Building Bridges to Higher Education

In 2006, the Department of Early Learning (DEL) in partnership with the Early Childhood Teacher Preparation Council developed "Building Bridges to Higher Education."

The Building Bridges to Higher Education program provides an opportunity for child care providers to meet the STARS 10-hour continuing education requirement and receive college credit at the same time.

Building Bridges is a set of course modules designed to provide professional education for educators and caregivers of children birth through 8. The Early Childhood Teacher Preparation Council developed the courses, which each meet agreed higher learning curriculum expectations. The tuition costs are covered by DEL so early learning professionals can afford to gain meaningful college credit that can be used for a child development associate (CDA) certificate or a two-year degree.

The project offers four basic course modules that are accepted for direct or transfer credit at many local colleges:

Infant and Toddler Caregiving
Guiding Behavior of Young Children
Child, Family and Community Relationships
Administration of Early Learning Programs

Those interested in participating should contact their local community colleges to see if Building Bridges courses are offered.