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Foundational Training

Each VLS Foundational Track includes 15 courses aligned with CDA functional areas and the professional standards of NAEYC, NAFCC, and CYD‑AYD for child and youth care roles. These courses prepare direct care staff and program leaders with core competencies essential for both center‑ and home‑based settings. Foundational course topics include:

  • Safe Environments
  • Healthy Environments
  • Learning Environments
  • Physical Development
  • Communication & Language Development
  • Cognitive Development
  • Creative Expression
  • Self & Cultural Understanding
  • Social Emotional Development
  • Positive Guidance
  • Family Engagement
  • Program Management
  • Professionalism
  • Child Abuse Prevention
  • Child Abuse Identification & Reporting

Center-Based, Direct-Care Professionals

Infant Toddler

Birth - 3 years

Preschool

3 - 5 years

School-Age

5 - 12 years

Youth

12 - 18 years

Home-Based Professionals

Family Child Care

Birth - 12 years

Specialized Training

VLS professional development offerings include focused, targeted content tailored to a wide range of roles, program settings, and training requirements.

Specialized courses that deepen knowledge on complex subjects and build on foundational training to better support all children, families, and role-specific needs.
Brief, research-informed modules (0.5–1.5 hours) that meet annual requirements and support role-specific professional growth.
Hour-long recorded webinars for program leaders focused on strengthening leadership practices on key topics.
Practical training, tools, and resources that aid implementation of high-quality, evidence-informed child and youth practices.

Additional Tools, Resources, & Supports

Additional evidence-informed resources from the VLS and partner programs that support child and youth professionals.

Activities, resources, and tools to support professionals preparing for a Child Development Associate Credential.
Early Learning Matters Curriculum developed by Purdue University.
Menus and recipes to support food service staff and healthy meals in Child and Youth Programs.