Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Professional Development Advisor Questions

1. How do I contact a Professional Development Advisor?
   Call 888 548.8080 or contact us via our online form. Once you call, the Professional Development staff will work with you to find a PDA that meets your needs and is in your area as best they can. When a good match is made the Professional Development Staff will give that PDA your name and number. They should call you within 48 hours. The Professional Development staff will follow up with the contact to be sure everything went well.
   
   
2. I’m already in the field of early care and education, can a Professional Development Advisor help me?
   Yes.  A PDA can help with planning professional development with the position you currently have or even help with changing your current position to another area of early care and education.
   
   
3. Does it cost to talk with a Professional Development Advisor?
   No.  Professional Development Advisor’s services are free of charge to anyone !
   
   
4. Will I be able to meet with a Professional Development Advisor face to face?
   Yes.  Professional Development Advisors are available to meet face to face in most cases. In some areas of the state it will be more difficult to do this with every meeting. Phone contact and e-mail or other electronic media are frequent means of keeping in touch as well.
   
   
5. I want to teach in a public school. Can a Professional Development Advisor help me?
   Yes.  PDAs know the various requirements for 04 Certification in Illinois. They are also familiar with some of the University Programs at both public and private schools that offer such programs. Read more: Frequently Asked Questions about Professional Development: Type 04 (Early Childhood) Teacher Certification
   
   
6. Can a Professional Development Advisor help me open my own childcare in my home?
   No.  Your local Child Care Resource and Referral Agency can help you with those requirements and procedures.