Professional Development Opportunities for Early Educators and Providers

Early Education professionals have many options for professional development, training and technical assistance in San Mateo County. The County Office of Education, the Child Care Coordinating Council and California Early Childhood Online provide current, research-informed professional learning.

San Mateo County Office of Education (SMCOE)

San Mateo County of Education offers virtual and in-person professional development opportunities throughout the year. Most professional development training is offered at no, or low cost if participants follow our 2023-2024 professional development policies (English, Spanish). Online registration and a valid California Workforce Registry identification number are required to participate.

New professional development offerings may be added throughout the year. Please check back often to see what is new and subscribe to our mailing list for updates (English, Spanish).

Please note:

  • Location: Some trainings will be offered virtually while others will be in-person.
  • Registration: Advanced online registration is required for all trainings. Please note, all trainings dates and times are subject to change.

Professional Development Offerings Provided by Our Partners

  • The Child Care Coordinating Council (4Cs) - The Child Care Coordinating Council also offers professional development for center-based child care and family child care providers. Visit the 4Cs monthly calendar page for a list of their upcoming professional development offerings or contact the 4Cs at info@sanmateo4cs.org to subscribe to their mailing list.

  • California Early Care and Education Workforce Registry - The California ECE Workforce Registry is a state, regional and local collaboration designed to track and promote the education, training and experience of the early care and education workforce for the purpose of improving professionalism and workforce quality to positively impact children. ECE Workforce Registry Training Calendar.

  • California Early Childhood Online (CECO) - The California Early Childhood Online (CECO) is an online learning portal hosted by the California Department of Education. Early Education professionals can access training on a variety of topics, including teaching children with special needs and inclusion in early childhood classrooms.

Professional Development Stipends for Early Education Professionals

The goal of the program is to support early learning and care (ELC) professionals, including both those who work in center-based and home-based settings, as they advance along career pathways through degree and Child Development Permit attainment, and build their skills through continuous professional growth and development activities. By providing stipends, the ELC Career Development Initiative seeks to incentivize ongoing, intentional professional growth, and to reward professionals who stay in the field of ELC.

SMCOE works in close partnership with the San Mateo County Child Care Partnership Council, San Mateo County Community College District, the Child Care Coordinating Council, First 5 San Mateo County, and other local partners to leverage workforce development supports.

ELC professionals, who work in eligible programs for at least 15 hours a week with children ages 0-12, are eligible for stipends in the following areas: College Coursework (including completion of units and meeting Educational Milestones), Trainings (including stipends for 10+ hours of professional growth activities).

For more information about stipends contact elss@smcoe.org.

Early Learning Support Services