South Dakota Division of Child Care Services Announces

New Infant Toddler Certificate

The Division of Child Care Services, with its partner agencies, the regional Early Childhood Enrichment offices (ECE’s), will be offering training which can lead to a state issued Infant Toddler Certificate. 

How do I earn an Infant Toddler Certificate? 

• Complete the 20 hours of entry level Infant Toddler Training offered through the regional ECE offices.  The following classes make up the entry level training:

  Module One:

  • Social Emotional Milestones
  • Temperament
  • Guidance and Discipline
  • Understanding Children’s Behavior         

  Module Two:

  • Respectful Care
  • Environments for Group Care
  • Primary Caregiving
  • More than Just Routine

  Module Three:

  • Brain Development
  • Discoveries of Infancy
  • Special Needs
  • Language Development

  Module Four:

  • Cultural Diversity
  • Protective Urges
  • Responding to Families
  • Acknowledge, Ask, & Adapt

*Note: Classes completed after January 1, 2004 may be counted toward the certificate.

After completing the entry level training, participants move on to complete the Child Growth and Development area of the South Dakota CDA program which consists of 45 hours of advanced training. 

Successful completion of the entry level Infant Toddler Training and the Child Growth and Development area will earn the participant a South Dakota Infant Toddler Certificate.

Why should I consider earning an Infant Toddler Certificate?

Caring for infants and toddlers takes a special set of skills and knowledge.  The Infant Toddler Certificate offers an individual an opportunity to receive training specific to this age group which will allow them to gain a deeper understanding of the significant development which occurs in these early years of life. 

In addition, the training hours included in the Infant Toddler Certificate will count toward licensing training hours, Pathways training hours and upon completion of the entry level training, the participant may qualify for an Infant Toddler Mini-Grant.

Is there additional training after the Infant Toddler Certificate?

YES!  The South Dakota Child Development Associates Credential is a nationally recognized credential which is offered through the local ECE offices.  The 45 hours of training in Child Growth and Development for the Infant Toddler Certificate articulate into the SDCDA Credential.  What this means is, when you complete your SD Infant Toddler Certificate, you are about half way to completing the training hours for the national credential!

How do I get started? 

Click here to contact the Infant Toddler Specialist at your Early Childhood Connections..  They will be able to inform you of class schedules in your area and help you determine where you are at in meeting each step of the training for the Infant Toddler Certificate.