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What is the Trainer's Credential?
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The Kentucky Trainer's Credential is one of the directives developed as a result
of the mandate of the Early Childhood Initiative legislation HB706, passed in the
2000 session. A work group composed of early childhood professionals from
across the state developed this credential, which was approved by the Professional
Development Council and authorized by the Early Childhood Development
Authority in 2001.
The intent of the Trainer's Credential is to address the training competencies of
Kentucky's Early Childhood Development trainers. The professional development
opportunities provided and required in the state are increasing and it is important
that the quality of training be addressed. The trainer's credential addresses education and experience as
well as providing for a required training orientation and effective training seminar.
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What does Trainer Level 1 through 5 and Specialty mean? |
The Level I-Level V and the Specialty designations refer to a classification system
of the Trainer's Credential based on formal education and professional experience
plus meeting other required components. The various trainer levels and the
specialty trainer designation will authorize one to train at specific skill Levels
1-5, from novice to expert. This classification scheme for levels of trainers will better match a trainer's expertise to their audience level and allow the trainer to
plan for a specific audience. Please refer to the Trainer's Credential grid for requirements.
Further information on the specialty trainer can be found by clicking here.
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How does the Trainer Level I through Level V relate to the Rubric for Classifying Levels of Training? |
This rubric for training aligns with the
designation of Levels I-V for the trainer. Please see the Rubric For Classifying
Levels Of Training/Professional Development for more detail. The rubric is to
serve as a tool for the trainer, professional development provider, and others to
determine the level of training being planned in relationship to the assumed
knowledge/skill level of the participants. The indication of these levels for
workshops and conferences will enable participants the identify professional development sessions that best meet their
current knowledge base and allow for choices that will increase their competency
as an early childhood professional.
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What is Core Content? |
The Core Content is a group of competencies developed based on the question: What is it that Early Childhood Professionals need to know?
The resulting Cores are based on current practice and research in the field and include references to existing standards,
including Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education (IECE), the Division of Early Childhood of the Council for Exceptional
Children, and other resources. These core competencies are based again on five
levels, and increasing skill and knowledge by the
early childhood professional. The Core Content was designed and reviewed by
early childhood professionals. For example, a trainer with a Level II trainer's
credential may provide a Level I or II session and should be basing content on the
appropriate Core I and/or II competencies. For more information on Core Content,
please click here.
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How soon may I get the Kentucky Trainer's Credential? |
Issuance of the credential will occur when the application with all documentation
of attendance at the training orientation, the 15-hour seminar, education and
experience is approved. Trainer's Credential Review Panel Dates can be found on this website.
Once approved, applicants will receive an approval letter and certificate from the Division of Child Care.
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What is a Credential Number? |
Your credential number serves as your identification as an approved trainer.
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What things must I include on a training certificate? |
Your credential number, credential level, expiration date, signature and training organization with which you are affiliated (if applicable)
must be included on all training certificates and advertisements related to the training you conduct and on proposals you submit for state or regional conferences.
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Is a trainer obligated to release credential information? |
If interested parties inquire, you are obligated to release information regarding the core content subject areas for which you are qualified to train, and any other
information found on the trainer credential certificate. A Professional Development Registry is maintained by the Division of Child Care. You may view that registry by
clicking here
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Does the credential expire? |
Yes, your trainer credential will expire three years after the effective date.
In order to renew your credential, you must submit a completed renewal application 30 days prior to the expiration date.
If received after the expiration date, you will be required to re-apply for the Early Childhood Trainer Credential.
More information on Trainer's Credential Renewal can be found by clicking here.
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What if I have a non-credentialed speaker planned for an upcoming event? |
The Division of Child Care provides specific guidelines regarding the use of non-credentialed
speakers and/ or trainers to enhance training sessions for which clock hours are being awarded
that will apply towards licensing and STARS Quality Ratings. Additional information is available by
by accessing the Division of Child Care's Training Approval website.
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As a director, can I also train my staff? |
According to the administrative regulation, directors, employees, owners or supervisors holding a Kentucky Early Childhood
Trainer's Credential shall not train their own staff to meet the required annual licensing or certification
training requirements. An exception is made for Head Start Training Coordinators approved by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services.
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How do I apply to become a specialty trainer? |
The Specialty Trainer Credential is reserved for areas outside the Kentucky Early Childhood Core Content.
Examples of Specialty Trainers' are Pediatrics, Mental Health, Child Passenger Safety, etc. It is recommended, but not required, that Specialty Trainers attend both Introduction to Resources
for Kentucky Trainer's and Fundamentals of Effective Training. Specialty Trainer's use the same Trainer's Credenial Application. Specialty Trainer's will indicate
their specialty field on the application. The Trainer's Credential application can be found by
clicking here. More information on the Specialty Trainer Credential can be found by clicking here.
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Can I still apply for Trainer's Credential if I have registered for but not completed FET? |
If you have registered for any of the required components of the trainer's credential, but have not completed them,
your application will be accepted, but will not be submitted for review until all documents are received. A certificate of completion
and/or transcript is required for all components of the Trainer's Credential Application.
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Where can I access a list of credentialed trainer's in my area? |
The Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Division of Child Care maintains a list of credentialed trainer's on their Training Approval
webpage. You can access that page by clicking here.
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My CDA is expired. Can I still use it toward my Trainer's Credential? |
Yes, a CDA does not have to be current for it to apply to the Trainer's Credential.
You may include a copy of the expired CDA from the National Credentialing Program in your application.
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What do I need to do to renew my credential? |
Information on the Kentucky Early Childhood Trainer's credential renewal can be found by clicking here.
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