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Fall 2023
August - December

Spring 2024
January - May 

Spring 2024 Registration

Registration is now open for the Spring 2024 semester. Registration will run November 1, 2023 through January 12, 2024. The Spring 2024 semester will start the week of January 29, 2024 and run through the week of May 5, 2024.  Remember, to register you must take the orientation that corresponds to the semester you are entering and submit the $25.00 registration fee to ACDS. A $5.00 late fee will be charged to anyone submitting payment after the registration deadline date. 
 

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

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