Hamilton County Child Care will offer a convenient, low-cost way for home care providers to earn accreditation and Child Development Associate certification under a new program presented through Cincinnati State.  

Upwards of 1,000 providers could take advantage of early-childhood education classes offered through the program, expected to start this spring. 

“This will increase the quality of care for the children as well as the income of providers,” said Melissa Graves, section chief in charge of Hamilton County Child Care. “Our providers will get credentials, which allow them to earn a higher percentage of reimbursement money, and more skills for helping our children.” 

Ohio pays up to 5 percent more in state reimbursement to professional home care providers who obtain and maintain National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAYCE) accreditation. The state has discussed requiring associate degrees for providers who get reimbursed for serving low-income working families. 

“We have a handful of accredited providers in Hamilton County,” Graves said. “Many have expressed interest, but need some help in getting there. We hope this will give them the hand they need to get started.” 

Cincinnati State will market the program to providers through direct mail and the Little Prints newsletter. 

Starting dates for classes depend on participant signups. They will not necessarily begin when the college’s quarters begin.  

Instruction will be offered at several locations besides Cincinnati State – Lower Price Hill Community School, East End Adult Education Center, East End Community Heritage School and Harmony Community School. 

Classes will be available evenings, weekends and online. 

“They’re watching kids all day long,” Graves said. “We’re trying to make as easy to do as possible for them.” 

Classes are expected to cost $80.20 per credit hour, but could be lower due to other anticipated funding sources. Child Development Associate Certification requires 31 credit hours of study. 

Hamilton County Child Care will cover the $400 accreditation fee and testing costs. 

“In the past, training mainly centered on state health and safety requirements for retaining certification,” Graves said. “This goes much further, with an emphasis on early childhood development and education.”