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Camp Fire First Texas has been providing quality, early education workforce development for more than 20 years and has guided generations of Early Education Professionals along their unique career pathway. All of our instructors are members of the Texas Trainer Registry (TECPDS), courses are recognized by Texas Child Care Licensing for clock hour training and Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Credit requirements. Most classes and courses Camp Fire offers are approved through several Workforce Commissions.
Camp Fire training content is current, informative and delivered in an engaging way for practical use in your classroom and center right away. Self-reflection and collaborative discussion can help you cultivate excitement for your work and appreciation for the children you serve.
Where are you on your Career Pathway?
Camp Fire is ready to help you take the next step, ask us how.
Early Education Apprenticeship Program *NEW*
The Early Education Apprenticeship Program (EEAP) is an educational and career pathway building program. The first U.S. Department of Labor registered apprenticeship program for early educators in the State of Texas, the EEAP includes paid on-the-job-learning, coupled with educational courses and one-on-one coaching in the classroom from a Camp Fire mentor.
Early Childhood Administrator’s Credential
Early Childhood Management Institute (ECMI) supports the learning and management objectives of child care program directors and owners seeking state director certification. Those who successfully complete the ECMI program are eligible to receive their state-recognized child care administrator’s credential. Camp Fire ECMI graduates have a 99% pass rate on the state-certification exam. The course is offered weekly with rolling topics so you can start at any time.
Ready to renew your director’s credential? See the Administrator’s Credential Renewal details.
Child Development Associate Credential Course
The Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential™ is the most widely recognized credential in early childhood education (ECE). Camp Fire First Texas is THE community leader when it comes to assisting early childhood professionals in receiving the BEST first step in their credentialing process and is an approved course through several workforce commissions for Texas Rising Star programs. Camp Fire repositioned the course curriculum to ensure our students receive the most up-to-date and comprehensive instruction. This a key stepping-stone on the path of career advancement in ECE. The CDA Credential is the most widely recognized credential in early childhood education and can be earned with an endorsement focusing on infants and toddlers, preschoolers or family child care.
Coaching/Mentoring Certificate Course
You can positively impact the work of early education teachers with this advanced-level course. Going beyond instruction and guidance, this 45-hour course focuses on increasing skills to facilitate the professional growth of early childhood teachers through coaching strategies, analyzing assessment data and differentiated instruction, and reflective practices, to name a few. Learn more about the Coaching/Mentoring Course. Limited availability.
Onsite Professional Development
Now offered virtually too!
Camp Fire expert instructors can bring the classroom to you with onsite professional development. You can select from a robust variety of topics to target your learning and quality objectives. Classes begin at 2-hours and can extend to a full-day of interactive learning. We can tailor-make any type of learning experience for any age group ranging from infants to school age. Topics are selected by YOU. See our list of offerings to get started or contact our onsite specialist who can guide you through all the topics available. Let us bring the training to you!
I don’t get stuck because I can always come back to the growth mindset that I learned from Camp Fire…
Jakob D., College Senior; Camp Fire Alum, Former Counselor
My time as a Camp Fire camp counselor is something I’m especially proud of. I learned to never give up, to always keep trying…what I learned from Camp Fire has helped me of live my life with forward momentum. I keep trying to learn new skill sets. I don’t get stuck because I can always come back to the growth mindset that I learned from Camp Fire, and from my elders.
I saw some spark come back to my son, and I am a grateful mama.
Camp Parent
My son had many difficulties in 3rd grade, and he was so defeated by the end of the school year. He wasn’t excited about a new camp, but quickly changed his mind after the first day. He also won a Leadership Award, and for the kid that didn’t win anything all school year, it was so very meaningful. I saw some spark come back to my son, and I am a grateful mama.
