Essentials Child Care Preservice offers providers important information on key child development and health & safety topics. This series meets Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS) professional development and the Federal Child Care Development Block Grant requirements.
Iowa's Early Childhood and School Age Professional Workforce Registry (i-PoWeR) is a comprehensive registry where you can find and enroll in the Department of Human Services (DHS) approved professional development opportunities related to early childhood and school-age professionals. It will also maintain a record of your professional achievements. Approved training opportunities can be accessed by visiting i-PoWeR below.
i-PoWeR Link
Module 1: Safety In Your Child Care Environment
Learn how to create a safe environment to prevent injuries. Discover how to identify common risks for falls, choking, poisons, water safety and electrical hazards. Learn how to provide active supervision to prevent accidents.
Module 2: Emergency Preparedness
Discover what disasters and emergencies can impact child care programs. Learn how to develop an emergency supply kit and an emergency records kit. Learn the 7 emergency responses to take to ensure the safety of children: evacuation, relocation, shelter-in-place, lock-down, communication and reunification with families, continuity of operations, and how to meet the individual needs of children with special needs.
Module 3: Transportation in Child Care
Learn how to safely transport children. Discover how to safely use different forms of car safety restraints. Learn car safety rules to prevent injuries. Discover how to supervise children safely while traveling. Learn the steps for handling an emergency while on the road.
Module 4: Prevention for Control of Infectious Diseases
Discover steps to reduce the spread of germs and infectious disease. Learn the proper procedures for cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting. Learn the proper procedures for handwashing and diapering. Learn when and how to exclude sick children from the child care setting. Identify which immunizations and forms are required.
Module 5: Handling and Storage of Hazardous Materials
Explore how to reduce risks to children from lead, asbestos, carbon monoxide, radon, poisons and plastics. Discover how to use signal words, pictograms, and safety sheets to select safe products. Learn how to properly dispose of hazardous products.
Module 6: Medication in Child Care
Discover about how to best support children needing medication. Identify how to safely secure and store medications. Learn how to accept, track and document medication administration. Learn how to follow the “six rights” of medication administration.
Module 7: Managing Food Allergies
Discover how to support children with food allergies. Learn how to reduce risks by selecting appropriate foods and using safe food preparation practices. Learn how to identify, recognize, and respond to allergic reactions. Explore how to develop an emergency care plan.
Module 8: Infant Safe Sleep
Explore strategies for creating safe sleep environments. Learn how to choose the right equipment for safe sleep. Learn how to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome by using “Back to Sleep” practices for sleep and “Tummy Time” practices for awake time. Discover the steps you need to take if you have an unresponsive child.
Module 9: Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome
Learn about the Period of Purple Crying? and the common patterns of excessive crying. Identify ways to reduce the risks for Shaken Baby Syndrome and abusive head trauma. Explore strategies for soothing a crying child. Discover resources to share with parents to help them cope with crying.
Module 10: Understanding Cultural Diversity
Explore approaches to help children and families feel welcome and valued. Learn how to help children relate positively to others who are both same and different from themselves. Learn how to help children develop the skills needed to succeed in a diverse society.
Module 11: Understanding Homelessness
Explore how you can support children and families who are experiencing homelessness. Learn how regulations can impact your enrollment requirements for health care information. Discover resources available for children, families, and child care professionals.
Module 12: Child Development
Learn how children grow and develop in predictable patterns or stages. Discover how children of the same age may have unique, individual differences in development. Learn about typical milestones for children birth through school age. Know how to respond to concerns about non-typical development. Explore ideas to encourage growth and learning.
Handouts
Essentials Child Care Preservice provides helpful information for creating safe and healthy early childhood environments.
Follow these steps to enroll:
Need help?
Child, Health, Safety, and Nutrition classes are offered through local colleges. For a list of Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS), Division of Adult, Children, and Family Services Approved Preservice/Orientation Training Organizations, click here and select: Approved Preservice/Orientation for Child Care Providers