At Jelly Bean Junction, we believe in nurturing not only children, but also the educators who care for them every day. That’s why we’re excited to announce the launch of our new Childcare Professional Development Program—a meaningful investment in your continued growth as an early childhood educator.
This program reflects our commitment to being more than just a high-quality childcare center. We want to be a place where teachers are supported, empowered, and encouraged to reach their full potential. When teachers grow, everyone benefits—especially the children we serve.
What is the Childcare Professional Development Program?
The Childcare Professional Development Program is a yearly benefit offered to all eligible employees at Jelly Bean Junction. It provides up to $200 per calendar year to be used toward approved training, certifications, or exams that enhance your professional skills and knowledge in early childhood education.
Covered expenses may include:
-
Registration or tuition fees for relevant courses
-
Certification or exam fees (such as CDA or state-required credentials)
-
Books or training materials
-
Professional development workshops, seminars, or online classes
All trainings must be directly related to your role in the classroom or within the childcare field and must be pre-approved by management.
Why Professional Development Matters
We recognize that early childhood education is an evolving field. New research, tools, and best practices emerge every year. Through this program, we want to ensure our team has access to high-quality learning opportunities that help you stay current, sharpen your skills, and grow as professionals.
Research from trusted organizations like NAEYC shows that effective professional development can improve teacher satisfaction, classroom quality, and child outcomes. It’s not just about credentials—it’s about making meaningful improvements in the work you do every day.
Whether you’re working toward a formal credential, exploring new strategies for behavior management, or deepening your understanding of early childhood development, we want to support your efforts.
How It Works
Participating in the program is easy. Here’s how to get started:
-
Identify a training, course, or exam you’re interested in that supports your role and professional goals.
-
Submit a request to the Director for review and approval before enrolling.
-
Sign a Childcare Professional Development agreement that outlines:
-
The name of the training or exam
-
Estimated costs (up to $200 per calendar year)
-
Your agreement to remain with Jelly Bean Junction for six months after completion
-
-
Once approved, you can register and begin your training. After completion, provide proof of participation and receipts to receive reimbursement or direct payment from the school.
Six-Month Commitment
To ensure a mutual return on investment, participating employees agree to stay employed at Jelly Bean Junction for at least six months following the completion of their training.
If an employee voluntarily resigns or is terminated for cause before the six-month period is complete, the cost of the training may be deducted from their final paycheck. If the paycheck does not cover the full amount, the employee agrees to repay the balance within 30 days.
Supporting Your Journey
We’re committed to building a culture where learning is ongoing, and support is always available. In addition to financial assistance, we’re working to create an environment where teachers have access to mentorship, shared resources, and collaborative learning opportunities throughout the year.
Our goal is simple: to empower you to be the best educator you can be, and to build a workplace where your professional dreams are supported and respected.
Let’s Grow Together
We’re proud to offer this program as a way to say thank you—for your passion, your dedication, and your care. We know your work is not easy, but it’s incredibly important. This is one small way we can invest in your journey as an educator.
To learn more or submit a request, please speak with the Director. We can’t wait to see how you grow!
Useful Links:
Childcare Professional Development Agreement