Caring for Children - Birth to 3 Years (FCCPC)

Career Certificate Program (Program Code: 5390)

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Shape early development and education for infants and toddlers.

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Program Overview

Become a dedicated childcare professional and nurture the growth of children between the ages of birth and three years old. Palm Beach State College's Caring For Children – Birth To 3 Years Old program prepares you to obtain the Florida Child Care Professional Credential (FCCPC). This PBSC Career Certificate Program (CCP) blends work experience, training and formal instruction to build your expertise in early childhood care. 

You'll learn effective teaching strategies and assessment techniques that are useful in curating nurturing environments that support children's social, emotional and physical needs. The program also emphasizes the role of healthy family relationships, nutrition and education programs in early childhood development. 

As you build your skills, you'll be ready to pursue the National Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential or continue your education at Palm Beach State College.

Program Details

  • Admission requirements: 
    • High school diploma or GED
    • Employed in a licensed child care setting or family child care home working with children
    • 40-Hour Introductory Child Care Training or 30-Hour Family Child Care Training
    • Refer to Course Catalog for full requirements 
  • Location: Live Online
  • Clock Hours: 120 (plus 480 hours of work experience)
  • Program Length: One semester
  • Cost: About $403 for Florida residents, plus additional fees and course materials. View tuition details.
  • Financial aid and scholarships: Apply to the SEEK and TEACH scholarships or explore other financial aid options.

program-icon  This program is part of the Education, Human Services, Social & Behavioral Science Pathway. Learn More.

Career Outlook

This program serves as a pathway to credentials that prepare you to make a difference in licensed child care facilities working with children. You'll garner the expertise to build programs and create environments that champion the growth and development for children in this transitional age group. With further education and advanced credentials, you can progress into higher-paying roles, such as a day care director. 

Stackable Credentials

With this certificate, you can:

  • Transfer credits seamlessly to PBSC's Associate in Science in Early Childhood Education.
  • Obtain the Florida Child Care Professional Credential (FCCPC) Birth Through Five Staff Credential from the Florida Department of Children and Families.
  • Prepare for the National Child Development Associate (CDA) credential.

Why Choose PBSC?

  • Affordable Tuition: PBSC offers some of the lowest tuition rates in Florida, making a early childhood care education accessible to all.
  • Career-Ready Mindset: Learn from expert faculty and graduate with the skills employers need in today's child care.
  • Supportive Community: Access internships, industry networking and daily interaction with faculty dedicated to your success.

How to Apply

Take the Next Steps

Palm Beach State College's Caring For Children – Birth To 3 Years Old (FCCPC) program is your affordable, flexible and direct route to a rewarding career in a field that's shaping the future. Start your journey today!

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