NC Early Educator Certification Update Debra Torrence, Director NC Licensed Child Care Association April 30, 2010

2 EEC Overview Certification refers, in this context, to the verification of college education based on a standardized scale. Certification refers, in this context, to the verification of college education based on a standardized scale. Certification open to all those who work directly with, work on the behalf of or intend to work with children birth to twelve. Certification open to all those who work directly with, work on the behalf of or intend to work with children birth to twelve. Certification Fee Certification Fee $50, unless paid for by another source $50, unless paid for by another source $25 recertification $25 recertification  Ongoing education or continuing education is required EEC Rewards EEC Rewards

3 Tools Certification scales Early Care and Education Provider School Age Care Only Provider (being tested) Administrator tool (being drafted) Professional Development Specialist (coming)

4 What is certification based upon? Official transcripts are assessed against a leveled scale based on role.

5 What does the scale look like? A place for everyone on the scale Levels on a scale Reflects educational benchmarks in NC system and progress toward those levels Early Childhood at higher levels Renewal requires continuing education and/or education from regionally accredited colleges or universities

6 Current Incentives DCD grant First come, first served through September 2010 Up to 9,000 individuals working in licensed child care facilities (1,900 slots gone) Eligible positions include teacher, assistant teacher, floater, director, group leader, assistant director, education coordinator and home provider.

7 Current Incentives DCD grant First come, first served through September 2010 Up to 9,000 individuals working in licensed child care facilities (1,900 slots gone) Eligible positions include teacher, assistant teacher, floater, director, group leader, assistant director, education coordinator and home provider.

8 Current Incentives Barnes and Noble 20% discount on materials purchased for the classroom. Barnes and Noble Borders 25% off books bought for the classroom and 10% off CDs & DVDs for the classroom. Borders Creative Diversity 10% discount on multicultural early childhood products and supplies. Creative Diversity Discount School Supply 15% discount on teacher supplies and quality products. Discount School Supply HATCH® 10% discount on early childhood products and supplies. HATCH® Kaplan Early Learning Company 10% discount on current catalogue items and free shipping on orders over $50. Kaplan Early Learning Company Kids Like Us 20% discount on individual book titles Kids Like Us Black Forest Books & Toys 15% discount on all books and educational toys. Black Forest Books & Toys The Smarti-Attic 10% discount on all in-store purchases. The Smarti-Attic Children’s Museum of Winston-Salem Free admission to certified Early Educators as well as a buy one get on free opportunity for admission Children’s Museum of Winston-Salem

Current Numbers Totals _________ as of _________ 7,931 as of 3/31/10; all 100 counties) 3,946 (50%) are certified at gold levels – levels six and above By Role (at time of application) 6,183 teaching (417 indicate some time with school age) 608 administrative 167 combined teaching/administrative (87 indicate some time with school age) 838 small home providers (579 indicate some time with school age) 135 on behalf, other, student or not yet employed in child care ____ for profit centers (call DCD and find out how many for profit centers are regulated and insert here (of _____ potential sites) Over 1,500 More at Four teachers/assistants Over 1,150 Head Start Other complete applications being processed incomplete applications

10 How do I apply? Submit application education documentation Official transcripts Internet Permission Form $50 fee (as applicable)

11 What else do I need to know? Level is based on education earned, not specific certification class No test Does not replace licensure Currently voluntary

12 What do I receive? Official, frame-ready certificate Professional Personalized Leveled Silver & gold seals Individual Certification card List of EEC Rewards

13 Recertification Certificate expiresCertificate expires Validity periodsValidity periods RequirementsRequirements CostCost

14 What is a validity period? ValidPeriodLevel Education Required 3 yrs 2 18 sem hours toward an AAS ECE/CD or Early Childhood Certificate or CDA Credential (Child Development Associate Credential) earned for at least 12 semester hours or 12 semester hours in ECE/CD

15 What is recertification based on? Formal, credit bearing education or Continuing Education Units (dependent on level) Mirroring public school teacher requirements for ongoing education

16 What continuing education is required? Silver At level 5 and below, EEC professionals must continue formal education at a rate of six (6) semester credit hours per certification period.

17 What continuing education is required? Gold For levels 6 and above, a certified professional must complete six (6) formal college credits or ten (10) Continuing Education Units, or a combination of the two.

18 What continuing education is required? Gold Professionals certified at either level 9 or 10 may also receive credit for teaching formal coursework or for teaching at least one Continuing Education Unit that meets recertification requirements, or a combination of the two.

19 What is a Continuing Education Unit? The Continuing Education Unit (CEU) is a nationally recognized measure of participation in an approved non-credit continuing education program. One Continuing Education Unit (CEU) is defined as ten contact hours of participation in an organized continuing education experience under responsible sponsorship, capable direction, and qualified instruction.

20 CEU requirements for EEC Fall under one of DCD’s 9 topic areas 1.Planning a safe, healthy learning environment 2.Children’s physical & intellectual development 3.Children’s social & emotional development 4.Productive relationships with families 5.Program management 6.Professionalism 7.Observing & recording children’s behavior 8.Child growth development 9.Inclusion of children with special needs

21 CEU requirements for EEC Issued by one of the following College/University NC DPI IACET (International Association for Continuing Education and Training) members (

22 How much does it cost? Self-supporting system $50 for certification $25 for renewal (if prior to deadline) No charge to submit additional education No charge for specific populations/grants EEC Rewards 15% Discount School Supply 20% Barnes and Noble 25% Borders 15% Kaplan 20% Kids Like Us Free admission to Winston Salem Children’s Museum More in process!!

23 Numerous Benefits Personal/workforce Program Children & families System

24 What’s Next? Develop continuing education framework Develop continuing education framework Create/test tools by role (SA, PD, Admin) Create/test tools by role (SA, PD, Admin) Build professional development portal Build professional development portal Integrate certification with all systems Integrate certification with all systems Grow compensation efforts Grow compensation efforts Link certification and licensure Link certification and licensure Provide workforce study data Provide workforce study data

Questions & Answers

26 Contact Information Institute - Certification -