Research confirms that formal education and on-going professional development are linked to positive outcomes for children.  As a result, Ohio has included specialized training as one of the five benchmarks that programs must meet in order to achieve a star rating.  To assure high quality training opportunities for staff who are in programs participating in Step Up To Quality, all instructors and trainings must be approved by ODJFS before they can be counted toward meeting the specialized training benchmark.

** Important New Information - Updated April 30, 2009 **

The application and approval process for Step Up To Quality approved instructors has changed.  All trainings must be submitted through the Ohio Professional Development Network Registry.

Click here for details.

1. How to become an approved instructor
   1. Specialized Training and Instructor Application Procedures
   2. Conference/Special Request Approval Form
   3. Conference Approval Training Matrix

The following information describes Specialized Training requirements including  pre-requesites and other approved training. 

Type A Homes Providers please note: If your Type A Home is licensed to serve infants and/or toddlers regardless if any are currently enrolled in your Type A Home, lead and assistant teachers must take the infant and toddler guidelines training.  All modules must be completed prior to taking any other Step Up To Quality approved specialized training.

Specialized Training Guidance 

Specialized Training Matrix

Pre-requisites:

1. Administrator Rules Training
2. Infant/Toddler Guideline Training
3. Preschool
   1. Pre-K/Kindergarten SIRI, CORE Curriculum & Ohio Early Learning Content Standards Traning Sessions (Offered by EC Q-Net)
   2. Ohio's Early Learning Content Standards and Language and Literacy training provided by the local Resource and Referral Agencies
   3. ODJFS approved Ohio's Early Learning Content Standards training

Upon completion of the pre-requisites, staff can take any of the approved trainings listed below in order to fulfill annual specialized training requirements based upon the individuals professional development plan.   The trainings are categorized below based on content area.

1.  Administrative Topics
2.  Infant/Toddler Topics
3.  Preschool Topics
4.  Schoolage Topics

• OAEYC conference sessions 
• Out of State Conference Approval Information 

 Additional Resources

1. Specialized Training Worksheet
2. Sample Professional Development Plan