Region 9 Head Start Association and Continued Early Childhood Education have partnered to build a robust series of online courses designed to fit the professional development needs of Head Start professionals and other early childhood educators.
Region 9 is Head Start's largest region, comprising 213 agencies representing more than 30,000 employees in California, Nevada, Hawaii and Pacific Islands, and Arizona. The content collaboration with Continued, a leading provider of online continuing education, will add quality coursework to Continued’s already extensive content library.
This four-year partnership begins in early 2019.
“We’re excited to partner with Region 9 Head Start to develop courses that truly make a difference in the day-to-day work of early childhood educators,” said Carolyn Smaka, AuD, editor in chief for Continued. “Region 9 Head Start has a longstanding commitment to professional development. This partnership allows us to combine our organizations' expertise to create relevant, accessible continuing education opportunities for early childhood professionals."
Courses will focus on topics including parent and family engagement, teaching and learning, child assessment, health and safety, and program administration and leadership.
Based on sound research, courses will have a practical emphasis to support early childhood professionals in their work with children and families, as well as with career goals. They will be presented by experienced educators and administrators from Region 9 Head Start and from its extensive professional network.
In addition to access to Continued’s expansive course catalog, this collaboration offers exclusive benefits for Region 9 Head Start members and its affiliates.
“By delivering on-demand learning resources urgently needed to increase skill and competence levels, these online courses will help Region 9 Head Start teachers, family advocates, and program managers continue their quest for excellence in their service to children and families,” said Ed Condon, executive director of Region 9 Head Start Association.
All courses can be completed online 24-7 from any computer or mobile device. Courses will be offered in multiple formats to best meet professionals' varied learning needs and preferences.
Early childhood professionals are invited to browse the Continued library—including future Region 9 Head Start partnership courses—at https://www.continued.com/early-childhood-education/. Region 9 Head Start member and affiliate organizations can access exclusive benefits by contacting Ed Condon at econdon@region9hsa.org.
About Continued
Continued is a leading provider of online continuing education. Our mission is to provide an unparalleled learning experience that enhances the lives and careers of those we serve. We offer quality, affordable online continuing education resources to a broad range of licensed, certified professionals in the fields of audiology, speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and early childhood education. As a 100% virtual workplace, Continued’s nearly 100 employees bring talent, expertise, and dedication to the company’s mission without geographic constraints.
About Region 9 Head Start
Region 9 Head Start Association provides assistance to Head Start programs in Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, and the Pacific Region, which serve more than 130,000 children and their families. Head Start improves the lives of low-income children by providing family-focused child development and school-readiness services including education, health, nutrition, and mental health. More information available at region9hsa.org.