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Important Message to our Childcare Providers:
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We are here for you! You will continue to receive email updates as we have new information. We are providing all training virtually for ELC classes. Those of you in the CDA training can continue through virtual training session.
As many of you continue providing childcare to those in need, please know how much we appreciate your service and commitment.
We continue wishing you good health and well being for each of you and your families.
For Childcare Providers
Become a better-rated, better-trained, better-paid childcare provider today!
From helping you as an individual childcare provider receive more trainings to guiding your childcare center through the Great Start to Quality rating system, Leaps & Bounds is here.
Early Learning Communities (ELC)
Early Learning Communities (ELC) provides an ongoing quality improvement program for early care and
education providers and caregivers delivered through Neighborhood Training Sites throughout the
counties of Wayne, Macomb and Oakland and supported by a Regional Resource Center. Leaps and
Bounds Family Services provides training in a variety of locations in Macomb and Wayne counties and
the city of Detroit.
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Services include:​
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Training for child care licensing is available for all providers including registered relative and friend providers, licensed family and home providers and those working in childcare centers
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A free lending library of books, educational materials and a laminating machine is available at the Warren site. This is available for ALL providers
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Over 30 training sessions are offered monthly
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All Trainings use Instructional design and all trainers are approved by the state’s registry and participate in ongoing professional development
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These trainings take place virtually through Zoom, as our 4 physical training locations are currently closed through-out the COVID 19 pandemic.
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If you'd like to attend a training (or several!), please call 313-402-0802 or register below:
Childcare Development Associate (CDA)
The Child Development Associate credential (CDA) is the most widely recognized credential in early childhood education and is a key stepping stone on the path of career advancement. Leaps & Bounds Family Services has received the Gold Standard from the Council of Professional Recognition. “The CDA is the next step in professional development for all childcare providers, and we are pleased to have received this special endorsement of our work,” says Denise Dorsz, executive director, Leaps and Bounds. This recognition from the Council underscores our efforts in ensuring the best professionals are available to families seeking the best childcare resources for their children.”
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Criteria that must be met in earning the CDA Gold Standard includes successful demonstration of three
of the Council’s industry-leading principles of:
1. Alignment with the CDA formal education coursework in eight subject areas.
2. Sound business policies and practices.
3. Quality student services that meet their educational and professional needs.
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Our CDA trainings are done virtually using Zoom and Google Classroom. In Fiscal Year 2021, Leaps and Bounds offered CDA training and CDA renewal training for national certification to 42 learning cohorts
Quality Improvement Services
Great Start to Quality Orientation and STAR Rating Assistance
Leaps & Bounds provides quality improvement services to childcare providers, and is a registered provider of Great Start to Quality's Resource Centers and Orientation. We are here to help your center navigate the Great Start to Quality and STAR rating system.
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Great Start to Quality is Michigan's quality rating and improvement system that supports programs and providers in their efforts to provide high-qualify care while helping families find and choose quality programs that meet their children's needs.
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There are numerous benefits to connecting your center to Great Start to Quality, including:
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Quality improvements supports including coaching, consultation, training, professional development and workforce development;
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A profile that can be personalized and used for marketing to show your program's success;
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Providing an unbiased assessment of care provided;
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Having a consistent set of program quality indicators to measure quality; and,
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Access to a local Great Start to Quality Resource Center (that's us @ Leaps & Bounds!) with a lending library that has books, CDs and other learning materials