Blackstone Career Institute

Child Care Provider

Online Campus
Allentown, PA
Diploma
Child Care Provider
Accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) and the Middle States Association on Secondary Schools (MSA).
Blackstone delivers this self-paced independent study program online.
$1,064
The program contains 765 clock hours across 17 lessons and can be completed in 4–18 months.
No separate application fee is published; the enrollment price includes a $150.00 registration fee.
Blackstone does not participate in federal financial aid; interest-free payment plans and a WIOA program option are published.

Child Care Provider is a Diploma program (100% Online) offered by Blackstone Career Institute in Allentown, PA. The program takes 4–18 months to complete, with a total tuition of $1,064.

Program Overview

The Child Care Provider Program discusses the fundamentals of early childhood education, the child care profession, and developmentally appropriate practices for dealing with children from infancy through school age. The program also provides instruction on office technology, English usage and written communication, time and stress management, management theory, critical thinking skills, and interpersonal communications. The program prepares graduates for entry-level employment as a Child Care Provider worker and provides guidance for starting a child care program. After coursework completion and 480 hours of work experience, Blackstone graduates are eligible to sit for the Child Development Associate® (CDA), administered by the Council for Professional Recognition. Certification will help you meet employer requirements, access better career opportunities, and maximize earning potential.

Program Outcomes

  • Identify common learning strategies
  • Demonstrate knowledge of guidelines for grammar, punctuation, and written correspon-dence
  • Describe how computers, internet and electronic communication impact the workplace today
  • Describe the developmental milestones of infants and children
  • Create a safe and healthful environment for infants and children
  • Create a variety of learning experiences for children using all of the senses
  • Work with parents and other community resources to plan engaging curriculum
  • Guide children through daily routines
  • Develop effective oral communication skills
  • Develop critical thinking skills
  • Apply time mastery and productivity skills in professional and personal settings
  • Plan for the start-up and maintenance of a child care program business
  • Discuss the principles of effective management
  • Compose effective resumes and cover letters
  • Consider ways to proactively search for work as a child care worker

Admission Requirements and Process

Students enrolled in online programs must have access to a compatible computer or laptop with reliable internet access and possess the basic computer skills necessary to navigate Blackstone's learning management system (LMS), access course materials, complete assignments, and communicate with the Institute.

Complete BCI's Enrollment Agreement for admission. The agreement outlines the obligations of Blackstone and the student. The required down payment must be submitted at time of enrollment.

Submit information on high school completion. All students are required to have a High School Diploma or GED Equivalency Certificate to enroll in a Blackstone program. Physical or electronic evidence of this credential must be submitted to the school.

Once Blackstone has received and reviewed the agreement, the accepted applicant will receive a welcome letter with instructions on how to begin their course.

New students must complete a Reading Assessment as a first step in their career program. Students who receive a 69% or lower are eligible for one retest.

General Requirements

  • Complete BCI's Enrollment Agreement and submit the required down payment.
  • Submit information and evidence of a high school diploma or GED Equivalency Certificate.
  • Have a compatible computer or laptop, reliable internet access, and basic computer skills.
  • Complete the Reading Assessment after acceptance with a grade of 70% or above; one retest is available.

Application Process

  1. 1
    Submit Application
    Complete the online application form with your personal information and educational background.
    Apply Now
  2. 2
    Submit Transcripts
    Provide official high school transcripts or GED certificate. Some programs may require additional documentation.
  3. 3
    Financial Aid
    Complete the FAFSA to determine eligibility for federal financial aid. Meet with a financial aid advisor to review your options.
    Complete FAFSA Application
  4. 4
    Enrollment
    Once accepted, complete enrollment paperwork, register for classes, and attend orientation.

Program Schedule

BCI's enrollment model is an open-enrollment track meaning students can enroll in courses at any time with no wait for a start date. The learning model is self-paced within certain maximum time limits per course.

Career Diploma programs can be completed within four (4) months; students are permitted up to eighteen (18) months from date of enrollment to complete their program. Students may request two (2) 6-month extensions for a nominal fee.

Curriculum

Unit I: Blackstone’s Skills for Success

  • Chapter 1: Discover How You Learn
  • Chapter 2: Find a Place to Study
  • Chapter 3: Learn How to Study

Unit II: English Usage and Written Communication

  • Chapter 1: Parts of Speech
  • Chapter 2: Parts of a Sentence
  • Chapter 3: Pronouns, Verbs, and Agreement
  • Chapter 4: Sentence Types and Punctuation

Unit III: Introduction to Computers, the Internet and Electronic Communication

  • Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers
  • Chapter 2: The Internet
  • Chapter 3: Electronic Communication

Unit IV: Time & Stress Management

  • Chapter 1: LifeTime Patterns (Values)
  • Chapter 2: The Power of LifeTime Habits
  • Chapter 3: Goals, Objectives, and Outcomes
  • Chapter 4: Choosing Your Priorities
  • Chapter 5: Planning and Scheduling Activities
  • Chapter 6: Interruptions, the #1 TimeThief
  • Chapter 7: TimeLogs
  • Chapter 8: TimeTips
  • Chapter 9: Self-Esteem and Time Managemen
  • Chapter 10: Stress Management

Unit V: Critical Thinking Skills

  • Chapter 1: Introduction to Critical Thinking and the PANIC Method
  • Chapter 2: Inference and Judgment
  • Chapter 3: Metacognition
  • Chapter 4: Forming Strong Conclusions through Predicting
  • Chapter 5: Rhetorical Strategies
  • Chapter 6: Critical Theories
  • Chapter 7: Deductive Reasoning
  • Chapter 8: Emotional Intelligence and Critical Thinking

Unit VI: Child Care Provider1

  • Chapter 1: You: Working with Young Children
  • Chapter 2: Types of Early Childhood Programs
  • Chapter 3: Child Development Principles and Theories
  • Chapter 4: Understanding Children from Birth to Age Two
  • Chapter 5: Understanding Two- and Three- Year-Olds
  • Chapter 6: Understanding Four- and Five-Year- Olds
  • Chapter 7: Understanding Middle Childhood

e

Unit VII: Child Care Provider 2

  • Chapter 8: Preparing the Environment
  • Chapter 9: Selecting Toys, Equipment, and Educational Materials
  • Chapter 10: Promoting Children’s Safety
  • Chapter 11: Planning Nutritious Meals and Snacks
  • Chapter 12: Guiding Children’s Health

Unit VIII: Child Care Provider 3

  • Chapter 13: Developing Guidance Skills

s Chapter 14: Guidance Challenges

  • Chapter 15: Establishing Classroom Limits
  • Chapter 16: Handling Daily Routines

nt Unit IX: Child Care Provider 4

  • Chapter 17: Observing Children: A Tool for Assessment
  • Chapter 18: The Curriculum
  • Chapter 19: Guiding Art, Block Building, and Sensory Experiences
  • Chapter 20: Guiding Storytelling and Language Experiences
  • Chapter 21: Guiding Play and Puppetry Experiences
  • Chapter 22: Guiding Manuscript Writing Experiences

Unit X: Child Care Provider 5

  • Chapter 23: Guiding Mathematical Experiences
  • Chapter 24: Guiding Science and Technology Experiences
  • Chapter 25: Guiding Social Studies Experiences
  • Chapter 26: Guiding Food and Nutrition Experiences
  • Chapter 27: Guiding Music and Movement Experiences
  • Chapter 28: Guiding Field Trip Experiences

Unit XI: Child Care Provider 6

  • Chapter 29: Programs for Infants and Toddlers
  • Chapter 30: Programs for School-Age Children
  • Chapter 31: Guiding Children with Diverse Needs
  • Chapter 32: Engaging Families
  • Chapter 33: Your Career in Early Childhood Education

Unit XII: Starting a Child Care Program 1

  • Chapter 1: The Effective Director
  • Chapter 2: Assessing Community Need and Establishing a Programut
  • Chapter 3: Licensing, Credentialing, and Accreditation
  • Chapter 4: Organizing Program Structure and Working with a Board
  • Chapter 5: Handling Financial Matters

Unit XIII: Starting a Child Care Program 2

  • Chapter 6: Developing a Program Facility
  • Chapter 7: Equipping the Program
  • Chapter 8: Staffing the Program
  • Chapter 9: Recruiting Children
  • Chapter 10: Supporting Quality Curriculum

Unit XIV: Starting a Child Care Program 3

  • Chapter 11: Managing the Food and the Heath and Safety Programs
  • Chapter 12: Leading in Times of Change and Crisis
  • Chapter 13: Working with Families, Volunteers, and the Community
  • Chapter 14: Providing for the Personal and Professional Staff Development
  • Chapter 15: Evaluating Program Components
  • Chapter 16: Marketing the Program

Unit XV: Management Practices & Principles

  • Chapter 1: The Supervisor: Manager and Leader
  • Chapter 2: Effective Communication
  • Chapter 3: Creating a Positive Work Climate
  • Chapter 4: Building Teams and Managing Conflict
  • Chapter 5: Delegation
  • Chapter 6: Developing Job Expectations
  • Chapter 7: Recruiting Employees
  • Chapter 8: Selecting Employees
  • Chapter 9: Orienting and Training Employees
  • Chapter 10: Performance Evaluation
  • Chapter 11: Disciplining Employees

Unit XVI: Interpersonal Communications

  • Chapter 1: Aspects of a Positive Workplace Environment
  • Chapter 2: Communication
  • Chapter 3: Diversity in the Workplace
  • Chapter 4: Team Building

Unit XVII: How to Find a Job in Child Care

  • Chapter 1: Job Search Correspondence
  • Chapter 2: The Job Search
  • Chapter 3: Job Interviews

Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information

Total Program Tuition
≈ $1,064
Total Program Cost
≈ $1,214

Full-payment tuition: $1,064.00

  • Registration fee: $150.00.
  • Full-payment total: $1,214.00.

Blackstone Career Institute offers interest-free monthly payment plans. However, the school does not participate in federal financial aid.

The enrollment payment-plan page also publishes monthly payment plans and a Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program option.

Tuition is $1,064.00; the $1,214.00 full-payment total includes a $150.00 registration fee.

Accreditation

Blackstone Career Institute (BCI) is licensed by the Pennsylvania State Board of Private Licensed Schools.

BCI is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), 1101 17th Street NW, Suite 808, Washington, D.C. 20036, 202.234.5100, https://www.deac.org/. BCI is also accredited by the Middle States Association on Secondary Schools (MSA), St. Leonard's Court 3819-33 Chestnut Street, Suite 310, Philadelphia, PA 19104-3171, 267.284.5000, https://msa-cess.org/.

School Information

Blackstone Career Institute
blackstone.edu
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Online Campus

Online Campus
1011 Brookside Road
Suite 300
Allentown, PA 18106
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Child Care Provider