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The
Credentialed Trainer (CT)
program is designed for professionals who are
responsible for ensuring the professional development of
Head Start staff. Candidates enrolled in this program
usually have 8 years or
more experience administering Head Start training curriculum. The
Credentialed Trainer program
is designed to identify leading trainers who can deliver
superior training events, conferences and seminars on Head
Start standards.
Candidates enrolled in this program will have a competitive
edge in their career and will be a vital resource in today's
Head Start training community. In addition to the national
recognition, candidates are provided with a valuable set of
resources to aid them in becoming some of the best trainers
in the Head Start community.
Why do I need a credential?
Being a
credentialed professional makes all the difference in the
Head Start community and national recognition is achieved
through completion of the program. Head Start workers who
also want recognition for their professional achievement and
who want to unlock new paths toward excellence come to HS
University for their credentials.
What are the benefits of a credential?
Obtaining a credential is the next progression in a Head
Start workers professional career. Beyond the educational
degree, a professional credential denotes professional
commitment and achievement and represents a "plus" feature
of certifying knowledge and experience that meets or exceeds
excellence in Head Start workers at the national level.
Professional Head Start workers agree to a critical review
process that includes evaluation of the candidate's
educational preparation, practice experience and peer review
of observable skills and abilities.
Who should get the credential?
This credential is designed for all workers in Head Start.
Whether you are a Bus Driver, Cook, Family Service worker,
Health worker, Disabilities worker or even if you are a Head
Start teacher, this credential is designed for you. It is
based upon the foundations and outcomes found in the Parent,
Family, and Community Engagement (PFCE) Framework and can be
implemented for those working with families and children.
Why
obtain a credential? (4 reasons)
Being a Credentialed professional means you...
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Become part of the most widely recognized work
organization in the nation.
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Are recognized as having in-depth knowledge, proven work
experience, leadership capacity, competence and
dedication to the Head Start work profession.
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Agree to a critical review process that strives to
measure adherence to a Code of Ethics, Standards of
Continuing Education and Head Start standards in the
area of specialized work practice.
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Help Head Start programs seek out highly credentialed
professionals to fill key leadership positions within
their program and factor in the credential in their
salary scales.
What if I already have a credential? Do I have to
complete the entire program?
No.
HS University understands the previous investments made by a
Head Start program. For that reason, the University will
allow those previously credentialed by another program to
enroll in our Family Engagement Credential program without
requiring a new credential exam and application fee.
However, all students must attend a 2 day training event or
a 3 day train the trainer event and complete the
CT-enrollment process in order to convert their credential
to the “new” Family Engagement Credential license. See
further instructions below. (Please check online at
www.courses.hsuniversity.org to determine the
dates, times and fees for the 2 or 3 day training events.)
What if I am a Credentialed trainer already? Can I train
my program staff on the “new” Family Engagement Credential?
All
trainers seeking to become a Family Engagement Credential
trainer, must complete the University’s CT-enrollment
process only. The CT-enrollment process include:
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Attend a 3 day train-the-trainer course provided by the
University,
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Completed PLA (Prior Learning Assessment) packet with
documentation of previous credentials, written proof of
delivery forms listing training events conducted and
copies of your previous trainer credential documentation
with contact information for verification,
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Prepare a written “self-appraisal” that includes an
updated autobiographical statement and a description of
the renewal candidate’s professional development
activities, i.e., trainings, seminars, or webinars that
can be applied toward CT-enrollment license.
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Contact student representative to discuss self appraisal
documents and professional development requirements,
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Pay renewal fee of $195.00.
Once the trainer completes this process a Family Engagement
Trainer Credential license is awarded. Once the credential
license is awarded it is valid for 3 years. After 3 years
each trainer must meet the continuing education and trainer
deliverance requirements to maintain and pay a $95 fee to
maintain their credential status.
What is
required?
In order to meet
eligibility requirements which are as
follows:
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You
must be employed in a Head Start program,
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You must
be able to speak, read and write well enough to fulfill
the responsibilities of the credentialing or
certificate program,
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You must
be able to participate in quarterly team assessment
meetings,
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You must honor your profession's code of
ethics
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You must have had a total of three formal
or informal educational experiences
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You must
have 45 credits or 120 clock hours of training from an
approved HSU institution, company, university or college
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You must pass
four (6) exam(s) that provide a valid and
reliable measure of your Head Start regulations proficiency and
your expertise.
How many exams
are needed?
You are required to pass
six exams
that provide a valid and reliable measure of your Head Start
regulations proficiency and your expertise. Exams are
developed with the input of professionals in Head Start
and reflect how Federal regulations and
requirements must be implemented throughout a Head Start
program. The exams are administered by HS University
credentialed trainers in locations around the US.
How long does
it take to complete the program?
The
Credentialed specialist program requirements must be met
within a 12 month period. However, you can complete
requirements in a much shorter period of time and you can
pace the process to suit your own situation. You can
move through the program as quickly or gradually as you are
able.
What is required to enroll?
You must
complete a candidate application.
The application begins
your journey into the curriculum and provides the university
with needed personal information in order to start your
candidate profile and transcript. Once you complete
the application, you submit it with the application fee.
The fee is $485 and covers the 3 years you are enrolled into
the program.
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What happens after I attend
training and take exam?
Once you
have met the program requirements (eligibility assessment,
candidate application, complete training requirements of 45
credits or 120 course hours, pass six core exams), then a
team evaluation (TE) will be completed. The team
evaluation (TE) will assess a candidate to ensure that you
have met program
requirements. This will include a collection of the
candidate information which includes requested forms,
meeting training requirements of 45 credits, pass six exams, complete
portfolio packet and Prior Learning Assessment (PLA).
When
planning your TE, you should allow the University enough
time to receive all documentation. The Team Evaluation (TE)
process is conducted twice monthly. In order to schedule
team evaluation for the succeeding month, all documentation
must be received by your TA team by the 15th of the month.
Is there help
through the program?
Yes. You will be assigned
two people -- a student representative and a advisor -- to
serve as your TA team. Each person is designed to help
you through the credential process. Student
representatives will monitor your requirement process.
They will collect all your requirements and post the
information to your transcript. Your student
representative will ensure you are scheduled for all exams
and trainings within your requirements as well as ensure all
documentation is kept and updated on your transcript.
Your student advisor will help you with career advancement
and curriculum advisement. Both are assigned to help
ensure you have all information and documentation needed
during the process.
When will I
get my certificate?
Once all your requirements are
met and your portfolio packet is received, a team assessment
meeting is set. Meeting are held on the 1st and 3rd of
each month. You must submit you packet by the 15th of
the prior month in order to make the team meeting for the
next month. Once a meeting is set, the Dean, advisor
and student representative meet to determine awarding the
credential. If requirements are met, the credential
award is given and the official credential is sent to you
within four (4) to six (6) weeks of decision. If
requirements are not met, the advisor will recommend that
you reapply or inform you of your appeal procedures.
If the requirements are incomplete and the team has followed
procedures, the Dean will deny the credential and you will
be notified in writing within 10 business days of decision.
How long am I
credentialed?
A credential is valid for 3
years from award date, after which it may be renewed for a
two (2) year period. All credentialed professionals
must maintain 15 Continuing education credits per year in
order to maintain their current credential.
To
choose your career path, you must complete the forms listed below.
What are the
benefits of being a Credentialed Trainer?
Credentialed
Trainer (CT) receive the following
benefits:
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Career
Opportunities
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Earning
a Credential verifies your expertise in working
with regulations and procedures.
A Credential shows that you are a
leader with the ability to successfully implement solutions for an agency or program.
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Validation
of Knowledge and skills
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The
Head Start community, your agency and programs around
the US will recognize your CT credential as validation
of the knowledge and skills you have gained through
experience.
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A
Firm Foundation of Skills Preparation
for Credential requires that you cover all aspects of
the regulations and requirements you are studying.
The rigorous exam development process includes
extensive job task analyses, reviews by internal and
external experts, regulation testing to ensure the
relevancy and accuracy of each Credential.
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Exclusive Internet access
to special kits for all HS University Official Curriculum (HSOC)
Training courses Professional kits on
current regulations will be available to download from the Internet
through the download center. This includes all languages for HSOC
Training courseware. Other content may be added throughout the year.
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Ability to purchase
special kits for all HSOC Training courses.
Special kits are available to purchase for a low cost from your
local fulfillment center.
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Exam discounts.
Credentialed or Certificate staff receive a (5) five percent
discount on credential exams in cities where the exam cost is
equivalent to $185.
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Courseware support.
Certificate and Credentialed staffs can use a special instructional
support alias to ask questions or report problems regarding their
credentialed components. This support service can assist you with
program problems, compliance issues, regulatory clarification, or
other matters related to Head Start. Coverage is national,
although problems and resolutions are Federal based only.
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Exclusive access to the
private CA Web site and the monthly CT newsletter.
The private Web site and CT newsletter provide timely updates
on CT program announcements, HSU credential and courseware
information, events, and special promotions.
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Special offers for the CT
community.
Many forms and services are offered free of charge or at a discount
for specialist. These special offers are kept up-to-date on the
private CT Web site.
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Private CT newsgroups on
the Internet.
The newsgroups allow you to share tips and tricks and exchange
information about HSU training, credential and other CT events.
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Invitations to regional
and national HS University events.
These events include various Professional-readiness events, both
regional and national. Attending these events will help you stay
ahead with Head Start compliance.
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Credential or Certificate
Program (CTID) Cards and Lapel Pins.
The CTID
 identification cards and lapel
pins allow you to identify yourself to HS University
Certified
Training Centers, as well as other programs and the Office of Head
Start.
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