Southeast Children's Fund

Professional Development Institute

The Southeast Children’s Fund Professional Development Institute (SCF/PDI) was established in 1994. The Institute’s overall mission is to ensure that society understands the big picture of childcare as a business issue. We know that the level and quality of care is directly linked to the amount of formal training of the staff and the quality of their work. SCF/PDI provides each person devoted to the delivery of childcare the opportunity for success by equipping them with the skills required to gain employment; improving their knowledge and understanding of child development and early care and education; providing specialized training; and increasing job opportunities and experiences as child care professionals.

SCF/PDI programs are available to all skill levels -- from entry to master level -- and can be provided at our Southeast Children’s Fund location or at job-sites across the metropolitan Washington, DC area.

SCF/PDI specializes in training that helps District residents, child care practitioners, potential and actual child development home and center owners acquire the skills necessary to satisfy State licensing regulations and/or secure a nationally recognized Child Development Associate credential.

SCF/Professional Development Institute’s premiere Child Development Associate training program has a high degree of success in the number of graduates who receive their CDA credential, owing to the amount of support given to students to remove potential barriers to program completion. A 2006 Early Care and Education Administration study of its subsidized professional development program revealed that SCF/PDI out-performed all other ECEA training partners in the number of graduates who received their first time CDA Credential.

Training opportunities

1. Child Development Associate Direct Assessment Training

2. Child Development Associate Professional Preparation Program (CDA P3)

3. School Age Development Curriculum

4. Infant/Toddler Growth and Development Curriculum

5. Early Childhood Education and Development Curriculum

6. Job-site Training/Career Enhancement Workshops

7. Technical Assistance Workshops on Topics related to Child Care Licensing

The first two courses are offered on a perpetual basis. The last five offerings are scheduled based on demand. See the Course Catalog for a complete description of course offerings and how to apply.

Technical Assistance

Southeast Children’s Fund Professional Development Institute also provides technical assistance to Child Development Home and Center owners and prospective owners. Clients can receive guidance in all aspects of the child development business, from licensing laws to curriculum to learning environment issues to staff development. Contact Kamila Johnson, Director of Admission and Student Records, at (202) 561-5736; or send an email to sechild@erols.com.

Directions to the School

Southeast Children’s Fund Professional Development Institute is located within 50 feet of a Metro bus stop, and has ample parking available both on-street and in the organization’s spacious parking lot.

By public transportation . . .

From the Anacostia metro station on the Green Line, catch the A6 or A8 and get off at 6th & Chesapeake, SE. From the Congress Heights metro station on the Green Line, catch the M8 or M9 bus and get off at 6th & Chesapeake, SE.

By automobile . . .

Drive down Martin Luther King Ave., turn left on Atlantic, then right on 6th Street SE. Or drive down South Capitol Street to Southern Avenue, make a left on Southern and another left on 6th Street SE, then up toward Chesapeake. Please note that Martin Luther King Ave. and South Capitol Street intersect below Atlantic Street

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