Professional development hour requirements vary by role and participation in Step Up To Quality (SUTQ).  DCY requires a minimum of 6 hours of approved professional development each year.  Educators in SUTQ-rated programs are required to complete a minimum of 10 hours, while administrators are required to complete up to 15 hours each year.

For center educators needing 10 hours of training, we find it beneficial to schedule two professional development days throughout the year. This approach allows teams to meet hour requirements without fatigue, deepen learning across multiple topics, and create space for meaningful application and reflection — all while staying compliant with SUTQ expectations.

A full Professional Development Day allows programs to complete a significant portion of their required annual training hours in one experience.  This helps reduce the need for multiple trainings spread across evenings, weekends, or nap times throughout the year.

Typically, there will be at least 6 to 7 hours of training.  However, the number of hours your staff will receive depends on the number of trainings you schedule.

SUTQ educators are required to earn a minimum of 10 professional development hours annually and may find two separate PD days helpful to fulfill this requirement.

Cancellation, Refund & Rescheduling Policy

We understand that plans change, and we aim to work with centers in a way that is respectful, clear, and fair to everyone involved.

Deposits & Payments

• A 50% non-refundable deposit is required to secure your training date.

• This deposit covers preparation time, planning, customization, and scheduling and confirms your place on our calendar.

• The remaining balance is due two weeks prior to the scheduled training date.

Cancellations

• Cancellations made more than 14 days prior to the training date will forfeit the deposit but will not require additional payment.

• Cancellations made within 14 days of the training date are subject to full payment, as significant preparation and scheduling commitments have already been made.

Rescheduling

• We are happy to offer one complimentary reschedule if requested at least 14 days in advance, subject to availability.

• Rescheduling requests made within 14 days of the training date may incur a rescheduling fee.

• Additional reschedule requests may require a new deposit.

No-Shows

• Trainings canceled on the day of the event or where the facilitator is unable to deliver due to center unavailability are considered a no-show and are not eligible for refund or reschedule.

Our Commitment

If an emergency arises on our end that prevents the training from taking place as scheduled, we will work with you promptly to reschedule or issue an appropriate refund.

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Why This Policy Exists

This policy allows us to deliver high-quality, thoughtful professional development while honoring the time, energy, and preparation required to create a meaningful experience for your team. Thank you for understanding and valuing this shared commitment.

Topics are intentionally selected to support real classroom needs and educator well-being.  These may include classroom management, social-emotional development, communication with families, strengthening routines, and sustaining passion in teaching.  Your Professional Development Day is designed to be practical, relevant, and immediately applicable.

Yes. All of our Professional Development Days are delivered on-site at your center or at another mutually agreed-upon location.  On-site experiences allow your entire team to learn together in the same space, building shared understanding, alignment, and connection.

No. Full-day experiences are thoughtfully paced with breaks, reflection, discussion, and interactive learning. The goal is to support and energize educators—not overload them—so they leave feeling confident, equipped, and encouraged.

Professional Development Days strengthen teaching quality, improve consistency across classrooms, support staff morale, and reduce burnout. Programs often see improved retention, stronger team culture, and increased confidence from families who value high-quality, well-supported educators.

Families respond well when they understand that Professional Development Days are an investment in quality. Sharing how the training supports teachers, strengthens classrooms, and benefits children helps build trust and reinforces your commitment to excellence.