Early Childhood Professionals

Opening a Child Care Facility or Home

California Department of Social Services: Child Care Licensing
Information on how to become licensed and child care provider resources.

ChildCare Aware of America: Opening a Child Care Program
An interactive manual on opening a family child care home or child care center.

Check with the City of Palo Alto Development Center and the Fire Inspector to see if you need any city permits and/or inspections.

Professional Development

CA Dept. of Education
Information and resources for educators.

California Association for the Education of Young Children
Conducts an annual conference and regional workshops.

California Early Childhood Mentor Program
Supports mentors throughout California in providing leadership and guidance to students entering the Early Childhood Education field, and current child care directors and teachers.

ChildCare Aware of America
Offers advocacy, resources, and trainings.

Council for Exceptional Children
The largest international professional organization dedicated to improving the success of children and youth with disabilities and/or gifts and talents.

DeAnza College
The Child Development and Education Department offers certificates and degrees that fulfill child development permit and professional licensing requirements.

Early Childhood Online
Supports teachers by providing free early childhood professional development. A product of the California Department of Social Services.

EDvance College
A remote BA degree in Early Childhood Studies designed for full-time early childhood education professionals.

Every Child California
Advocacy, events and trainings.

Foothills College
Degrees and certificates in Child Development and Education.

Local Early Education Planning Council of Santa Clara County
A collaborative association of representatives from the early care and education field, including parents, childcare providers, businesses, and the government.

McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership
Offers a wide variety of learning and growth opportunities for early childhood leaders.

National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
Resources for professional development.

Pacific Oaks College
Offers a variety of online Early Childhood Education degrees and certification programs.

Provider Connection for Educators
A resource center of local workshop and training opportunities, including CPR/First Aid. Provided by Palo Alto Community Child Care.

Resource Area for Teaching (RAFT)
Provides professional development opportunities and workshops.

San Jose State University Early Childhood Institute

Offers trainings and seminars.

UCSC Silicon Valley Extension
Offers certificates in early childhood education.