ECE Toolkit Getting Dusty? North Dakota Says "Update Now!" - post

Imagine your skill set as an #early-childhood #educator is a toolkit. When you first started, it was shiny and new, filled with the latest gadgets. But after a few years in the field, are some of those tools getting a little rusty? Are you still using the same old methods? North Dakota's requirement for continuing education isn't just about renewing a license; it's a mandatory toolkit upgrade, ensuring every educator has the most effective, modern, and high-quality instruments to build the best possible foundation for children.

Are Your "Behavior Management" Tools from the Last Century?

Still using time-outs and sticker charts? Continuing education introduces you to the latest, brain-based approaches to positive guidance. You can take courses on concepts like co-regulation and teaching emotional literacy, which are far more effective than outdated disciplinary models. It’s like trading a rusty old hammer for a state-of-the-art power tool that actually builds skills instead of just temporarily stopping a behavior.

Is Your "Curriculum Wrench" a One-Size-Fits-All Model?

Sticking to the same themes year after year? Professional #development opens up a world of new curriculum approaches. You can dive into #emergent-curriculum, where learning is guided by the children's interests, or explore project-based learning that fosters deep investigation. Online providers like ChildCareEd offer a vast catalog of courses that can give you new frameworks for planning, helping you customize your teaching to fit the unique needs and curiosities of each group of children you serve.

Has Your "Family Communication" Phone Been Upgraded?

Still relying solely on a note in a cubby? The way we connect with families has evolved. Continuing education can introduce you to the effective use of communication apps, strategies for conducting more collaborative #parent- #teacher #conferences, and techniques for building authentic partnerships with families from diverse backgrounds. It’s about upgrading your communication tools to create a stronger, more connected network of support around every child.

So, Is This a Forced Upgrade or a Welcome One?

Do you have to drag your toolkit to the shop? While the requirement is mandatory, the benefits make it a welcome opportunity. Regularly updating your professional toolkit keeps your practice exciting and prevents #burnout. It reignites your passion by introducing new ideas and perspectives. By embracing North Dakota's call for continuing education, you’re not just staying compliant; you're ensuring your professional toolkit remains a top-of-the-line collection that helps you build amazing things in the lives of children.

Aligned with the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services childcare licensing rules, these pathways guide individuals in planning their professional #growth to enhance qualifications and seize new opportunities. Let's take a look at the requirements for each Category.

Let ChildCareEd help you meet your training requirements and goals!

ChildCareEd is an Approved Sponsor with the Growing Futures Registry. ChildCareEd approved courses can be found on the Registry. Users may purchase approved courses through the ChildCareEd website. 

References:

• www.childcareed.com

• www.nd.gov/dpi/workforce/educator-licensure

• growingfutures.org