This intensive thirty-six hour, twelve session course focuses on developing and implementing a high quality classroom which includes: an understanding of the RIELDS nine domains of learning and development for children birth- age 8; recognizing the connection between responsive care and education for infants and toddlers; reflecting on teaching practices; understanding the connection between a quality standards-based classroom and the RIELDS; creating meaningful opportunities for community and family engagement; expanding knowledge of the four components of curriculum; and understanding authentic assessment and using assessment information in curriculum planning.

Participants in this course should have a strong early childhood background with knowledge and experience in the areas of curriculum and assessment.  Participants should also currently be working in a classroom, since activities used throughout the course relate to day to day teaching. Individuals should have an early childhood educational background that includes a minimum of twelve higher education credits in Early Childhood Education.

This course includes twelve, three hour sessions.  Participants who successfully complete the thirty-six hours of training receive a Certificate of Achievement through the RI Department of Education and thirty-six hours of RIDE professional development credits.  Participants who complete thirty-six hours of core training plus nine hours in the Next Steps series are eligible to receive three undergraduate/graduate credits at the 400 level through the University of Rhode Island.