“Currently more than a dozen states are implementing quality rating system (QRS), which include a workforce education and training component to assess, improve and communicate the level of quality in early care and education settings” (Learning, 2007, p. …show more content…
This will allow the early childcare workers to access professional development and education by way of technology. “The workforce needs a variety of professional development opportunities to meet the rising demand for education and training needs. Providing barrier-free access to education and training, whether it is offered on campus or online, is absolutely vital if the field is to meet new teacher standards. The potential distance learning provides as a method for addressing this need is promising yet uncertain (Learning, 2007, p. 6). Distance learning programs is one delivery mechanism that nontraditional students can benefit from but can but can also deter them from accessing a higher education due to their lack of technology skills. Technology skills are important for all students but as stated in the Exchange Trend Report, “Most childcare professionals, unlike the young children in their care, have come to computers as adult learners and can be resistant to using technology when face-to-face interactions and relationships are at the heart of their work” (Donohue, 2003 p. 17). “Some child care programs are making good use of computers and digital technology, but few are able to take full advantage of technology as a tool. The computers that some programs use were already obsolete when they were donated by parents years ago. More and more centers now have high