What is a Family Engagement Credential?
How is it different from a Family Development Credential?
A credential at HS University is an "educational process" of establishing the qualifications of professionals in Head Start, Early Head Start, Migrant Head Start, American Indian/Alaska Native and Early Childhood employees. The process consists of the attainment of a specific skill level and knowledge of Head Start regulations and the assessing of the candidate's educational background and experience. A license (credential) is then awarded to the professional who meets the standards set for the credential. It signifies that a student has enrolled, attended and successfully completed the requirements of a specific health services area within a Head Start program. The specialist credential process usually takes about 3 to 6 months to complete and requires 15 credit units. An administrator credential process takes 6 to 9 months and a trainer credential process takes about 12 months to complete.
The credential in Family Development is focused on general frontline social workers and does not meet the detailed requirements of the Parent, Family and Community Engagement framework. Students that have received a Family Development Credential can upgrade their credential by attending the new Family Engagement course and taking an upgrade exam.
Family Development Credentials can be upgraded to our "Family Engagement Credentials.
The cost for this upgrade is $495 and the training can be received by attending a 2 day upgrade course $195 for previous HSU credentialed students.
The Family Engagement Credential however is redesigned to help students develop a “integrated approach” to supporting a family's well-being, building strong relationships between parents and their children, and ongoing teaching and learning for both parents and children. The Parent, Family and Community Engagement (PFCE) framework was developed by the NCPFCE (National Center for Parent, Family and Community Engagement) and is required of all Head Start staff to ensure programs achieve outcomes that lead to positive and enduring change. HS University's Family Engagement credential focuses on developing strategies to implement the Parent, Family and Community Engagement (PFCE) framework. The focus of the credential will be be the attainment of 3 levels of academic standards of engagement practices to create a systemic, integrated approach in the area of goals, plans and activities. A license is awarded to the professional who meets the standards set for the credential. The credential process usually takes up to 12 months to complete.
Family Development Credentials can be upgraded to our "Family Engagement Credentials.
The cost for this upgrade is $495 and the training can be received by attending a 2 day upgrade course $195 for previous HSU credentialed students.
The Family Engagement Credential however is redesigned to help students develop a “integrated approach” to supporting a family's well-being, building strong relationships between parents and their children, and ongoing teaching and learning for both parents and children. The Parent, Family and Community Engagement (PFCE) framework was developed by the NCPFCE (National Center for Parent, Family and Community Engagement) and is required of all Head Start staff to ensure programs achieve outcomes that lead to positive and enduring change. HS University's Family Engagement credential focuses on developing strategies to implement the Parent, Family and Community Engagement (PFCE) framework. The focus of the credential will be be the attainment of 3 levels of academic standards of engagement practices to create a systemic, integrated approach in the area of goals, plans and activities. A license is awarded to the professional who meets the standards set for the credential. The credential process usually takes up to 12 months to complete.
Why obtain a Credential?
Obtaining a Family Engagement Credential is the next progression in a Head Start Family service worker's professional career. Beyond the educational degree, a professional credential denotes professional commitment, achievement and represents a "plus" feature of certifying knowledge and experience that meets or exceeds excellence in Family service work at the national level. Professional Family service 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. Having an Family Engagement Credential will allow you to...
- Become a part of the most widely recognized work organization in the nation.
- Be recognized as having in-depth knowledge, proven work experience, leadership capacity, competence and dedication to the family 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 family service 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.
What is a credential?
A credential is an attestation of qualification, competence, or authority issued to Head Start professionals by HS University. The Head Start community makes very extensive use of credentials, such as certificates and degrees, in order to attest to the completion of specific training or education programs by staff, and to attest to their successful completion of tests and exams.
Documentation of academic credentials usually consists of a printed, formal document designed to last a lifetime without deterioration. The issuing institution often maintains a record of the credential as well. Academic credentials are normally valid for the lifetime of the person to whom they are issued. Receiving these credentials often leads to increased economic mobility and work opportunity.
Need more information? Call us Toll Free at 1-888-282-7817. Or visit us online at www.hsuniversity.org.
Need more information? Call us Toll Free at 1-888-282-7817. Or visit us online at www.hsuniversity.org.
