This paper reports on research from a small-scale project investigating the vocational training of students in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) in England. We draw on data from interviews with 42 students and five tutors in order to explore the students' understandings of professionalism in early years. In the paper, we discuss first, the…

Research messages 2010 is a collection of summaries of research projects published by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER). The summaries are clustered under five broad themes used by NCVER to organise its research and analysis: Industry and employers; Students and individuals; Teaching and learning: VET system; and VET in…

Describes the process of developing a program to certify nannies. Includes a step-by-step guide to a new program. (JOW)

As the world economy continues to evolve, businesses and industries must adopt new practices and processes in order to survive. Quality and cost control, work teams and participatory management, and an infusion of technology are transforming the way people work and do business. Employees are now expected to read, write, and communicate…

This training guide presents information about the Child Development Associate (CDA) program, which is a nationwide experimental program that embodies a new concept for career preparation and credentials of child care staff. The information in this guide concerns the CDA concept, competencies, pilot training projects, and the CDA Consortium. The…

Investigated two main areas: (1) tasks performed by child care workers, group home houseparents, and social workers working in group child care; and (2) knowledge of specific domains (e.g. nutrition, behavioral theories) relevant to performance of those tasks. Results are considered germane to staff training programs, job descriptions, and program…

This post-high school curriculum guide was prepared to assist junior and community colleges, vocational schools, and area schools in initiating programs in child care and guidance. The guide will be helpful in planning both 1- and 2-year programs aimed at recent high school graduates and young adults. Graduates of these child care programs will be…

Social learning theory and situated learning were reflected in the discourse of British adult students in a childcare/early childhood education course. They attached considerable importance to placement experiences and had concerns about the theory-practice gap and the quality of placement support. (Contains 51 references.) (SK)

A two-year postsecondary program in New York City prepares low functioning young adults with learning disabilities for careers in human services such as day care programs and geriatric centers. Students take courses in social skills as well as academic course work and on-the-job training in child care or geriatrics. (DB)

This paper examines a comprehensive approach to training for child care practitioners and presents a framework for developing staff training. It considers each of the four elements essential to building training experiences: adult developmental change, growth in professional competence, characteristics of adult learning, and training options. Each…

The author describes the work done by preschool teachers. Topics covered include (1) nature of the work, (2) working conditions and earnings, (3) qualifications and advancement, (4) employment and outlook, and (5) related occupations. Sources of additional information are listed. (CH)

This document is an inventory of skills identified as necessary by professionals in the human services field specializing in child care. It is intended as a mechanism whereby educators can compare that which they teach against what the human services industry feels is relevant. Introductory material discusses the process of the occupational…

Training for child care center directors should involve experiences that are coherent and connected in a logical or cumulative fashion. Twelve key elements can serve as a framework for planning professional development training experiences for early childhood center directors. These elements relate to the content, structure, and delivery of…

Describes the Atlanta Area Technical School's Child Care Occupations Program, focusing on the combination day-care center/child study laboratory; course work is competency based. Utilizes a model program in training child-care workers at both the secondary and post-secondary level. (TA)

This paper outlines the background of an early years training program being implemented in inner city and rural settings in the United Kingdom. The paper is based on 5 years of observations, interviews, meetings, and training initiatives with educators and parents. In their comments, educators and parents often attributed their lack of…