Entry Level Certification

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General description:

Entry level practitioners exhibit knowledge and skill levels comparable to beginners who are still engaged in learning fundamental skills and who will more fully develop into skillful professional following additional knowledge and skill acquisition and supervised practice.

It is assumed that Entry level practitioners work under the supervision of workers with higher certification levels. They have completed at least one year (2080 hours) of paid work with children or youth.

Certification at this level requires training in addition to that found in the general population of entry-level child and youth care worker applicants.

This level of certification provides a point for workers to enter the field of child and youth care work and provides guidance relating to the knowledge and skill acquisition needed during the first year of practice.

Certification requirements:

To be certified, a practitioner must complete testing with a score of 75% or better, complete an Entry level application packet, and submit supporting documentation to demonstrate:

Higher Education and Experience Requirement:

• No college or university education; one year (2080 hours) of documented experience in direct care youth/child care practice;

Or

• Completion of one-year Certificate in Child/Youth Care or Child Development Associate Program; No experience required.

Professional Education Requirement:

• Current certification in CPR and First Aid;
• Current certification in approved Physical Management of Aggressive Behavior and Crisis Prevention or Child Guidance (training must have been received within one year of applying for certification);
• Completion of approved training in ethics;
• Passing score on the Entry level Certification Examination.

References:

• Two letters of reference from certified practitioners and one letter of reference from supervisor recommending applicant for certification ;

Or

• Three letters of reference from co-workers and one letter of reference from supervisor recommending applicant for certification.

Certification and Testing Fee:

Payment of $50.00 certification and testing fee.

Forms

Re-certification

Re-certification is required every two (2) years. Retesting is not required. The following documentation is required for recertification:

• Current certification in CPR and First Aid;
• Current certification in approved Physical Management of Aggressive Behavior and Crisis Prevention or Child Guidance (training must have been received within one year of applying for certification);
• Fifteen (15) hours per year (30 hours total) of Continuing Education in core competency areas by an instructor approved by the Certification Institute;
• Current individual membership in TYCCWA, TNOYS, TAA, TAEYC, TSFPI or TJDA;
• Payment of a $50.00 re-certification fee.