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: |
.jpg)
Frequently Asked Questions About the Trainer Registry
What is the purpose of the Trainer Registry?
The overall purpose of the Trainer Registry is to develop a network of trainers who are committed to providing quality adult learning experiences for individuals who work with children and families in South Dakota.
Objectives include:
- To enhance availability of professional training for trainers based on core knowledge and competencies (skills) individuals should have in order to provide quality adult education experiences.
- To promote accessibility to quality educational opportunities meeting the diverse professional development needs of all individuals who work in early childhood and school-age care programs.
- To recognize individuals who complete specialized training and work experiences promoting their ability to provide quality professional development experiences for adults.
- To promote awareness of training opportunities available to practitioners.
- To maintain records of training sessions conducted by registered trainers in conjunction with the Career Lattice.
Who can participate in the Trainer Registry?
Participation in the Trainer Registry is voluntary. The registry includes three levels of recognition for individuals who provide adult education experiences for early childhood and school-age care practitioners:
- Level I: Registered trainers are individuals who periodically provide group training experiences for early childhood and/or school-age practitioners. Early childhood mentors, advisors, home visitors and parent educators who have completed specialized training that enables them to provide one-on-one training to practitioners and parents are eligible.
- Level II: Validated trainers are individuals who voluntarily complete a review process that enhances the trainer’s ability to provide quality adult learning experiences.
- Level III: Master educators are individuals who provide college or university level early childhood education courses. Master educators are required to complete the professional development requirements of their respective educational institution.
How does the application process work?
- All individuals who provide adult education experiences for early childhood and school-age practitioners are encouraged to apply to the Trainer Registry by requesting an application packet from any of the contacts listed on the back of this booklet.
- The completed Pathways Trainer Application is sent to the appropriate regional Early Childhood Enrichment Program. The program staff will contact the trainer to set up a meeting for special instruction and to receive applicable trainer materials.
- The trainer is notified of the Trainer Registry Level she/he has attained and is provided with a Pathways certificate. The certificate is ongoing and trainers are encouraged to actively pursue additional education in the Core Areas of Knowledge (skills).
All trainers are required to comply to the following additional requirements:
- Register training sessions or events at least four weeks in advance with the regional Early Childhood Enrichment office.
- Assure training tracking forms are completed correctly and procedures for distribution and submission are followed.
- Adhere to the core knowledge and competencies as outlined in the “South Dakota Pathways to Professional Development Core Competencies” guide.
- Promote the Pathway’s Career Lattice at each training event to ensure class participants have knowledge of the program benefits and understand how to apply for the lattice.
8/1/2008