Online Infant & Toddler Group Care Course
This course focuses on the PITC approach to infant/toddler care and addresses how to support health social-emotional development and learning in group care settings and includes academic credit.
19 weeks
English and Spanish
About this Course
The PITC Online Infant/Toddler Group Care Course is an asynchronous online course which means that there are no required 'live' class meetings. This online course runs for 19 weeks in total and students have access to the course at any time of the day or night; 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to complete the coursework.
Course topics include an exploration of different temperament tendencies; stages of social-emotional development; self-esteem, security, and social competence; socialization and guidance; and program policies that best support healthy social-emotional development, learning, culture, and families. The course also covers early brain development and learning; discoveries of infancy; culture; partnerships with families; and best practices for inclusive care.
This online course is available for academic credit through California State University Fresno. There is coursework due each week which includes the completion of readings, posting to discussions, quizzes, assignments, and job-embedded practice. It is the students responsibility to complete and submit the assigned weekly coursework and ensure that they stay current in the course.
There is an opportunity (not required) to join five live, virtual Zoom meetings, with the instructors and fellow students. These optional Zoom meetings are held on weeknight evenings with extra credit points available for attendance.
The online platform used for this course is CANVAS and students must have regular access to a computer with internet connection.
Upcoming Courses:
- January 20, 2026 - May 31, 2026: Now accepting applications.
- May 4, 2026 - September 13, 2026
- September 14, 2026 - January 31, 2027 Curso en Español
***Agencies/organizations may request additional courses for large groups of students. Additional coaching can be provided upon arrangement. Please contact us for further information.
Fees for Participating in the PITC Online Course
Includes all course materials, required readings, 24/7 access to the online course, and enrollment fees for three units of academic credit. Enrollment fees are non-refundable even in the case of drop or withdrawal from the course.
- California participants working in a group care setting 20+ hours/week with children 0-36 months: $225.00**
- All other participants: $975.00
**Verification of California residency will be required prior to enrollment.
Learning Outcomes
This course will enable students to:
- Increase knowledge and understanding of infant and toddler social-emotional, language, cognitive, and perceptual and motor development.
- Gain skills and knowledge to meet the individual needs of infants and toddlers in group care settings.
- Develop skills to provide more inclusive care for all children and families.
- Enhance understanding of how infants and toddler learn and ways to facilitate their learning
- Learn about the importance of culture and family in the development of the young child.
Participants who successfully complete the course will be eligible for three units through California State University, Fresno. Completion of the course may be used toward California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) Professional Growth Hours and QIS requirements.
Note. The PITC Online Infant/Toddler Gropu Care Course is not the PITC Trainer Institue and does not qualify participants to obtain PITC Trainer certification.
Who Should Enroll?
Professionals working in an infant and toddler child care environment are the intended audience for this course. Priority is given to those professionals currently caring for infants and toddlers in group care settings. This can include:
- Family Child Care Owners, Operators, and Assistance
- Family Friend and Neighbor and In-Home Care Providers
- Center Based Infant Care Educators, Directors, Site Supervisors, and Education Managers
Upcoming Event
Online PITC Infant & Toddler Group Care Course - English Language
Our Funding Partner
What people are saying...
"I gained invaluable insights and am eager to apply everything I learned in my role as both a caregiver and teacher. The class was clear, focused, and easy to follow, and I truly enjoyed reading my classmates ideas and shared experiences. It was enlightening to see their unique perspectives on various topics."