At Lil’ Bears Childcare, we value professional development. Professional development includes continuing education, training in specific topic areas, membership in professional organizations/associations and coaching. We feel that a quality childcare program begins with caregivers who are continually gaining knowledge in the following core competencies, as defined by NAFCC (National Association for Family Child Care): relationships, interactions, and guidance; child growth and development; learning environments and curriculum; health, safety, and nutrition; assessment and screening; special needs and inclusion; and professional and business practices.

A yearly Professional Development Plan for Gloria will be created in January and reviewed by Home Start.

Professional Development planning will include a review of program evaluations, required yearly training, CPR and First Aid certification, FBI background checks, current trainings/coursework, association memberships and requirements from Rising Stars for ME, NAFCC Quality Standards, FCCERS, and Home Start Performance Standards. When timeline goals are met, documentation (training certificates, transcripts, etc.) will be verified and indicated on the timeline as met.