The Program for Infant/Toddler Caregivers (PITC) conducts Module Training Institutes on four major content areas, which are offered to educators, program managers, and other professionals responsible for training caregivers. These intensive sessions help trainers deepen their understanding of each module's content and acquire skills in the integrated presentation of the concepts in the PITC videos and guides.

All four training modules are offered to Early Head Start staff once each year (Modules I and II during one week-long intensive and Modules III and IV during a second week-long intensive) through WestEd, a collaborative partner with ZERO TO THREE in its operation of the EHS NRC. Early Head Start programs are invited to send representatives to participate in the training and the EHS NRC will cover the cost of the training and materials (EHS staff are responsible for room and board and their travel expenses). Enrollment is limited and priority is given to individuals who need to complete the series.

Training activities include workshops and seminars with leading experts in infant development and care and faculty from the California Department of Education Child Development Division and WestEd Center for Child and Family Studies. In addition to covering one of the major content areas, each Module Training Institute focuses on adult learning and teaching strategies. Upon completing the certification requirements, participants receive a certificate of completion from WestEd and the California Department of Education that recognizes them as trainers for the specific module in which they receive training.

The PITC Web site offers additional resources, publications, model programs, and a database of PITC certified graduates. For more information on the training intensives available for EHS grantees, please contact Veronica Rodriguez at vrodrig@wested.org.