ChildCareEd Courses for Pennsylvania Child Care Providers - post

If you're working in #early-childhood-education in Pennsylvania, or planning to do so, staying up to date on required training and building your professional knowledge is key. ChildCareEd is a PQAS-approved training organization (PQAS = Pennsylvania Quality Assurance System) so its courses are officially recognized by The Pennsylvania Key and OCDEL (Office of Child Development and Early Learning). 

ChildCareEd offers a wide variety of online, self-paced courses to help Pennsylvania child care professionals meet annual training mandates, strengthen their practice, and achieve credentials like the CDA (Child Development Associate). 

---

Why ChildCareEd Is Valuable for Pennsylvania Providers

Here are some of the main reasons Pennsylvania providers can benefit from using ChildCareEd:

• State-approved training: ChildCareEd is recognized by The Pennsylvania Key as an approved provider (#58015).

• Flexible format: Courses are online and self-paced, so you can complete them while working, raising a family, or managing a busy schedule. 

• Automatic credit reporting: When you add your PA Key PD Registry ID to your ChildCareEd account, completed courses are uploaded directly to your professional #development record in the Registry. 

• Wide course selection: Over 200 courses cover key topics such as #health & #safety, child development, curriculum, supervision, nutrition, family #engagement, and more. 

• Support for CDA credentials: ChildCareEd offers full CDA training (including portfolio review) in multiple settings — important for providers who want to level up their professional credentials. 

---

Types of ChildCareEd Courses Offered in Pennsylvania

Here are major categories of ChildCareEd courses designed for Pennsylvania providers:

1. Annual Training (12-Hour Requirement)

Pennsylvania requires all child care facility #staff to complete 12 clock hours of training each year. ChildCareEd’s course catalog is designed to meet this requirement, offering bundles and individual classes that cover:

• Health & Safety

• Child Development

• Supervision & Guidance

• Nutrition

• Curriculum & Learning

• Professionalism

• Family Engagement

By choosing relevant courses, staff members — #teachers, aides, directors, administrators — can fulfill their annual training hours.

2. CDA Credential Training

ChildCareEd supports providers pursuing the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. Their CDA offerings include:

• Birth-to-Five CDA Credential with Portfolio Review

• Infant/Toddler CDA

• Preschool CDA

• Family Child Care CDA

• Home Visitor CDA (Birth–5)

• CDA renewal for Infant/Toddler, Preschool, or Family Child Care

These credential courses are particularly helpful for Pennsylvania providers looking to advance their #careers, increase their professional standing, or move into #leadership roles. 

3. Leadership & Administrative Training

For directors, administrators, or experienced staff who want to grow, ChildCareEd offers leadership-focused bundles. These trainings help sharpen skills in administration, compliance, team management, and quality improvement.

---

Important Notes on Pennsylvania Licensing and Training Requirements

While ChildCareEd provides many approved courses, there are some state-specific requirements that you should be aware of:

• Pre-Service Health & Safety Training: Pennsylvania requires a 6-hour pre-service #health-and-safety training (Part 1 and Part 2) that is approved directly by OCDEL / The Pennsylvania Key. ChildCareEd courses do not count toward this mandatory 6-hour module.

• DHS Orientation: To open a child care center, group child care #home, or family child care home, you must complete the DHS Orientation training. This consists of an online module plus an in-person session, provided by a regional OCDEL office.

• Professional Development Registry: You must register with the PA Key PD Registry (if you haven’t already) and provide that Registry ID to ChildCareEd so your completed training hours are recorded.

• Annual Training: As noted, licensed child care staff and family child care providers must complete at least 1 #2-hours of training every year. 

---

How to Use ChildCareEd Effectively in Pennsylvania

To maximize the benefit of ChildCareEd courses, follow these steps:

1. Create / Update Your ChildCareEd Account

   • Sign up on ChildCareEd.com, or log in if you already have an account.

   • Add your Pennsylvania Key PD Registry ID to your profile so your course completions can be credited appropriately. 

2. Choose Courses Based on Your Role

   • If you need to meet your 12-hour annual training requirement, browse ChildCareEd’s course bundles or select individual classes in the areas required by state licensing.

   • If you're working toward a CDA credential, enroll in the full CDA training (plus portfolio review) that fits your role (infant/ #toddler, #preschool, etc.).

   • If you're a director, administrator, or supervisor, explore leadership or compliance classes designed for your position.

3. Complete Training and Track Progress

   • Work through the self-paced online courses, completing modules, quizzes, and any required assignments.

   • After finishing a course, ChildCareEd uploads your completion to the PA Key PD Registry (usually within 5 business days). 

   • Use your PD Registry record to verify that you are meeting annual training or staff qualification standards.

4. Renew / Advance Your Credentials

   • If you hold a CDA, use ChildCareEd’s renewal courses when your credential comes up for renewal.

   • Combine the training with other career goals (for example, pursuing more leadership coursework, or preparing for a statewide credential.)

---

Helpful ChildCareEd Resources for Pennsylvania Providers

Here are some specific links you may find very useful:

• Training Course: One example of a training offered is the Child Care Administration. (You can browse more on their Pennsylvania course page.) 

• Provider Resource / Registry Information: The ChildCareEd page on state-approved training for Pennsylvania helps you understand how their courses feed into the PA Key PD Registry.

• Informational Article: Check out the ChildCareEd article “🌟Teaching Tiny Learners: How to Become a Pennsylvania Early Childhood Educator🌟” – it explains training, career paths, and how quality courses can support your work. 

---

Why Investing in ChildCareEd Courses Helps Your Career in Pennsylvania

• Compliance: Ensures you meet Pennsylvania’s annual training and licensing rules.

• Professional Growth: Helps you deepen your understanding of child development, curriculum, health & safety, and leadership.

• Career Mobility: Completing CDA or leadership coursework can position you for roles like lead teacher, master teacher, or director.

• Convenience: Self-paced, online format makes it easier to complete training without compromising your work schedule.

• Recognition: Because ChildCareEd is PQAS-approved, your training is officially accepted for Keystone STARS professional development and other credentialing processes.

---

Getting Started: Next Steps

If you’re ready to begin or continue your training journey with ChildCareEd in Pennsylvania:

1. Go to ChildCareEd.com and sign in or register.

2. Add your PA Key PD Registry ID to your account.

3. Explore their Pennsylvania course catalog, especially the 12-hour annual training bundles and CDA credential options.

4. Enroll in the courses that match your role and professional goals.

5. Complete the courses, and let ChildCareEd upload your hours to your PD Registry.

6. Use your certificates and registry records to document compliance or support advancement.

---

Staying certified, educated, and well-trained is vital to offering high-quality child care — and ChildCareEd makes it accessible for Pennsylvania providers. Whether you’re just starting, renewing annual hours, or working toward a credential like CDA, their state-approved courses can support your #growth.

Stay inspired, keep learning, and continue making a difference for children and families.
Follow ChildCareEd on Instagram