Course Catalog
​
Descriptions
All speaking engagements contain copyrighted material and may not be reproduced or distributed without the express written permission of Penn Consulting. Audio and/or video rights are negotiable. I look forward to working with your organization to enhance the quality of programs for Georgia's children. Schedule your on site training for a group of ten or more staff members today and receive a discount. Download the registration form below! The registration must be submitted 30 business days in advance in order to reserve the date for your program. Mileage is $.535/diem for non-ACSI member schools outside a 50 mile radius.
Child Development Associate (CDA)
Online or Face-to-Face
A Child Development Associate credential is a nationally recognized designation awarded by the Council for Professional Recognition in Washington, D.C.
The Child Development Associates (CDA) Program prepares students for work in the early childhood care and education field. Courses are offered fully online and in a classroom format. Participants must be working with young children regularly either in a paid or volunteer position to fulfill their coursework requirements.
Step 1: Register for and complete the 120 hours of early childhood education training, covering the growth and development of children birth to 5 years.
The online version is designed to be completed in 12 weeks. The material is available 24/7 and the course is self-paced. You may begin the class immediately and have up to one year to complete the class. The non-refundable registration fee is $199.00/person for the online class. [Promotional rate-For a limited time.] The textbook list and directions for access to the online course are issued once payment is received in full. Registration is transferable and may be transferred to a later class date once in a one year period. The classroom face-to-face fall sessions is offered in Snellville and Vidalia, GA.
Step 2: Obtain supplies and order the required textbooks online at http://store.cdacouncil.org/
The following materials are needed for class. From a office supply store:
2-2" Presentation Binders (1-notebook for course notes/materials and handouts & the other for the professional resource profile which will be inspected during the Verification visit) 3 ring hole puncher Thirty clear plastic page protectors Eight dividers with tabs Twenty-five self-stick plain white address labels (1" x 3") or Avery sheet of 30 labels
REQUIRED TEXT:
Essentials for Working with Young Children
http://store.cdacouncil.org/essentials3.aspx Preschool Competency Standards book
http://store.cdacouncil.org/center-basedpreschoolapplicationpacketages3-5-1.aspx * or
Infant-Toddler Competency Standards book
http://store.cdacouncil.org/center-basedinfanttoddlerapplicationpacketagesbirth-36months-1.aspx
You do not need the Essentials workbook, just the Essentials textbook.
NOTE: You need the Essentials textbook and a copy of the competency standards book for your age group (infant/toddler or preschool) http://store.cdacouncil.org/cdaapplicationpackets.aspx.
They recently published a new edition of the Essentials textbook: http://store.cdacouncil.org/Essentials.aspx. The newer version added more information on stages of development and technology.
Step 3: Field Experience: Classroom observations and student teaching practicum are required each week. Your employer will be required to provide feedback and assistance as you work toward preparing for the CDA Assessment. Students enrolled in this course must be eligible for field experiences as determined by the BFTS and Georgia Department of Human Resources, Child Protective Services. State laws require a satisfactory criminal background check.
Step 4: Apply for Direct Assessment by the CDA Council: Mail a completed application to the Council for Professional Recognition with the (1) $425 assessment fee, (2) training verification, and (3) original trainer signature. The Council accepts applications on a rolling basis year round. Georgia provides financial assistance for individuals to obtain a CDA Credential through the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) and T.E.A.C.H. Scholarship Program. See www.decalscholars.com
Step 5: CDA Council Representative Visit: The Council Representative will contact you to arrange a date and place for the visit within 90 days. At the conclusion of the Verification Visit, the Professional Development Specialist will return the Professional Resource File to you and submit the remaining materials to the Council. Complete the CDA Exam at a Pearson Vue test site.
Step 5: Receive Your Credentialing Decision: A Council Committee will review your documentation and render a decision whether to award you the Credential. If the Credential is awarded, the official Child Development Associate Credential will be sent to you. You will be eligible to participate in the BFTS/Smart Start GA INCENTIVES Program.
Step 6: Renew Your CDA: A CDA Credential is valid for three years from the award date, after which it may be renewed for five-year periods. Child Development Associate (CDA)Training
40-Hour Director's Training
Online or Face-to-Face
Effective Planning and Administration of Programs for Young Children
Offered in partnership with
The Shepherd's Academy for Teaching Excellence.
This Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning workshop equips participants with child care program planning and administration knowledge and skills including licensing, legal issues, developmentally appropriate practices, marketing, budget, facilities management, staff development, parental/community relations, ethics, professionalism, diversity and more. The course may be completed online or face-to-face classroom. Participants must demonstrate an application of effective behaviors and practices that support proficiency in all of the Georgia School Keys of Excellence. Performance-based assignments are connected to individual professional growth goals and lead to growth in principal competencies; situational appraisal, decision analysis, analysis and utilization of data for maximizing student achievement, standards-based instruction, relationship development, leading change, effective school operations, etc. The Directors Training/Educational Leadership program rule requires that a state approved professional program offer a preparation program described in the program planning forms, catalogs, and syllabi that conforms to the Common Core Knowledge Standards listed in the preparation rule 505-3-.58. The following indicators of these standards and elements are offered to better clarify the scope of the standards and elements. All of the Core Knowledge Standards must be addressed at the knowledge level, at a minimum, in the program. All standards and elements must also be demonstrated through performance based activities.
Administrative Learning Objectives and Competencies:
Demonstrate the skills and knowledge necessary to coordinate an effective child development program. ADM-1
Demonstrate the ability to develop (business, personnel and parent/child) policies and procedures and effectively communicate them to parents, staff and community. ADM-2
Complete a feasibility study and plan for marketing their program in the community at large. ADM-3
Demonstrate knowledge of employment law in developing personnel policies, systems, and the ability to articulate the rights of the employee and the rights of the employer. ADM-4
Demonstrate knowledge of facility management regulations which meet state and national safety standards. ADM-5
Demonstrate legal knowledge regarding regulatory standards, custody issues, mandated reporting, confidentiality, labor, and anti-discrimination laws. ADM-6
Acquire public relation skills and develop community collaboration. ADM-7
Develop a financial plan including a start-up budget and three year projection, in addition to reviewing various accounting methods. ADM-8
Develop relationships with organizations which encourage professional development and a long term professional development plan. ADM-9
Program administrators who use the model provided will be structure their organizations in order to meet national health and safety standards as well as the accreditation standards of The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). Registration Information: (please download the form above or email the instructor for a form at apennconsulting@gmail.com).
Cancellations/Substitutions: Substitutions may be made up to two days prior to the session. If you cancel your registration up to five business days before the classroom workshop or prior to logging into the online version, your registration fee will be refunded less a $30 service charge. Cancellations and substitutions must be made in writing (email acceptable). Registration may be transferred to a later session date once. Registration is nonrefundable after the registration deadline (5 days prior) or logging into the online classroom.
Attendance policies: Please arrive 15 minutes before the start time of the training. Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning Attendance Policies: Participants who arrive later than the first 10 minutes of the training may not be permitted to enter and will not receive credit for the course. To allow for the best training experience for everyone, children and cell phones are not permitted. Calls may be made during scheduled breaks. Participants must be present during direct instruction periods in order to receive credit for the course, therefore you must return in a timely manner from all breaks. Participants must complete the entire 40 clock hours of training (including the 10 hours of practical applications) in order to be awarded a certificate.
Tax Deduction: The expenses incurred for ongoing professional development are tax deductible, when completed to maintain or improve professional skills. Your accountant can provide details.
If you are registering as a walk-in, you may wish to call prior to the session to confirm slot availability and to receive information regarding schedule or location changes.
Other titles
Online and Face-to-Face
Healthy and Happy Children (6 hours or 3 2-hour sessions)
Participants will gain a broad overview of the National Health and Safety Standards which promote the well being of children in educational environments (e.g. injury prevention strategies, exclusion guidelines for common childhood illnesses (i.e. asthma and allergies) and infectious diseases including MRSA and the H1N1 virus (swine flu), and guidelines for identifying risk factors and clues which indicate child maltreatment, prevention strategies and reporting procedures.
$30/pre-registered participant and $45 for walk-ins
The Way Kids Learn - Learning Styles (2 hours)
Participants discover keys to cultivating optimal development by identifying the unique learning styles of children and environmental factors which influence learning. Explore developmentally appropriate learning experiences which engage every learner.
$10/pre-registered participant and $15 for walk-ins
Reading is Fun-damental - (4 hours)
Learn fun and effective ways to implement early literacy learning experiences based upon current research and developmentally appropriate practices for children birth through grade three.
$20/pre-registered participants and $30 for walk-ins
Effective Discipline Principles and Techniques (4 hours or 2-2 hour sessions)
This workshop provides early childhood educators with principles of child development and appropriate behavioral expectations. The importance of positive teacher/child interactions, planning developmentally appropriate learning experiences, guidance techniques, and the importance of supporting the family are also addressed.
$20/pre-registered participants and $30 for walk-ins
Professionalism (21st Century Parents and Teachers) - (4 hours)
This workshop provides the early childhood educator with an understanding of the historical, philosophical, ethics and social foundations of the early childhood profession, and provides self-assessment opportunities, techniques which enhance family involvement and cultural sensitivity. Educators gain knowledge and skills to help problem solve and serve families in a professional manner.
$20/pre-registered participants and $30 for walk-ins
Administering and Planning Educational Programs for Young Children - (40 Hours) * 4 PLUs
This state credential for program directors covers the following topics: rules & regulations, legal issues, ethics, communication, child development, learning theories, strategic program planning, environmental rating scales, parent empowerment, anti-bias, professional development, accessing resources, staff selection and supervision, employment law and program/fiscal management (feasibility studies, budgeting, and funding).
Brain Based Instruction in the Developmentally Appropriate Classroom (4 hours)
A study of developmentally appropriate practices in the context of brain based teaching and learning for young children, birth through age 9. This workshop is an integrated curricular study of appropriate early childhood curriculum, materials, environments, assessments, expectations, instructional strategies, and considerations for early childhood educators. It is designed to enhance a participant's knowledge of brain research. Participants will explore ways to design brain-friendly and effective lesson plans using the latest scientific findings and discoveries. It prepares early educators by providing them with the essential elements needed to translate the biology of brain-based learning from theory into classroom practice.
$20/pre-registered participants and $30 for walk-ins
Classroom Management Strategy Toolbox - (4 hours or 2-2 hour sessions)
This workshop will explore the essential components of effective classroom management for the early childhood and elementary school-aged child (as defined by Robert Marzano). Teachers develop a menu of disciplinary interventions and strategies which include addressing personality and learning styles, developing age appropriate rules and procedures, and the importance of teacher-student relationships
$20/pre-registered participants and $30 for walk-ins
Every Child Learns Differently(6 hours or 3-2 hour sessions)
This seminar quips early educators with differentiated instruction approaches to teaching and learning for preschool and primary students. Teachers learn to provide multiple options for taking in information and making sense of ideas.
$30/pre-registered participant and $45 for walk-ins
Money, Money, Money [Basic Grant Writing for Educators] - (4 hours or 2-2 hour sessions)
This workshop for both beginners and experienced grant writers helps them to develop ideas into winning proposals, target potential funders and understand the full proposal development, submission and review process. Participants should come with an idea for a grant proposal. By the end of the workshop, they will have an outline, resources necessary to expand the outline into a full proposal, strategies for finding funding and return to their schools with the knowledge and skills to receive the funds for organizational and community growth, vitality and sustainability.
Child Development Associate (120 hours) online or face-to-face
The CDA workshop prepares students for work in the early childhood care and education field. Courses are offered fully online and in a classroom format. Participants must be working with young children regularly either in a paid or volunteer position to fulfill their coursework requirements. It covers the growth and development of children birth to 5 years of age. The course is designed to be completed in 12 weeks; however, online candidates for the CDA may complete it in less time or take longer. The course is self-paced with a one year maximum completion time.
​
We can complete a maximum of six hours of Bright From The Start training in a day. We usually complete the workshops on Saturdays (8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.) or evenings. Fee schedule: Group rates are available for 10 more pre-registered attendees. Super Saturdays require a minimum of six hours. Email the dates you are interested in to apenn@pennconsulting.org and I will confirm availability asap. The aforementioned rates are subject to change. On site workshops are typically booked a minimum of 30 business days in advance. If the program is cancelled for any reason more than thirty (30) days prior to the agreed date, it is our policy to reschedule (within the reasonable time of 12 months) for the same fee without a cancellation fee. Should we be forced to cancel a training less than thirty days before the date of the training the full speaking fee is due and payable by the date of the original program. Pre-registered attendees may transfer registration and attend another workshop of the same length with pre-approval.