Santa Clara CARES 2.0 transitioned to a new program, CARES Plus, on July 1, 2011. Developed by First 5 California, CARES Plus is a statewide professional development program for early educators to improve the quality of early learning programs by focusing on increasing the quality, effectiveness, and retention of early educators. Its main objectives are to improve both the quality of early learning programs, and ultimately, improve young children’s learning and developmental outcomes.
The requirements in Santa Clara CARES Plus are similar to CARES 2.0, but stipend eligibility requirements differ from those of all previous Santa Clara CARES programs. Most notably, new options for earning a stipend are offered in addition to, or instead of, completing college coursework.
New requirements include completing online training in the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) and a one-hour online training on the dangers of second-hand smoke during the program year. Developing and updating a professional development plan at the beginning and end of the program year is also required to earn a stipend.
See the CARES Plus Program Summary (English) or (Spanish) for detailed information on CARES Plus.
Training Component Option for CARES Plus: Click the following links for schedules and registration details of CDE-certified trainings. To register or if you have questions, please work directly with the contacts listed on the fliers.
California Child Development Permit Assistance: The E3 Institute is offering California Child Development Permit application assistance for CARES Plus participants. For more information, click here Child Development Permit Assistance 2011-12.
Translation and Evaluation of International Education Documents: The E3 Institute is offering translation and evaluation of international education documents for CARES Plus participants. For more information, click here International Education Translation and Evaluation Services.
Santa Clara CARES Plus is funded by First 5 California, FIRST 5 Santa Clara County, and the California Department of Education-Child Development Division, and is operated by the WestEd E3 Institute.
