Maine's Infant/Toddler Credential System

ITC 1: No college is necessary for this credential. The four trainings that are necessary can be taken through any of the Child Care Resource and Development Centers. The training courses are:

• Caring for Infants, Toddlers and Their Families, which is a 30-hour course fostering the understanding of infant and toddler growth and development

• Foundations in Health, Wellness and Safety, which an 18-hour course used to highlight the importance of health, safety, and nutrition

• Supporting Maine’s Infants & Toddlers: Guidelines for Learning & Development, which is a 30-hour program that develops participants ability to observe, assess, and utilize curriculum effectively

• Introduction to Infant Mental Health: Issues and Practice, which is an 18-hour course designed to increase caregivers’ awareness of the importance of positive interactions with infants.

Following the completion of these trainings, a portfolio is developed by the applicant and reviewed by Maine Roads to Quality to determine if competencies have been met, then the award will be made.

ITC2: An Associates degree is necessary to pursue this credential. The coursework in the Associates degree must include specific course equivalents for 3 credit courses in Introduction to Early Childhood Education, Observing and Recording Children’s Behavior, and a course on Infants and Toddlers.

Then the four specific 3 credit courses to earn the ITC 2 can be taken through Kennebec Valley Community College on ITV. They will also be offered where there is a group of 12 or more interested throughout the state. The 1 credit seminar course will probably be offered on-line. When courses are completed, the award will be made by Maine Roads To Quality. The three credit courses include: Infants and Toddlers I: Social Being and Ability to Communicate; Working in Partnership with Families; Strong Healthy Bodies and Curious Minds; Infant Toddler Language and Literacy; and the one credit course Infant and Toddler Seminar.

Infant Toddler Credential 3: A Bachelors degree will be necessary. This level is under development.