Training Resource Database

INTRODUCTION

The Training Resource Database is a listing of a variety of statewide organizations that provide training that is relevant to people working in early childhood and school-age care programs. The purpose of this database is to help individuals and programs identify and access training resources from a variety of sources. Many of the resources included in the directory are designed for people working in early childhood and school-age care programs and are well known to the people in the field. Others are resources that may have been developed for other audiences, but provide training that is useful to people preparing to work or are presently working in early childhood and school-age programs.

When using this resource there are several points that are important to consider:

Focus on Statewide Training Resources
Generic Description of Programs Offered
Other Criteria

In developing the database, a decision was made to focus on statewide organizations due to the difficulty and expense of obtaining information on the wide range of organizations that provide relevant training in communities across the state. Providing local information would require the capacity to constantly update information that is readily available through Child Care Resource and Referral Programs and other local organizations. However, many of the programs that are included in the database are offered in communities across the state through the local affiliates of the statewide organizations. To make it easier for users to obtain information on local offerings, we have provided the website of the state organization. By going to these websites, you can find the website addresses or other contact information of their local affiliates which will allow you to find out what training is being offered in your area.

For organizations that provide a wide range of training opportunities, the description was written in generic terms with an emphasis on describing the kinds of training programs that have been offered by the organization in the past. Again, to obtain up-to-date, accurate information on training offerings go to the website of the sponsoring organization.

The database is limited to training programs that are available to the larger early childhood and school-age care community. Training that is offered solely to people working in a specific program (e.g., Head Start) is not included. Each program description includes whether the program is intended for individuals or groups. Many providers offer routine training programs (e.g., Red Cross first aid training) that are routinely available for individuals to enroll and participate. Other providers offer training programs that are geared for groups and only provide the training when contacted by an organization that is looking for training for a group of participants (e.g., staff of an early childhood or school-age care program or programs. Many of the resources for individuals can also be organized for groups and should be considered by programs seeking to meet staff development needs.