Early Childhood Resource Center (ECRC) provides professional development for early educators including educational preparation and in-service programs to support career development. These include basic license required trainings, the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential program for early childhood center-based teachers, family child care providers and public school teacher assistants, the Administrative Leadership Program and a number of special topic workshops, e.g. infant/toddler guidelines, curriculum, etc. For many of the programs, mentoring services are provided for the purpose of assisting participant in the transfer of knowledge to best practices at their work sites. Lastly, the ECRC offers professional scholarships to early childhood educators who are seeking to attain and renew credentials or attain college credit.
Other resources include an on-site specialized early childhood library with professional and children’s books, tapes, CD’s, DVD’s and more. These items are available due to a unique collaboration with the local district library. Participants can use their local library card and request or drop off items within the community. The center also houses a teacher workroom complete with materials and equipment to support early educators’ development of children’s educational activities.
Informational resources are also available at the center on such topics as children’s development, best educational practices, parenting topics, and professional program-related topics. The programs, services and resources are made available at on-centralized site. Additionally, programs can be arranged at off-site locations.
Other resources include an on-site specialized early childhood library with professional and children’s books, tapes, CD’s, DVD’s and more. These items are available due to a unique collaboration with the local district library. Participants can use their local library card and request or drop off items within the community. The center also houses a teacher workroom complete with materials and equipment to support early educators’ development of children’s educational activities.
Informational resources are also available at the center on such topics as children’s development, best educational practices, parenting topics, and professional program-related topics. The programs, services and resources are made available at on-centralized site. Additionally, programs can be arranged at off-site locations.
History
The Early Childhood Resource Center (ECRC) was established in March of 2000, as part of the Sisters of Charity Foundation of Canton’s Quality Child Care Initiative. The ECRC seeks to improve the quality of early care and education in Stark County through comprehensive professional development activities, resources and support services for individuals who work in all early childhood settings.Key Elements
Described in narrative above. The unique elements of the ECRC is its wide patron base, serving individuals in diverse settings, including public, private and non-profit businesses and organizations, serving children from birth to age eight.Annual Budget
Varies year to year based on programs and financial resources.Staffing Needs
Executive Director;Program Director;
Special Projects and Community Development Director;
Educational Resources Coordinator;
Program Mentors;
Instructors;
Administrative Assistant and
Clerical Staff
Outcomes
Improvement in the quality of early care and education in Stark County.Areas of Improvement
Process quality – the day-to-day activities within early childhood programs, inclusive of positive and caring relationships between adults and children; well-equipped and appropriate materials; and a range of activities that are playful, purposeful and meet individuals’ differentiated needs.Structural quality – the regulated areas of the program inclusive of class size; adult/child ratios; and teacher qualifications.
Wish List Items
Materials for the workroom, e.g. die-cuts (number, letters, shapes used to develop educational games, label the classroom environment, etc. (Approximate cost is $50.00 - $250.00 per die cut.)Workshop fees. These are typically $5.00/hour for a three-hour workshop. Many of our programs are designed with a series of three to ten workshops. ($15 to $150 dollars - dependent on program.)
Scholarship donations. ($100 - $500)
Donations to support our capital funds to purchase/renovate a building providing a permanent location. (Any amount)
Contact Information
Geri A. Grove3114 Cleveland Ave.
NW Canton OH 44709
Phone: 330-491-3272
Fax: 330-491-0334
Email: gagrove@ecresorucecenter.org
Early Childhood Resource Center Professional Development
Website: http://www.ecresourcecenter.org
Phone: 330-491-3272