All teachers complete an annual self-assessment based on Colorado’s competencies for Early Childhood Educators and Administrators.

Each teacher has an annual Individual Professional Development Plan to guide participation in ongoing professional development activities. Each teacher must take ten on-line level 2 courses, each of which is one clock hour long.

Teachers are registered in the Colorado Shines Professional Development and Information System (PDIS) and take courses that are offered there.

GVI supports teacher’s participation in Colorado’s T.E.A.C.H. (Teacher Education and Compensation Helps) Scholarship program.

Selected staff members attend the annual Rocky Mountain Early Childhood Conference each year.

Centers provide 15 clock hours of training each year as required on topics such as child growth and development, healthy and safe environment, developmentally appropriate practices, guidance, family relationships, cultural and individual diversity, and professionalism. These also include universal precautions, CPR, First Aid, medication administration, etc.

Staff can participate in courses offered by Care Courses (see http://www.carecourses.com/PublicPages/States_Colorado.aspx)

Centers utilized external credentialed coaches and consultants of 3 to 8 hours a year in each classroom to strengthen all aspects of the program.

GVI Centers utilize county-based Early Childhood Councils for coaches, consultants, and trainers.

There is on-going training in Voices and the HighScope® Curriculum.