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Fall 2023 registration is open June 1 - August 4 

Fall 2023 Registration

The Fall 2023 semester begins the week of August 21, 2023 and runs through December 1, 2023. The registration period for the fall semester opens June 1, 2023 and closes August 4, 2023. All students should complete the registration process by that date. A late fee of $5.00 will be added to any registrations completed after August 4. The links below will help guide you through the registration process. 

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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