What is the TPCD?

The Training Program in Child Development (TPCD) is a state-wide training program administered by Connecticut Charts-A-Course (CCAC), a national leader in professional development systems, and fully funded by the CT Department of Social Services (DSS). The Training Program in Child Development is designed to improve the quality of early care and education in Connecticut by facilitating access to non-credit training that focuses on child development and early childhood education theory and practice. Targeted participants are childcare providers in priority settings—Accreditation Facilitation Project (AFP) selected sites, Department of Social Services (DSS) funded centers, School Readiness, Head Start, licensed family day care homes, and family, friends and neighbor care providers.

The Training Program in Child Development agencies deliver a package of 87 Connecticut Charts-A-Course approved workshops in the Core Areas of Knowledge totaling 150 hours of integrated training over eight competencies. All TPCD training is delivered by Connecticut Charts-A-Course approved trainers who are observed and evaluated by a core of experts using the Connecticut Charts-A-Course Quality Assurance and Improvement System (QAIS). Two agencies deliver the training in Spanish.

Since its inception in 1998, more than 7,500 Connecticut childcare providers have participated and been enhanced by the Training Program in Child Development, with many earning a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential and continuing their education at college. 84% of 2008/2009 participants completed the TPCD and have applied for the CDA Credential through September 1, 2008. This is a 68% increase in TPCD participants who applied for the CDA Credential in the previous four years combined.