Quality Childcare Workforce Development Program
The childcare industry is a vital component of the workforce infrastructure, providing essential services that enable parents to work while fostering early childhood development. With the ongoing demand for skilled childcare professionals, this program outlines a comprehensive, one-year training curriculum aimed at preparing furture providers for successful careers in the childcare field. I Heart Learning CDC, a Step Up to Quality-rated program, offers its facilities and expertise to equip providers with the skills, knowledge, and experience necessary for workforce readiness and entrpreneurship.
Foundational Training
Classroom Instruction:
*Early Childhood Education Principles
*Early Learning Development Standards (Birth to School Age)
*Health, Safety, and Nutrition (Including USDA Guidelines)
*Behavior Management Techniques
Certifications:
- Pediatric CPR and First Aid
Basic Health and Safety Training
Hands-On Practicum
Supervised Work-Based Learning:
*Assisting in age-appropriate curriculum delivery
*Engaging with children in structured and unstructured settings
*Observing and documenting child development milestones
Additional Instruction:
*Family and Community Engagement Strategies
*Administrative Skills: Recordkeeping, Scheduling, and Licensing Requirements
Work-Based Experience
On-the-Job Training (OJT):
*Providers will work independently under supervision in various childcare roles, including classroom aide, meal preparation, and activity planning.
Job Placement Assistance: Resume building, interview preparation, and job search strategies.
Entrepreneurship Assistance: Business Basics Covering licensing, budgeting, business planning, and navigating state requirements for launching a childcare business.
Earn While You Learn
I Heart Learning CDC offers motivated high school students (ages 16 and up) the opportunity to “learn while they earn” in the childcare field. Students gain hands-on experience working alongside trained professionals, building skills in child development, leadership, and workplace responsibility. Our program helps prepare participants for post-graduation employment, certification pathways, or future entrepreneurship in childcare and early education — while supporting them with mentorship, training, and real-world experience
Empower the Future
I Heart Learning CDC offers a professional pathway for individuals who want to build a career in the childcare field. Team members gain hands-on experience working with children, training in child development and classroom support, and exposure to best practices in safety, curriculum, and family communication. Through mentorship and ongoing professional development, staff develop the skills, confidence, and credentials needed to advance in early childhood education and secure stable, meaningful employment in the field.
START*GROW*LEAD
I Heart Learning CDC provides entrepreneurship training for individuals interested in owning and operating their own childcare program. Participants learn the fundamentals of childcare business planning, licensing, budgeting, staffing, compliance, marketing, and daily operations. Through hands-on learning, mentorship, and real-world case studies, future owners gain the tools and confidence needed to launch, manage, and grow a high-quality, sustainable childcare business that serves families and strengthens the community.
Nurturing Growth with Care
Experience our quality-rated, home-based childcare that fosters social, emotional, and developmental growth. Located in Cleveland, we provide a safe and engaging environment for your professional growth.