Distance Education

ELC On-Line Learning is just a click Away!

The Early Learning Coalition of the Big Bend Region offers a unique on-line distance education model. The ELC approach integrates knowledge, skills and technology to assist early care and education professionals in obtaining:

(1) Continuing Education Units to fulfill National CDA or FCCPC renewal hours

(2) In-Service Hours to meet licensing requirements

(3) In-Service Hours to meet accreditation requirements

(4) Courses to assist in meeting the ELC Provider Network Agreement

(5) Courses that meet the National CDA requirements for formal training

(6) Courses that offer opportunities for lifelong learners

And we offer these courses for early care & education practitioners at no fee for in-service hours.

What makes the ELC model different?

• The ELC supports a project approach towards teaching through our distance education model. Teachers use the knowledge and skills learned in the course and apply them to real life situations in their early childhood programs.

• Our courses provide mixed media to support all learning styles - books, articles, video clips; PowerPoint’s and informational websites are all part of our educational design.

• We provide opportunities for you to be creative learners, and express yourself beyond the test, or quiz through a variety of projects and activities.

• You will receive personal feedback notes and guidance from the instructor in a timely manner.

• The ELC provides you with a textbook to supplement the on-line learning, so all your time is not spent in front of the computer.

• The instructor is available via email or phone to assist you with your learning needs.

• We recognize your limited time and the growing expense of distance education.

• Through distance education, we are able to reach out to seven counties and provide educational opportunities to rural areas.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Where do I find information about the ELC distance education courses that are being offered?

Provider Market Days are offered each month at your local ELC office. Professional Development flyers are provided to each representative who attends Market Day.

Our ELC website also has a current and up to date listing of all of our distance education courses. Current students may logo on to our distance education portal by visiting our provider page and clicking on the photo titled distance education or by clicking here. You may also contact the instructor at elearning@elcbigbend.org

How do I enroll in the ELC distance education courses?

You can register online by selecting your desired course from the ELC home page. If you are unable to enroll online, please call 850.385.0504. Please be sure you have an email address to provide when you register.

How long are the courses?

Courses are typically 4 to 8 weeks in length. The length depends on the course hours. For example a 10 hour course would be 4 weeks long, and a 30 hour course would be 8 weeks long.

Do books come with the course?

Typically most courses do have a course textbook.

How do I get the book for the course?

Books are picked up by the child care program representative who visits Market Day the month the course begins.

Is there a fee for the distance education courses and books?

Currently the ELC is able to offer the distance education courses at no charge, with the book included. However there is a fee for CEU’s.

Is there a fee for Continuing Education Units?

Yes, there is a fee for CEU’s. The cost varies per course depending on the number of CEU’s received. For example a 15 hour course would cost $20.00 for CEU’s. A 20 hour course would cost $25.00. There is also additional paperwork to fill out and submit towards the end of each course. CEU information is posted the last week of each course.

How long does it take to receive CEU’s?

The ELC partners with the Florida Association for the Education of Young Children for our Distance Education CEU’s. The process takes about 6 to 8 weeks.

Why would I need CEU’s?

CEU’s are required to renew a range of credentials. Most practitioners need 4.5 CEU’s which translates into 45 hours of training to renew their National CDA or their Florida Staff Credential. Be sure to begin working on your renewal at least 6 months prior to the expiration date of the credential.

How much time do I have to committee to each week for studying and doing assignments?

This depends on the hours assigned to the course. For example a 20 hour course would require about 2.5 to 3 hours of work and study per-week. Most of the projects you do in the classroom with the children and post your answers afterwards.

What if I need help and assistance for technology needs or educational needs?

The ELC instructor will email or call you to guide you through the process.

How do I log-in to each course?

The instructor provides a letter with each book that includes detailed instructions on how to log-in to each course. You will also be emailed the same letter prior to the course start date.

How many courses are offered online through the ELC each month?

The ELC provides THREE new courses every other month, or at times ONE or TWO new courses a month.

Are there courses for Infant and Toddler teachers?

The ELC supports Infant and Toddler teachers by offering a range of courses specific to this age group. At least 7 courses are offered a year for Infant and Toddler teachers.

Are there courses for Pre-K teachers?

The ELC support pre-k teachers via a range of courses specific to 3, 4 and 5-year-olds. We offer more than 10 course a year for pre-k teachers.

Does the ELC offer courses for Directors?

All courses are open for Directors and we offer one specific each year for Directors.

How can I work towards my National Child Care Associate Credential (CDA) with the ELC?

The National CDA requires practitioners to receive 120 hours of formal education with 10 hours in each of the 8 content areas within a five year period. To work towards the National Credential take the courses offered on-line that are labeled ***National CDA preparatory course and talk with the ELC instructor prior to beginning your National coursework. The ELC instructor can be reached via email at elearning@elcbigbend.org, or by calling the ELC at 850.385.0504. Please note that this is only one part of obtaining your National CDA for more information visit the Council for Professional Recognition’s website at www.cdacouncil.org.

Approximately how long does it take to receive the National CDA in conjunction with the ELC 120 hours of formal education?

It takes approximately 1 year to complete the National requirements. You must be sure to complete the120 hours of coursework and fulfill the additional National requirements too.

Is there an application packet that I need to purchase from the National Council for Professional Recognition when starting my coursework with the ELC?

Yes, the Council has an application packet that provides you with information and additional tools needed for the National CDA. The current cost of the packet is $18.00 and can be purchased at the Council’s on-line store at www.cdacouncil.org.

Is there a cost for the National CDA?

Yes, the fee is currently $325.00; however you may be eligible to apply for a CDA scholarship through the Children’s Forum, Inc. T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood, for information call Toll Free (877) 353-3224.