What format courses offered?
Each Early Start Online course is offered in an asynchronous, self-paced format without facilitation.
How long is each course?
Open Access courses are self-paced and are not on a schedule. However, if you don’t complete the course within 90 days, you will be unenrolled.
How often are courses offered?
Open Access courses are offered year-round and can be started at any time.
How much time will each participant need to commit to participation?
Approximately two hours per lesson. This is an estimate and, of course, each individual’s experience will be unique. Participants may access lesson activities at their convenience.
What is a lesson like?
Open Access lessons contain captioned presentations, and the assignments are a self-graded quiz and a video discussion that must be completed before moving to the next lesson. This chart provides an overview of course content and completion requirements.
What if I miss a lesson or a deadline?
Open Access courses have no deadlines, so long as the course is completed within 90 days from enrolling in it. Lessons must be completed in order.
How do I drop a course?
Simply complete a Help Ticket and inform course management that you would like to drop the course.
Is there a test?
There are Pre-and Post-Course Quizzes. The quizzes are intended to provide information about the effectiveness of content delivery—not individual participant performance. Participants must complete the lesson quizzes to have completed the course and to receive a certificate of completion.
What equipment is needed to participate?
Individuals need a computer with an Internet connection.
What software is needed to participate?
No specific software is needed as most content plays within the learning management system. Some agency computers or Internet networks may require agency technology support to adjust security protocols for access.
How much does participation cost?
There is no cost to California residents to register or participate in Early Start Online courses. California residents are given priority for registration.
Are continuing education units available?
Yes. Please see the Continuing Education Units page under the heading Early Start Institute for more information.