Institute for Early Learning (IFEL)

CONTACT INFORMATION: Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
703-324-8100 TTY 711
12011 Government Center Parkway, Suite 800
Fairfax, VA 22035
Deidre Stewart

Department Resources

Related Resources

Certificate Programs

The Institute for Early Learning (IFEL) offers child care certificate programs to help new and current child care providers build knowledge and skills for working with young children. Through these classes, you will learn about child development, health and safety, and positive guidance strategies that support high quality care and learning. These certificate programs also help meet Fairfax County Permit and Virginia State Licensing training requirements, preparing providers to create safe, supportive, and nurturing environments for children and families.

Introduction to Early Childhood Certificate


IFEL offers a 48-hour Introduction to Early Childhood Certificate Program. The four courses in this program explore developmentally appropriate approaches to early education and provide many opportunities for educators to integrate knowledge and strategies into their daily practice.

There are four courses in the Introduction to Early Childhood Certificate Program. These four courses explore developmentally appropriate approaches to early education and provide many opportunities for educators to integrate knowledge and strategies into their daily practice. 

Early childhood educators who complete this 48-hour certificate program may be eligible for three hours of prior learning credit for CHD120 through Northern Virginia Community College.
 

COURSE 1: Introduction to Early Childhood - Child Development (12 credit hours)

Explore the foundations of child development including basic milestones, patterns and variability in child development. Examine how the domains of development interconnect and recognize the predictable ways children grow and learn. Discover the biological and cultural factors that influence development and learn the powerful role adults have in promoting child development. Learn how to observe children and understand how they learn through play. CDA Areas 7, 8.
 

COURSE 2: Introduction to Early Childhood - Learning Environments (12 credit hours)

Explore the components of developmentally appropriate learning and best practices to support the individual needs of children. CDA Areas 1, 2, 8.
 

COURSE 3: Introduction to Early Childhood - Effective Interactions (12 credit hours)

Examine the power of responsive relationships and effective communication strategies to support children's social and emotional development. CDA Areas 2, 3.
 

COURSE 4: Introduction to Early Childhood - Family Partnerships (12 credit hours)

Explore strategies to communicate effectively with families and actively engage them in their child's ongoing learning. CDA Areas 1, 2, 3, 7, 8.

Social-Emotional Competencies Certificate


IFEL offers a 48-hour Social-Emotional Competencies Certificate Program. The four courses in this series explore the importance of establishing nurturing relationships that promote positive social development and foster effective interactions with young children.

This 48-hour Social-Emotional Competencies series will explore the importance of establishing nurturing relationships that promote positive social development and foster effective interactions with young children. Discussions will focus on ways to alleviate challenging behaviors through an understanding of the multiple biological and environmental factors that influence children. Reflective strategies to support intentional practices to enhance learning and development for all children will be shared.

There are four courses in the Social-Emotional Competencies Certificate Program. Upon completion of the four courses in the order below, early childhood educators will earn a 48-hour Social-Emotional Competencies Certificate through the Fairfax County Early Childhood Programs and Services.
 

COURSE 1: Understanding Social and Emotional Development (12 credit hours)

Learn about the process of social and emotional development including ways to support growing competencies at varying levels. (CDA Areas 2, 3, 7, 8)
 

COURSE 2: Encouraging Mindful Educators (12 credit hours)

Explore the concept of a growth mindset while implementing strategies to promote mindful awareness. (CDA Area 6)
 

COURSE 3: Recognizing that All Children are Unique (12 credit hours)

Discover the many ways that cultural responsiveness can enhance relationships with children and their families. (CDA Areas 4 and 6)
 

COURSE 4: Promoting Resilience and Fostering Compassion (12 credit hours)

Discuss the short- and long-term impacts of stress and trauma while promoting resilience and creating opportunities for children to be successful. (CDA Areas 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8)

Child Development Associate (CDA) Certificate


IFEL offers 120 hours of coursework toward the Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential Program. As the most widely recognized credential in early childhood education, the CDA demonstrates competency, supports professional growth, and helps educators advance in their careers. To register or learn more, please contact us by phone or email.

Two young children playing together.

The CDA coursework supports early childhood educators in building the skills and knowledge needed to provide high quality care and education for children from birth to age five. Through 120 hours of professional education, educators will explore key topics such as child development, health and safety, positive learning environments, and building strong family partnerships. Participants receive guidance and support with developing their professional portfolio and preparing for the CDA exam. Please see the information below for additional details.

Course Work

The CDA coursework combines professional learning with practical strategies that educators can apply in early childhood settings. Course content is designed to strengthen daily teaching practices and support high quality learning experiences for young children.
 

Portfolio Support

The professional portfolio is completed independently by each CDA candidate as part of the credentialing process. Early Childhood educators will receive guidance and support as they complete portfolio components, including training documentation, reflective statements, family questionnaires, and resource collections.
 

Exam Prep

The CDA exam preparation process includes reviewing competency standards and practicing multiple choice and scenario based questions. Early childhood educators will receive support with organizing study materials and preparing for the exam process.
 

CDA Subject Areas

1. Planning a safe, healthy learning environment
2. Advancing children's physical and intellectual development
3. Supporting children's social and emotional development
4. Building productive relationships with families
5. Managing an effective program
6. Maintaining a commitment to professionalism
7. Observing and recording children's behavior
8. Understanding principles of child development and learning

Certificate Program Interest Form


Complete this form if you are interested in enrolling in one or more of our certificate programs.

Access Form

Need Help?

For questions about ELMS, course registration or professional development opportunities, call 703-324-8100, TTY 711, or send an email.

Close
Fairfax Virtual Assistant

Related Resources