Child Development Main Page Local Planning Council Resources

Professional Services - Child Development Professional Services Program

Providing Professional Opportunities for Excellence
We model the value of learning when we seek opportunities to learn

When early care and education professionals participate in professional opportunities for growth and education they are better prepared to care for and teach children.  Research has shown that these professionals are happier in their profession and place of employment, earn higher wages, and the children in their care score higher on developmental scales.  Professional Services seeks to support these professionals in a variety of ways in their quest and acquisition of specialized education and skills.

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CAL-NET

 

CAL-NET provides professional information, resources, and supports to early childhood educators in the development of important competencies related to school-readiness focused on early literacy.  Specific services include college tuition and book reimbursement, online college early literacy coursework, coaching and implementing a "model classroom" and other related field professional services. 
See brochure for eligibility information.

 

Materials and programs are provided by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education, No Child Left Behind Act, in conjunction with Tehama County Department of Education, Early Childhood Education Professional Development Project CAL-NET, serving the nine northern California counties in Region 2.  It is implemented locally through Butte County Office of Education, Child Development Programs & Services.

CAL-NET Surveys

CAL-NET Self-Administered Survey for ECE Personnel (pdf)
CAL-NET Technology Survey (pdf)

E-Circle Online College Coursework

Is it possible to add professional development into a busy life?  The E-Circle online project couples coursework with technology so that educational opportunities are available to even the busiest professional.

Two courses, Developing Children's Cognitive Readiness in Literacy:  Part 1 and 2, will provide six University of the Pacific extension units.  The two courses focus on specific research-based early literacy topics including classroom management, phonological awareness, building vocabulary,
read-alouds, letter knowledge, setting the state for children's talk, and written expression. 

Additionally, each course includes participation in an online comprehensive teacher portfolio system, "Clipboard."  Each course is facilitated online over 12 weeks with some computer lab time required.  Courses are free to those that qualify.

CARES: Comprehensive Approaches to Reinforcing Educational Standards

CARES provides professional development supports to early care providers, as well as financial incentives for obtaining coursework, remaining in the same place of employment, and acquiring specialized skills.  The purpose of the program is to better the expertise of providers while improving retention and compensation in the field.  By doing so, providers are supported in their chosen profession and children receive superior care and education.

CARES builds upon the understanding and accomplishments of Project REWARD (see below).  It is administered by Valley Oak Children's Services with program support from BCOE's Professional Services staff.

CARES Information

CARES Application (word)
CARES Application (pdf)
W-9 Form (required with application)

Retaining Experienced Workers and Reinforcing Development (Project REWARD)

Project REWARD was completed in 2005, and supported experienced and educated child care providers to remain in their current employment and continue their development as professionals.  Project REWARD has been a partnership with Valley Oak Children's Services, Butte County Children and Families Commission, and BCOE's Professional Services.

REWARD Reports

REWARD Final Evaluation Report - Full Text (pdf)
REWARD Final Evaluation Report - Executive Summary (pdf)

Professional Supports

Additional professional supports are offered through a resource lending library, higher education partnership facilitation, child development permit advisor, peer coaching and mentoring, and links to other professional development in Butte County and throughout the state.

Resources

Educational Links

Butte College
Yuba College
CA State University Chico

Professional Development Links

CA Department of Education
Child Development Training Consortium
Center for the Child Care Workforce (CCW)
Butte County Children & Families Commission
CA Association for the Education of Young Children
Butte County Local Child Care Planning Council

For More Information

Contact:
TBD - Manager, Child Development Programs & Services
Butte County Office of Education
1870 Bird Street, Oroville, CA 95965
Phone: (530) 532-5635
Fax:     (530) 532-5698
Email:

Heather Senske - Administrator
Butte County Office of Education
1870 Bird Street, Oroville, CA, 95965
Phone: (530) 532-5763
Fax:     (530) 532-5698
Email: hsenske@bcoe.org