Other Program Options

Preschool Certificate

This is a four-course (12 credit hours) certificate program for students without a degree who want to take college credit courses to satisfy the requirements for the Preschool Certificate. This program includes the coursework required for the state-approved Florida Child Care Professional Credential (FCCPC). These courses may also be applied toward the Child Care Center Management Certificate and the AS degree in Early Childhood Education and Management. Graduates will have the skills and knowledge necessary to design a developmentally appropriate environment and curriculum for preschool children.

Required courses: CHD 1380, CHD 2220, CHD 2320, and CHD 1440

Child Care Center Management Certificate

This is a four-course (12 credit hours) certificate program for students without a degree who want to take college credit courses to satisfy the requirements for the Child Care Center Management Certificate. This program includes the coursework toward the completion of the state-approved Florida Child Care Professional Credential (FCCPC). To earn the FCCPC, students must also complete CHD 1440.

Required courses: CHD 1380, CHD 2220, CHD 2320, and CHD 2801. CHD 2801 is the state-approved course for the foundational level of the Florida Director Credential from the Florida Department of Children and Families.

Florida Child Care Professional Credential (FCCPC) and National Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential

The Florida Child Care Professional Credential from the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) is earned by completing four required courses (CHD 1380, CHD 2220, CHD 2320, and CHD 1440). These courses may also be used to complete the training component of the National CDA. The Council for Professional Recognition has additional requirements that may be accessed at cdacouncil.org. Students who complete these four courses also earn the Polk State College Preschool Certificate. Students must have a high school diploma or GED and be at least age 18 years of age to receive the FCCPC from DCF.

Formal Educational Staff Credential

This credential from the Florida Department of Children and Families is earned by completing two courses (6 credit hours) in Early Childhood. This is an option for students with a college degree outside the field of early childhood/child development in place of the FCCPC (see number 4 above).

Recommended courses: CHD 2220, CHD 2320, EEC 2270, EEC 2271, CHD 1380, CHD 1430

Florida Child Care and Education Program Director Credential

This Florida Department of Children and Families credential is earned by completing a 3-credit college course, CHD 2801: Overview of Child Care Management. Completion of this course meets the educational requirements for the DCF Director Credential. After completing this course, students must submit an application to the Department of Children and Families and meet additional requirements to earn the Director Credential.

Required course: CHD 2801

Polk State College Early Care and Inclusion Education Certificate

This is a two-course (6-credit hours) option for students without a college degree who work with young children with special needs and their families. These two courses also satisfy program requirements for the AS Degree in Early Childhood Education and Management.

Required courses: EEC 2271 and EEC 2270

Credential Renewal

This is an option for students who want to renew their National CDA credential, their Florida Child Care Professional Credential (FCCPC), or their Florida Director Credential, with one early childhood course. The Florida Department of Children and Families has additional requirements for renewal that may be accessed at myflorida.com/childcare/training.

Recommended: Any EEC or CHD course except CHD 1440 and CHD 2940.