The iPD learning management system supports ongoing professional development for staff in Head Start and child care settings. It has accessible, self-paced, online courses based on staff roles and interests. Some state and territory professional development systems are already partnering with the iPD to approve one or more of courses. These partnerships can help build the capacity of the early childhood education workforce across the country. Learn how your state or territory can partner to offer courses for professional development credit.

How can my state or territory benefit from approving iPD courses?

The iPD Portfolio contains over 100 free, asynchronous courses. By including iPD courses in your state or territory's approval system, you can:

• Provide high-quality professional development delivery at no-cost to professionals.
• Support professionals for attaining their initial CDA certificate through aligned contact hours, or in renewing their CDA credentials through CEUs.
• Allow professionals to earn educational contact hours or CEUs for multiple requirements.
• Strengthen the number of offerings provided to professionals.
• Provide training opportunities 24/7 with tech support during business hours.

Who should I contact if I'm interested in my state or territory becoming an iPD partner?

If you're interested in approving courses in the iPD Portfolio for professional development credit in your state or territory, please contact your licensing office, regulatory agency, or professional development registry to process the approval. Your state's Head Start Collaboration Office can help you make that connection.

If you need more help establishing an iPD partnership, reach out to the Help Desk at the National Center on Early Childhood Development, Teaching, and Learning (NCDTL) at ipd at ecetta dot info.

Is there an associated cost?

No! There is no partnership cost. However, states and territories have the option of setting up an interface between their state's registry and the iPD Portfolio to automatically verify course completions. There may be a cost associated with this setup. Options include a web-based interface, data transfer, or a manual verification process.

How long do partnerships last?

Partnerships are indefinite, but courses may be subject to renewal.

What are the next steps after we become an iPD partner?

After establishing a partnership, we encourage state leaders to set up a kick-off meeting with the iPD Portfolio team from NCDTL. We can support you with marketing materials and ideas to help you successfully launch courses in your state or territory.

Last Updated: May 26, 2023