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Fall 2024 Semester 
August 26 - December 13 

Fall 2024 Registration

Registration for the Fall 2024 semester is open. Registration will remain open through August 9, 2024. Anyone registering after August 9 cannot be guaranteed a place in the fall semester. Anyone making payment after August 9 must pay an additional $5.00 late fee. The availability of classes is affected by registration, so please do not delay. All classes will begin the week of August 26, 2024. 
 

About Us

The West Virginia Apprenticeship for Child Development Specialist (ACDS) registered apprenticeship program is a partnership between the United States Department of Labor, River Valley Child Development Services (RVCDS) and early childcare programs throughout the state. The WV DHHR/BCF/Early Care and Education Division is the main source of funding for the program. The ACDS program is designed as a blend of classroom instruction and work experience. 
 

The ACDS program consists of four semesters; each 15 weeks long and between 3200 and 4000 work experience hours. Classes are one night a week and are offered statewide. There is a registration fee of $25.00 per semester to participate. Students of the ACDS program must be employed in the field of early childhood education (birth – 12) and working directly with children for a minimum of 20 hours a week. 

 

The ACDS program began offering virtual classes as a permanent part of the delivery method in the Fall 2021 semester. There is one virtual class offered for each of the four semesters. Priority for the virtual classes goes to counties/county clusters that do not offer in-person classes. If spots are available in the classes after the registration deadline, then other students will be accepted based upon the date of their request and registration completion. 
 

Program Participants Include: 
 

  • Child Care 

  • Head Start

  • Family child care

  • Home visitation

  • Public school 

  • After school programs

  • Private preschool

Doing Homework

 “I loved ACDS and I am happy to have completed. 

I will recommend ACDS to anyone that wants to work with young children.” 

~ Anonymous Student

 611 Seventh Avenue, Suite 208 • Huntington, WV 25701 • Phone: (304) 523-0433 - (866) WVAACDS

This program is being presented with financial assistance as a grant from the West Virginia Department of Human Services and is administered by West Virginia Early Childhood Training Connections and Resources, a program of River Valley Child Development Services. The program is in collaboration with the United States Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship. 

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