Sanford Health

Pathways to Professional Development

The South Dakota Pathways to Professional Development program is a statewide initiative promoting the recognition of individuals who work in childcare, preschool, Head Start, school-age, and other programs who serve the needs of children and families.

The goal is to support those who actively pursue ongoing educational opportunities and professional commitment to the field.  All childcare providers, educators, trainers, directors, administrators and advocates of children - regardless of educational background - can participate in the program.

The quality of care and education children receive depends on the knowledge and skills of the individuals who care for and educate them.  With this philosophy in mind, the program provides professional support and public recognition of individuals who actively pursue continuing education and demonstrate commitment to working with children and families.

 

Career Lattice:

Participants can choose to participate by meeting the requirements of Levels I through VII of the Career Lattice.  Level I consists of introductory, informal education while Level VII consists of a Master's or Doctoral degree.

 

Trainer Registry:

South Dakota Pathways to Professional Development is based on the philosophy that all children are entitled to receive nurturing care provided by well-trained adults.  The Trainer Registry is a directory designed to enhance the availability of quality adult learning experiences for early childhood and school-age practitioners.

 

Click here for the South Dakota State Website

Click here for the South Dakota Pathways to Professional Development Website

 

Articles:

 

 Forms:

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Training Registry: Core Areas of Knowledge

What are Core Areas of Knowledge?

The “Core Areas of Knowledge” provide a framework for the knowledge trainers and educators should have in order to provide quality professional development experiences for adult learners. The following areas of knowledge have been defined for trainers and educators who wish to provide training recognized by the Trainer Registry:

  1. Adult Learning and Development
    • Understands individual differences among adult learners.
    • Understands the process of adult development.
    • Understands the importance of experiential learning.
  2. Training Curriculum and Design
    • Possesses an in-depth knowledge of the training content.
    • Understands how to adapt training to participants’ needs.
    • Understands how to research, organize and implement an effective adult training experience.
  3. Training Methodology and Presentation
    • Understands the elements of a positive learning environment.
    • Understands their role as a facilitator of adult learning.
    • Understands the dynamics of group management and interaction as a teaching tool.
  4. Cultural and Individual Diversity
    • Values the experiential knowledge base adults bring to training encounters.
    • Understands the importance of respecting individual and cultural diversity among training participants.
  5. Training Evaluation
    • Understands methods of assessing training outcomes.
    • Understands the importance of assessing implications for future training and follow-up with participants.

8/1/2008

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