Professional standards in child development including quality rating scales, the profession's code of ethics, and strategies for advocacy.

A brief introduction to infant/toddler curriculum with an emphasis on the significance of how infants and toddlers learn. The importance of quality care, relationships, and planning curriculum and environments that meet the needs of young children in a Family Child Care (FCC) setting will be addressed,

A brief introduction to infant development from prenatal care to toddler years for Family Child Care (FCC) providers. Providing Developmentally Appropriate Practices (DAP) to enhance their skills in caring for infants and toddlers in a Family Child Care setting.

Overview of the operation of a family child care. Information on continuous compliance with licensing requirements, procedures for a successful business, marketing and meeting the developmental needs of young children in group care.

Overview of developmentally appropriate environments in home-based group care for children at various ages and stages, and areas of development. The role of licensed family child care providers in supporting growth and development in all domains, particularly in physical-sensory motor development through thoughtful design of the environment.

Techniques and strategies for communicating the developmental needs of children with a variety of social, economic, cultural and family structures are considered. Importance of developing positive family-provider communication for successful relationships in family child care settings.

An overview of the range of developmental differences of children with special needs with an emphasis on the role of the family child care provider in designing environments to include children with special needs; creating appropriate accommodations; sharing community support strategies and resources with families; and participating in the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) process.

Requirements for opening a child care center or family child care, or expanding an existing family child care. Emphasis on space and program considerations, including those unique to San Francisco. Strategies for the provision of quality, developmentally appropriate and culturally relevant services to children and families.

Overview of the Child Development Permit Matrix, including the application process, recent changes and requirements for education and experience. Emphasis on the role of the Professional Growth Advisor using the "California Early Childhood Educator (ECE) Competencies". Utilizing the CA ECE Registry and the role of the Registry in tracking professional development and academic coursework will also be covered.

Meetings in seminar format for practitioners, directors, site supervisors, leaders and emerging leaders in programs serving children and youth. Topics may include emerging trends in the field, policy and advocacy, equity/inclusion/belonging, quality improvement efforts, staff supervision and teamwork, legal and licensing issues, facilities and fund development, and other topics as needed.