Help & Basic Information
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Getting Started
To get started, simply click Courses to view descriptions of the various courses we offer. If you are interested in taking a course from this list, click on the “Enroll Now” button and you will be directed to a registration page that enables you to register as a new user. Once you are registered, you can use your username and password to enroll in the desired courses.
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Cost
For a limited time, all courses on this site are free to users. After the trial period ends, a reasonable fee will be charged for each course.
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Enrollment and Purchasing Instructions
To enroll in and/or purchase an online course, simply follow these steps:
- Click on the “Courses” link to see a list of courses that we offer for child care providers. At the top of the page, there is a drop–down menu that enables you to select courses based on different subject matter areas (e.g., Child Care Providers, Food & Nutrition, Health, etc.). The prices for courses are listed under the course titles.
- If you see a course that you would like to take, click on the title of the course or the “Find out more!” button. This will take you to a short description of the course and enable you to set up a new account.
- If you are a new user, click on the “Setup a New Account” link under the Registration heading. This will take you to a page that asks for your name, address, and contact information. You will need to create a password of your choosing at this time. You will use the same e-mail address and password each time you enter and exit the site, or when you register for new courses. After you have filled out the required information, click on the “Submit Information” button.
- Next, you will be taken to a screen that contains the course #, title of course, # of clock hours, and price. To purchase and take the course, click on the “Proceed to Checkout” button. This will take you to a screen that enables you to enter your credit card information. Note: To provide maximum security to our customers, the Texas AgriLife Extension Service utilizes VeriSign. No credit card information will be stored in our database.
- After you have entered your credit card information, you will automatically be redirected to a screen that will enable you to proceed on to your course.
- After you complete the course content, some courses have an online post–test. If you pass the test, you will then be able to print off a certificate of completion that verifies you have passed the course. If you cannot print the certificate at that time, you can return to the website at a later date, enter your e–mail and password, and print the certificate. The Texas AgriLife Extension Service’s online system enables users to access a transcript of all courses taken along with the scores on the post–test.
- If you have any trouble during this process, please send an e-mail to ExtensionOnline@tamu.edu for assistance.
Contact Hours / CEUs
The Texas AgriLife Extension Service’s online courses meet state mandated training requirements for child care providers established by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. In the state of Texas, child care providers can obtain up to half of their annual training hours via self–study methods (e.g., online courses).
CEUs will be available in the near future.
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Course Content
Course content varies depending on the topic; however, each course contains the following elements:
- Course Objectives.
- Pre–test. Multiple choice questionnaire related to the course content.
- Sections. Course content is divided into sections. After you have completed a section, click on the “Next Section” button to move on to the next screen.
- Interactive Activity. Each course contains a brief self-directed activity related to the course content.
- Post–test. At the end of the course, you will be asked to complete a multiple-choice questionnaire.
- Certificate of Completion. If you pass the test with a 70% or higher, you receive credit for the course. Simply print off the Certificate of Completion and save for your records.
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System Requirements
Internet Explorer 5.0 or later [Download Free Internet Explorer]
Microsoft Windows Media Player [Download Free Media Player]
Macromedia Flash Player [Download Free Flash Player]
| Operating system: | Microsoft Windows 98 or above |
| Processor: | A 233 megahertz (MHz) processor, such as an Intel Pentium II or AMD processor |
| RAM: | 64 megabytes (MB) |
| Sound card: | 16-bit sound card |
| Video and monitor: | Super VGA (800 x 600) Minimum Super VGA (1024 x 768) Preferred |
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