical skills that lead to a more effective and nurturing learning environment. Educators working toward credentials like the Child Development Associate (CDA) gain expertise in fostering children's social-emotional, physical, and cognitive growth.
Increases staff engagement and retention
Investing in your teachers' growth shows that you value them and are committed to their careers. This creates a positive work culture, boosts employee engagement, and improves retention. Ongoing learning helps staff feel more connected to their work and understand how their success contributes to your program's goals.
With a tool like brightwheel, you can support educators in and out of the classroom with curriculum, lesson plans, and observations. Record your staff's contact and health information and training hours and certifications with staff profiles, and give them an easy tool to communicate with families.
Common challenges in professional development
While the importance of professional development is clear, educators and program leaders often face practical barriers.
- Time constraints: Consider offering flexible training formats, such as online courses or recorded webinars, that allow teachers to learn at their own pace.
- Limited budgets: Look for free or low-cost training options through professional organizations or local community colleges. Partner with other nearby programs to share resources or bring in guest speakers to help maximize available funds.
- Challenges accessing quality resources: Create a shared library of professional materials. Encourage participation in local early childhood education networks.
Finding creative solutions to these challenges ensures your staff has ongoing opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive in their roles.
5 ways to support early childhood professional development
As a childcare program director or owner, there are many meaningful ways to support your employees' professional growth. Simple things like offering plenty of training, taking time to understand your teachers' goals, and establishing a mentorship program can all help your employees grow in their careers.
1. Provide financial support for continuing education
Continuing education is essential for staying up-to-date with the latest research and best practices in early childhood education. Offer financial support for staff to attend workshops, conferences, or pursue advanced degrees in the field. You might choose to:
- Cover the full cost of training or a percentage of it each year.
- Establish a professional development fund for reimbursement.
- Partner with local colleges to offer discounted courses.
2. Host in-house training sessions
Organize in-house training sessions such as a professional development day tailored to the specific needs of your staff. These sessions can focus on topics such as curriculum development, behavior management strategies, or implementing technology in the classroom. Designate specific teacher in-service days for focused professional development.
- For CDA/CEU hours: Consider CDA Gold Standard training programs. Many, like the Childcare Education Institute (CCEI), offer program-wide subscriptions.
- Free resources: Use free webinars from organizations like the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and brightwheel to expand your staff’s skills.
3. Help teachers set individualized professional goals
Understanding each teacher’s career goals is crucial. Work with them to turn their aspirations into specific, achievable steps.
- Check-in regularly: Use staff evaluations to discuss progress on professional goals, not just performance.
- Create opportunities: If an assistant wants to become a lead teacher, set up shadowing days. If a teacher wants to build transferable skills, help them find ways to practice communication or organization.
4. Foster a collaborative learning environment
Promote a culture of collaboration and continuous learning. Encourage staff to share their expertise through regular staff meetings or professional learning communities. Create opportunities for peer observation and feedback to facilitate ongoing growth. For example, host monthly meetings where teachers can identify their strengths and share their knowledge with colleagues.
5. Establish a mentoring program
Your staff can serve as amazing resources for each other. A mentoring program allows teachers to learn from each other's strengths, connect, and build a strong, collaborative team culture.
To start, have each staff member do a simple self-assessment of their strengths and areas for growth. Then, you can pair them with someone who is skilled in an area they’d like to improve. Encourage mentors to observe one another, check in often, and offer constructive feedback.
Earning professional certifications
Certifications are an important way for early childhood educators to demonstrate their expertise, deepen their knowledge, and advance in their careers. Programs and families both benefit when educators hold respected credentials, as these often indicate a commitment to best practices and ongoing learning.
Key certifications to consider
- Child Development Associate (CDA) credential: The CDA is one of the most widely recognized credentials in early childhood education. It requires a combination of coursework, practical experience, a professional portfolio, observation, and a final assessment. Earning a CDA helps educators develop skills in nurturing children’s physical, social, emotional, and cognitive growth.
- State teaching certifications and endorsements: Many states offer additional certifications for early childhood educators, including Pre-K or Infant/Toddler endorsements. These typically require completion of approved courses and passing standardized exams.
- Specialty certificates: Examples include certifications in special education, infant mental health, or trauma-informed care. These can be earned through universities, professional organizations, or accredited training providers.
Trends in early childhood education
Early childhood education is evolving to meet the diverse needs of children and families. Several emerging trends are shaping the field, including trauma-informed care, inclusive education practices, and the integration of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) in early childhood settings.
- Trauma-informed care recognizes the impact that stress and adversity can have on a child’s development and well-being. Educators trained in this approach learn how to create supportive environments where children feel safe, valued, and understood.
- Inclusive education practices aim to ensure that children of all abilities and backgrounds have access to high-quality learning experiences. This means embracing differentiated instruction, adapting environments, and fostering a community where every child can thrive.
- The integration of STEAM in early learning provides opportunities for children to explore, experiment, and build foundational skills in problem-solving and critical thinking. Engaging with STEAM concepts from a young age encourages curiosity and supports future academic success.
Professional development is essential for staying current with these trends. By participating in ongoing training, educators gain the knowledge and skills they need to implement best practices and respond to the changing needs of their classrooms. This commitment keeps programs dynamic and ensures children benefit from the latest advancements in early education.
How professional development benefits families
When teachers engage in ongoing professional growth, families notice the impact. Staff who receive training in communication and collaboration connect more effectively with families, keeping parents informed and involved in their child’s learning. Professional development also gives educators tools to create more engaging, age-appropriate activities that support children’s curiosity and growth.
Over time, these improvements foster a deeper sense of trust between families and your program. Parents feel confident that their children are in a nurturing environment with committed, skilled educators. This foundation of trust encourages long-lasting relationships and helps families become active partners in their child’s early education.
Bottom line
Early childhood professional development is vital for all childcare professionals. Continuous education improves teacher skills and prepares them for classroom success.
Investing in an early childhood professional development plan is a significant but critical step for your program's success, fostering collaboration, learning, and engagement. Highly skilled and qualified teachers directly benefit the children in your program, leading to better learning outcomes.
