The Tampa Bay Institute for Early Childhood Professionals is a space dedicated to the positive growth and transformation of the early childhood professional. "The Institute" offers a variety of services and resources aimed at helping current and aspiring early childhood professionals enrich their skills, chart a successful career path and ultimately improve the quality of care delivered in early childhood programs throughout the Tampa Bay area.

The Institute offers area early childhood professionals a full range of professional development services such as career advising, special trainings and seminars, a well-rounded lending library, Live Scan services, laminators, die cut machines and MORE!

GENERAL INFORMATION

For complete information, download the Institute's General Information Brochure. (PDF)

MEMBERSHIP

While The Institute may be used by all Tampa Bay area providers, memberships to The Institute are currently only available to Hillsborough County early childhood professionals. Memberships are $25.00 per person. For details about membership and to get a membership application, download the Institute's Membership Brochure. (PDF)

TRAININGS

The Institute will be THE place for trainings! At this time, providers will be able to locate training information for "The Institute" on the ELCHC Calendar of Events. Many of ELCHC's trainings will now be held at The Institute so be sure to check the locations for trainings when you sign up!

NEWS YOU NEED TO KNOW RIGHT NOW

UPCOMING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

ENROLLING NOW-BEGINS MARCH 7TH!!!!
DIRECTOR'S CREDENTIAL RENEWAL COURSE -- 'FINANCIAL AND LEGAL ISSUES IN CHILD CARE'
The Institute is now offering the course Financial and Legal Issues in Child Care, a 4.5 CEU course that meets the requirements for renewal of the Florida Director Credential.

This course will cover budgeting, staffing, setting tuition and fees, as well as marketing and legal issues in child care. The class format will be a hybrid of face to face meetings, small group projects, and independent work. The four face to face classes will meet on Thursday mornings from 9 am until noon on March 7, March 21, April 4, and April 18 with all work due by May 9.

The cost for the course is $250 for Institute members, $280 for non-members. The text for the course, "Handbook for Early Childhood Administrators: Directing with a Mission," by Reno, Stutzman, and Zimmerman, can be purchased from the Institute (or from Amazon) for $44.00.

If you are interested in registering for this course, please TO DOWNLOAD ENROLLMENT FORM & INFO CLICK HERE!
Tuition and book fees are due on the first day of class.

Florida Staff Credential (FCCPC/ECPC/CDA National):Classes required to earn the Florida Staff Credential are being planned to begin in May and June and are offered by HCC, the Training Office, and P-Tech. An online option through Seminole College is also available. ECE professionals holding an active staff credential will be given 9 college credit hours towards an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education.

FCCPC/ECPC/CDA staff credential renewal courses:
Coursework required for renewal of staff credentials is available through a number of educational outlets and choices include both on-site and on-line. Non-degree seeking renewal coursework is most appropriate for ECE professionals who have earned a degree. ECE professionals who do not already have a degree needing to renew a credential should consider doing their renewal coursework as part of an Associates program.

2-year and 4-year degree programs:
Registration for classes leading to 2-year Associate’s and 4-year Bachelor’s Degrees begins at the end of March at both state and private colleges and universities. There are a number of options for early childhood professional who want to earn a degree. Available course formats include on-site, on-line, and hybrid and financial aid is available either through the college or (for the Associates Degree) through the T.E.A.C.H. program. Early Childhood professionals interested in more information and registration assistance should contact the Career Advising Office at the Institute.

Financial Aid: Financial Aid through the T.E.A.C.H program is available for ECE professionals seeking either a staff credential or an Associates degree. ECE professionals working toward Bachelors or higher degrees will need to consult with the Financial Aid office of the college or university they wish to attend to apply for available scholarships and grants. At this time, financial aid is not available for the Directors Credential renewal course described above.