Title

Gateway to Quality: Online Professional Development for Family Childcare Providers

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

9-2015

Abstract

High-quality family childcare (FCC) can positively influence all areas of a child's growth and development. Thus, it is important to invest in efforts to increase quality, including providing professional development to enhance the skills of those caring for children in their homes. This study explores the characteristics of FCC providers who engage in an online professional development program. Findings show that a majority of these providers are female, had at least a high school diploma, and are licensed or registered. Content areas most frequently selected for professional development include ways to support children's social, emotional, physical, and intellectual development. The frequency of access and range of coursework completed implies that online learning is accessible for the FCC workforce audience and has the capacity to meet state requirements for professional development. Future directions to extend this research are discussed.

Publication Title

Early Child Development and Care

Volume

186

Issue

7

First Page

1079

Last Page

1095

DOI of Published Version

10.1080/03004430.2015.1076400

Publisher

Taylor & Francis

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