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This consortium was established in the Fall of 1999 as a part of the Frey Grant awarded to Grand Rapids Community College to implement an Early Childhood Care and Education Professional Development System. The Training Consortium is made up of representatives from Licensing, 4C, Head Start, and both public and two and four year colleges and universities. The group began by identifying and prioritizing goals, and like the state training consortium group, found that identifying Core Knowledge and competencies is a key to many of the components of a professional development system. After spending some time researching existing systems in other states, the group developed a process to work on developing Core Knowledge Areas and Competencies.

The consortium is drawing heavily on the work done in New Mexico on the "Common Core Content", using NAEYC's Guidelines for the Preparation of Early Childhood Professionals, The CDA Competency Manual, and the State of Michigan Early Childhood Endorsement Standards as resources. The group meets every other week, and often involves members completing "homework" to bring to meetings. This draft of Professional Development Steps, Levels of Competence and parts of Core Knowledge area 1 have been worked on and reviewed by the whole group.

Levels of Competence and Professional Development Steps

Tentative Core Knowledge Areas

As you review the competencies, you will notice that some words are highlighted. These will be compiled into a glossary section that will accompany the document when complete. The glossary itself will be posted upon completion. Check back for updates and the final document.

1. Child Development and Learning
2. Health, Safety, and Nutrition
3. Family and Community Collaboration
4. Teaching & Learning
5. Observation, Documentation & Assessment
6. Professionalism
7. Program Management
8. Interaction & Guidance

Note: We will thread diversity and special needs themes through all areas.

Meeting Dates

Meeting Reports (Microsoft Word document)
Status Report -Core Knowledge Areas and Competencies Draft Timelines

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