Credentialing Handbook

The only credentialing and certificate programs designed for Head Start professionals... by Head Start Experts!

The credentialing and certificate program is a major effort initiated by HS University to improve the quality of Head Start employees by improving, evaluating and recognizing competence in job performance. Using the Head Start program performance standards as our curricula, HS University Credentialing and certificate program focuses on defining and obtaining valuable performance service strategies through training and hands on learning. Skill mastery and regulations assessment is the foundation of our certificate and credential program. The program is comprised of three levels of academic attainment. Each level builds upon another to ensureCredentialed Lapel Pin consistent skill mastery. As a candidate, you can acquire a performance level of competency that will match your current responsibilities or a future management/trainer position.  When you enroll in our program,  advancement into Head Start management is expected. 

 

Our credentialing and certificate programs are designed for employee advancement and professional recognition. As you advance either by added responsibility or a job change, your newly acquired skill level and competency based job performance makes those transitions effortless.  Because all our trainings are based upon the Head Start performance standards, HS University guarantees federal compliance.  These standards serve as the University's means of measuring Head Start employee comprehension through curriculum based examinations.

 

 A credential will only be awarded if you have demonstrated competency through stringent course training and examination.  As you obtain a credential status you will begin to receive professional recognition through regional, state and national notification and invitation.

 

As a Head Start professional, you must ensure you have these specialized skills. A credential from HS University gives Head Starts around the US confidence in knowing that you have the skill set and regulatory knowledge needed to reach program excellence.  Click below to get started!  

 
Here's how to get started...

How do I enroll?

Choosing a program

Frequently Asked Questions

Tuition Cost and Fees

Course and Exam Requirements

Online Credentialing or Certification

Program Handbooks
   

 

 

Learn... Advance... Succeed! 

 

Why do I need a credential?

Being a credentialed professionals makes all the difference. Head Start workers who want recognition for their professional achievement  and who want to unlock new career paths come to HS University  for their credentials.

 

What is 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.

 

Why obtain a credential?

Being a Credentialed professional means you...

  • Become part of the most widely recognized work organization in the nation.

  • Are recognized as having in-depth knowledge, proven work experience, leadership capacity, competence and dedication to the Head Start work profession.

  • 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.

  • 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.

 

The demand for specialized and skilled Head Start employees is strong, and growing on a daily basis. Head Start agencies need to be assured that the professionals they hire can handle compliance and regulatory issues and still provide the program with the skills and resources that are beneficial to families. Keeping a program in compliance while meeting the needs of the children and families they serve, today plays a key role in nearly every Head Start. Our credentialing gives you an action plan to design policies and procedures that best implement, monitor and manage federal, state and local requirements. 

 

 

 

 
 

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