Early Childhood Professional Services
Training and Professional Development
Project ACT offers Maryland State Department of Education approved Core of Knowledge training and is Maryland's premier resource for training on inclusion and children with disabilities. Our robust catalog includes training in child development, curriculum, community, special needs, professionalism and health, safety and nutrition for child care professionals. Training sessions are conducted by experienced staff and have been developed to foster engagement and learning for high quality professional development. Trainings are offered during the day, in the evenings and on some weekends. Project ACT staff is available to help participants choose appropriate training sessions that will enhance their professional development and will meet licensing and credentialing requirements. A list of current offerings is available on our training calendar. Project ACT can also come to you by delivering virtual and in-person trainings for centers, associations and groups.
Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health and Behavior Consultation (IECMHC)
Project ACT provides free coaching and consultation in early childhood settings across Baltimore, Harford and Cecil Counties to support the success of individual children age birth to five. Early childhood professionals and families work with Project ACT specialists to develop individualized plans to meet the needs of children with disabilities, developmental delays, or behavior concerns. Consultation services increase the use of inclusive and trauma-informed practices, and reduce suspensions and expulsions.
Coaching
Project ACT offers coaching and mentoring to all child care programs in Baltimore, Harford, and Cecil Counties. An Early Childhood Coach can assist with any programmatic or administrative need a child care may have in creating a high-quality sustainable early care and learning experience for children. These supports cover a wide array of topics from inclusive environments, business start-up, and sustainability or participation in quality rating systems.
Resource Room
Project ACT provides a resource room at the Towson location, as well as a mobile resource room, for early childhood professionals to access a variety of resources, as well as create materials for their own programs. This space includes materials such as a laminating machine, color printer, templates and samples for visual supports, and a variety of art supplies for individuals to use their creativity when creating resources for their programs. Fees for materials do apply. Curriculums and screening tools are available for browsing. Early childhood professionals can contact us to make an appointment to utilize the resource room or schedule a time for the mobile resource room to come to you.
Business Start Up & Career Advancement
Starting a child care business requires training, licensing, and business knowledge. Trying to advance your child care career can be costly and confusing. Project ACT provides free navigation and supports to people who are interested in opening their own child care program or obtaining credentials to advance in Baltimore, Harford, or Cecil County. This service may include training and coaching with Project ACT's Early Childhood Coaches, or more comprehensive support through our EARN project or Growing Opportunities in Family Child Care project when available.
Emergency and Disaster Preparedness
Being prepared for emergencies and disasters is vital for child care providers. Keeping children safe requires thoughtful planning and strategy. Project ACT provides Emergency Preparedness for Child Care Programs regularly. This training meets the Office of Child Care requirement for emergency preparedness and gives participants ample resources and information to complete their own individualized emergency plan. In addition, Project ACT hosts various workshops and trainings on topics related to emergency preparedness.