Preschool and child care programs in Florida require staff to have basic education in early childhood, and in many roles, that means earning a DCF-approved Florida staff credential. The Florida Child Care Professional Credential (FCCPC) is one of the most accessible ways to meet that requirement.
The best part? You can earn your FCCPC completely online through CCEI — at no cost to you! The TEACH Florida scholarship program fully funds the FCCPC!
In this post, we’ll break down what the FCCPC is, the Florida FCCPC requirements, and what it takes to earn it. You’ll also learn how to complete the entire program online with CCEI—on your schedule, with expert support, and no out-of-pocket cost if you qualify for TEACH funding.
What Is the FCCPC—and Who Needs It?
The Florida Child Care Professional Credential (FCCPC) is a Department of Children and Families (DCF)-approved credential designed for early childhood educators working with children from birth through age five. It’s one of the pathways Florida recognizes to qualify for a Florida staff credential in licensed child care settings.
The FCCPC is accepted statewide and must be issued by an approved training provider. Once earned, the credential is valid for five years and can be renewed.
*Note: The FCCPC comes in two versions—Birth Through Five and School-Age. This blog focuses on the Birth Through Five FCCPC, which is accepted for roles that require a Florida staff credential, including VPK.
What Are the Florida FCCPC Requirements?
To earn the FCCPC, educators must complete a combination of training, hands-on experience, and professional assessment.
Here’s what the FCCPC requires:
- 120 hours of early childhood education training: Training must cover eight core content areas, including child development, health and safety, classroom management, and family partnerships.
- 480 hours of documented work experience: You’ll need to show at least 480 hours of direct work with children from birth through age five within the last 5 years. At least 80 of these hours must take place while enrolled in your FCCPC program.
- A professional portfolio: Your portfolio will include reflections, documentation of your experience, and samples that demonstrate your understanding of early childhood best practices.
- A formal observation: A trained observer will assess your teaching practices in a real classroom setting to ensure you’re applying what you’ve learned.
- Proof of a high school diploma or GED: This is required before the credential can be issued.
Once completed, your training provider submits documentation to DCF, which issues the FCCPC credential. The credential is valid for five years and must be renewed to stay active.
Earn Your FCCPC with TEACH — 100% Funded!
The TEACH Early Childhood® Florida Scholarship makes it possible to earn your FCCPC at little to no cost. The scholarship covers most tuition and book expenses, provides paid release time while you study, and offers a bonus when you finish. CCEI has partnered with TEACH to offer fully online, flexible FCCPC training.
Here’s how it works: To qualify for the TEACH scholarship, you’ll need support from your your employer. They will contribute a small portion of the tuition cost (typically 10%) and agree to give you paid time during the workweek to complete your training. In return, you’ll commit to staying with your sponsoring center for six months to one year after earning your credential.
Here’s how to apply:
- Enroll in CCEI’s FCCPC Program: Sign up directly on CCEI’s TEACH landing page. You’ll receive a confirmation email and your CCEI order number. Enroll now →
- Apply for the TEACH Scholarship: Use your CCEI confirmation number to apply through The Children’s Forum portal. You must work at least 20 hours per week in a licensed Florida child care program and have employer sponsorship. Apply for your scholarship →
- Start Your FCCPC Training at No Cost: Once your scholarship is approved (usually in 3–4 weeks), begin your online training with CCEI. You’ll have your credential in no time!
Ready to Get Started?
Earning your FCCPC doesn’t have to be confusing—or expensive. With CCEI’s fully online program and funding support from the TEACH Early Childhood® Florida Scholarship, you’ll have everything you need to move forward with confidence.