Family Child Care and Online Learning
Submitted by: Diane Mitchell, Online Learning Facilitator and Content Specialist

The Canadian Child Care Federation completed its very first family child care training, online learning field test in April 2004.

Nothing is more empowering than allowing people to have a voice and share ideas. Earlier this year I was lucky enough to be part of a new voice when the Canadian Child Care Federation field tested online training for Family Child Care Providers. The online Family Child Care Training allowed providers from all parts of Canada to train together. Before we started I wondered if facilitating training online would leave the providers with the same feeling of connectedness and loss of isolation that I had seen in the classroom setting. Online, we were able to speak to each other through audio conferencing, and use chat rooms and emails to communicate. Once again providers proved that if they are given the ability to connect and share ideas they will use it. The 14 providers that completed the pilot spent many nights online chatting until midnight! After only one week the participants started to open up and speak freely to each other, which built a real sense of community. It is amazing how providers in Newfoundland have or are experiencing the same difficulties, concerns and happy experiences as the providers in the Yukon.

In order to facilitate the relationship building we used a variety of methods including a small group project. In order to complete the small group project, providers had to connect with each other, so they could discuss the information they had collected and organize the information so it could be posted on the discussion page. We also quickly determined that they small groups needed more time to work on their projects due to differences in time zones, hours that the providers worked and family commitments. All of the projects showed the wealth of information and experiences that the providers have and when this information is shared with each other it can be really powerful. Some of the information shared was about starting provider networks, how to deal with various behaviours in children and how the providers can make a difference in their communities by sitting on key committees that make decisions about child care issues. The online learning also re-energized the providers by providing them with new ideas for snacks and meals, crafts, age appropriate developmental activities and new ways to setup the environment in their Family Child Care Home.

All of the benefits of online training that I have spoken about are in addition to the benefits of the solid, practical information that is included in the Family Child Care Training modules. I must admit that I was sad to see the field test end and felt a little lost not connecting with the providers on a daily/weekly basis. I encourage everyone to try online training, you do not have to be a computer expert or have the newest computer to be involved. When I started I did not know how to do anything more than use my email and search the web, part of the fun was learning how to use new software.

Note: The CCCF is seeking partners and funding to develop a complete e-learning training program based on the Family Child Care Training Program.

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