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December 2009

Oregon Registry Infant Toddler Professional Credential

Portfolio Instructions

Oregon Center for Career Development in

Childhood Care and Education


Oregon Center for Career Development in Childhood Care and Education • 1-877-725-8535 Portland State University • PO Box 751 • Portland OR 97207-0751 • www.centerline.pdx.edu

Pg 2 of 8 December 2009

INFANT TODDLER PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIAL PORTFOLIO INSTRUCTIONS

We suggest that you refer to the application forms as you read this guide.

Enrollment Form

Complete the Enrollment Form. You may skip items 7 through 15 if you have previously completed this form and have no changes to report. Be sure to sign and date page two of the form. If you have a former name on any of your documentation, you must list it on this form.

Cover Sheet

Answer the questions on the Cover Sheet. The purpose of the cover sheet is to explain why you want to achieve the Infant Toddler Professional Credential.

Current Resume – OR – Short Autobiography

The resume should be up-to-date including your most recent employment and education.

The short autobiography should be a maximum of 200 words and include:

• A little about yourself

• What in your life influenced your decision to work with children

• Plans for your future work with children.

Education Form

Certified or Exempt Child Care Center Staff & Certified Family Child Care Provider requirements:

The education requirement for the Infant Toddler Professional Credential is sufficient training and/or education to receive an Oregon Registry Step 6 or higher.

Registered Family Child Care Provider requirements:

The education requirement for the Infant Toddler Professional Credential is sufficient training and/or education to receive an Oregon Registry Step 8 or higher.

Explanation:

A higher step is required for registered family child care providers as this credential was originally developed to meet the Child Care Division (CCD) qualifications of a head teacher in a certified child care center or certified family child care home.

Certified family child care providers and certified child care center staff meet this head teacher qualification by meeting the experience requirement of:

“At least two years of qualifying teaching experience, with at least one year as a teacher, in a certified child care center or comparable group care program in the care of infants and/or toddlers.” (OAR:414-300-0090)

If your experience is in a registered family child care home, it does not meet the above CCD requirement.

As a result, registered family child care providers have the option to meet the CCD head teacher qualification by a combination of achieving a Step 8 on the Oregon Registry (this step qualifies a person to be a teacher in a CCD certified program) AND achieving the Infant Toddler Professional Credential.

Contact Oregon Registry credential staff with questions.




Instructions for completing the Education Form:

• High School/GED

o Enter the school name and date of high school graduation or completion of GED.

• Education in the Field of Childhood Care and Education Verify ONE of the following:

o If you have already received the required Oregon Registry Step or higher, enter the step number on the form. No additional documentation of the step is necessary.

o If you have a CDA or degree in the field:

List the CDA/degree awarded, college (leave blank for CDA) and date of your CDA/degree.

Include a copy of your CDA, diploma or transcript. Degrees in the field of childhood care and education include early childhood education,

child development, human development, education, elementary education, human ecology, home economics, family and consumer studies, child and family studies, and special education.

o To apply for an Oregon Registry Step 6 or higher:

Refer to Infant Toddler Professional Credential Supporting Materials for documents listed below.

Gather certificates/transcripts and anything else such as course descriptions that will help you match your training and education to the core knowledge categories.

Use the Oregon Registry: Training & Education Criteria to verify that your training certificates and transcripts contain the required information.

Review the Definitions of Core Knowledge Categories and link your training and education to the different core knowledge categories.

Use the Oregon Registry Steps document to determine which step you are eligible to receive.

Check the third box on the Education Form and enter the Oregon Registry Step number for which you are applying.

If you already have a step on the Oregon Registry and want to apply for a higher step, check this box and enter the new step number.

You must also include copies of transcripts or training certificates to verify your training.

For help in determining which step you are eligible to receive, you may want to complete the Oregon Registry Step: Training and Education Worksheet. This document is not required but may help you organize your training. For instructions on completing this form, refer to the Oregon Registry Step: Training & Education Worksheet Guidelines.

Contact OCCD Credential staff for help in determining what Oregon Registry Step you are eligible to receive and for any Oregon Registry Step related questions.

Training and Education Documentation Form

This form documents your 60 clock hours of infant and/or toddler training.

Infant and/or toddler training is any training specific to children ages birth to three. The title or description must indicate that the training pertains to this age group. An early childhood training relating to infants, toddlers and preschoolers does not count as infant and/or toddler training for the credential because it is difficult to determine what portion of the training was specific to infants and toddlers and what part applied to preschoolers. If the training does apply to infants and/or toddlers and it is not indicated by the title, you can include a description of the training or course syllabus with your certificate or transcript.

To document your training, make copies of this form as needed.




Instructions for completing the form:

• Refer to Infant Toddler Professional Credential Supporting Materials for the document, Oregon Registry: Training & Education Criteria. This document will help you verify that your training certificates and transcripts contain the required information.

• List each training with the title as printed on the certificate or transcript.

• Enter the date of the training. For college courses, enter the term and year (Example: Fall 09).

• The College Course Number box is for college courses only. If you are listing a community based training, leave it blank. You can find your college course number on your college transcripts (Example: ED 102).

• Write the number of training hours in the Infant Toddler Hours box. If the training is community based, the hours should be listed on the certificate. If it is a college course, 1 quarter credit = 10 hours and 1 semester credit = 15 hours (Example: 3 quarter credits = 30 hours). If the training title does not indicate that the training is designed for the infant toddler age group, you will need to include a course description or course syllabus in your documentation.

• A minimum of 30 clock hours of infant and/or toddler training must be current within five years of your application date. Your application date is the date OCCD receives your portfolio. Enter the hours of current infant toddler training in the Current Infant Toddler Hours box.

You may include training on this form that has been previously submitted as part of your Oregon Registry Step application.

Include in your portfolio copies of your transcripts or training certificates to verify your training. If you have previously submitted this documentation (for example, in an Oregon Registry Step application) you do not need to re-submit it.

Teaching Experience Verification

You must document two years of teaching experience with at least one year in the care of infants and/or toddlers. This experience must be in a certified or license-exempt center, certified family child care home, or registered family child care home. “A year”, as defined by the Child Care Division, is 1500 hours gained with a group of the same age children in at least three-hour blocks, within a 36-month period.

For Example:

o If you worked 30 hours per week for a year (50 weeks), you have 1500 hours and a year of experience.

o If you worked 40 hours per week for nine months (38 weeks), you worked 1520 hours and have a year of experience.

o If you worked 20 hours a week for 40 weeks you have 800 hours. This does not count as a year of experience but if you worked those hours for two years, you would have 1600 hours. This would count as one year of experience.

o You can accumulate three years worth of hours to count for one year of experience.

o The experience needs to be regularly scheduled with a group of same age children in at least three-hour blocks.

There is no time limit on experience as long as it can be documented.

Use the Teaching Experience Verification Form to document your teaching experience.




Instructions for completing this form:

• Make a separate copy for each place of employment

• Complete the form and have it signed by a supervisor, board member, director, human resources staff, or network coordinator.

o Certified Family Child Care Providers: If you don’t have a supervisor to sign the form, complete the form without the signature. Include a copy of your Child Care Division (CCD) License AND a signed copy of the CCD Certified Family Child Care Home Renewal Checklist indicating that you provide care for infants and/or toddlers.

o Registered Family Child Care Providers: If you don’t have a supervisor to sign the form, complete the form without the signature. Include a copy of your Child Care Division (CCD) License AND a signed copy of the CCD Family Child Care Health and Safety Review Checksheet indicating that you provide care for infants and/or toddlers.

• You must document one year of teaching with children ages birth to three. These hours should be documented as Infant Toddler Teaching Hours. All other teaching hours should be documented as Other Teaching Hours.

• You must include forms to document 3000 hours (two years) of teaching with 1500 hours (one year) in the care of infants and/or toddlers

Documentation of Observation

ONE of the following is required:

• One hour observation by a mentor, a supervisor, a professional consultant, or college faculty. This observation should document your skill in working with infants and/or toddlers. You must be observed for at least one hour in the role of lead caregiver, working with a minimum of two children of infant and/or toddler age, one of which is not your child. This observation must be completed within six months prior to submitting the credential application. The observer must complete the Observation Form.

OR

• Copy of infant and/or toddler student teaching practicum observation from a college course, completed by instructor within the past five years prior to application, including written feedback specific to the candidate from the instructor.

For the one hour observation, print a copy of the Observation Form with instructions and give it to the observer. The observer will perform the one hour observation, complete the form and send it back to you. You will use the feedback on the Observation Form to complete the reflection and action plan for your portfolio.

You must include the Observation Form or the written feedback from student teaching practicum observation in your portfolio. This documentation must be signed and dated. This documentation should indicate your knowledge, skills and understanding of infant toddler care and education.

For eligible candidates, the Oregon Statewide Scholarship Program can help cover cost of the observer’s fees for the one hour observation. For information contact OCCD toll-free at 1-877-725-8535, or email us at: [email protected]. The scholarship application is available online at www.centerline.pdx.edu/scholarship, or contact OCCD to have one mailed to you.

Observation Reflection Form

A powerful way to examine your practices and to learn from your experience includes being observed and actively reflecting on the observation and feedback.

Use the Observation Reflection Form to reflect on the observation and discuss your strengths as an infant and/or toddler teacher and the challenges you face in your work. This reflection should be typed and 200-500 words in length.

You must complete this reflection within six months prior to the application date.




Action Plan: Improving My Practice

Following the observation and reflection with a plan of action can inspire continued professional growth and improvement of quality.

Based on the written feedback on the Observation Form and your own reflection on the Observation Reflection Form, identify two specific changes/actions that would improve your infant toddler teaching practice. These changes should be simple, realistic, and achievable. Complete the Action Plan: Improving My Practice Form.

You must complete this action plan within the six months prior to the application date.

Professional Involvement Documentation

Candidates should have knowledge of and a connection with the profession of childhood care and education.

Complete one activity from the following list. Use the Professional Involvement Verification Form to document your professional involvement activity and submit any additional required documentation.

• Attendance at a state, regional, or national conference of an organization related to early childhood education and/or infant toddler development.

o Provide a copy of attendance certificates or a letter from the organization.

• Membership in a professional organization such as National Association for the Education of Young Children, Oregon Association for the Education of Young Children, Provider Resource Organization, Zero to Three, National Head Start Association, Oregon Infant Toddler Mental Health Association, or World Association for Infant Mental Health.

o Provide a copy of the membership card or letter from the organization

• Advocacy activities such as writing letters to a legislator or attending a “Day at the Capitol”.

o Use the Professional Involvement Verification Form to document your advocacy activity or attach other record of involvement.

• Active participation in a local or state organization or committee, such as Oregon Association for the Education of Young Children, One Voice, local commission on children and families, state childhood care and education committee, child care resource and referral advisory board, or local early childhood councils. Active participation includes serving on a committee, contributing to a service project, assisting with planning a conference, or volunteering at a conference.

o Use the Professional Involvement Verification Form to document your participation or attach other record of involvement.

• Participation in a support group for family child care providers and/or infant and toddler caregivers and teachers.

o Use the Professional Involvement Verification Form to document your participation or attach other record of involvement.




Five Core Knowledge Category Statements

Write five statements describing your competence in five of the ten Oregon Registry Core Knowledge Categories. You must include Human Growth & Development and Understanding & Guiding Behavior and three additional categories of your choice. The statements must relate to your work with infants and/or toddlers.

The ten core knowledge categories are:

• Diversity

• Families & Community Systems

• Human Growth & Development

• Health Safety & Nutrition

• Learning Environments & Curriculum

• Observation & Assessment

• Program Management

• Personal Professional & Leadership Development

• Special Needs

• Understanding & Guiding Behavior

The Definitions of Core Knowledge Categories found in the Infant Toddler Professional Credential Supporting Materials provides a description of each of the core knowledge categories.

How to start:

• Review the core knowledge category of Human Growth & Development. Reflect on your infant and/or toddler training and experience in this category. Think about what you have learned and how you put it into practice in your work with infants and/or toddlers.

• Write a statement describing how you demonstrate your competence, knowledge and skills in this core knowledge category.

• Give specific examples of what you do in your infant and/or toddler teaching practice relating to your knowledge of human growth and development.

Repeat this process as you develop statements for the core knowledge category of Understanding & Guiding Behavior and then for three more categories of your choice.

Format to follow:

• Each statement must be 200-500 words, typed, 12 pt. font, double spaced, and edited for spelling, grammar and punctuation.

• Write the statement in the first person, “I work very hard at…”.

• The title of each statement must include the core knowledge category name, your name, and date.

The document, Topics for Core Knowledge Category Statements, found in the Infant Toddler Professional Credential Supporting Materials provides additional ideas for the core knowledge category statements.




Professional Development Plan

A professional development plan describes areas of continued professional study and growth. Before completing your professional development plan, reflect on your career, your knowledge of and your involvement in the field of childhood care and education. What knowledge and skills would you like to further develop? What areas are in need of growth? What challenges are you facing? What excites you most about your work?

Use the Professional Development Plan Form to discuss two areas in which you plan to increase your knowledge and skills to improve your work with infants and/or toddlers.

Two Professional References

Use the Credential Candidate Reference Form.

Submit at least two references acknowledging your skills and qualities as an infant and/or toddler teacher

• One from a professional colleague or supervisor AND

• One from a parent of a child in your program.

References must be submitted in a sealed envelope with the signature of the person providing the reference across the seal.

References must be written within the six months of your application date.

Conflict of interest: To promote objectivity and credibility, an individual completing this form must not be related by blood or marriage or other legal relationship to the candidate.

Commitment to Code of Ethical Conduct

Read the Code of Ethical Conduct (NAEYC) and sign the Commitment to NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct.



December 2009

PORTFOLIO CHECKLIST

Enrollment Form

Cover Sheet

Resume or Autobiography

Education Form and Documentation

o Education Form AND

o Copies of any required transcripts or training certificates to meet the Oregon Registry Step requirements

Infant Toddler Training and Education

o Training and Education Documentation Form AND

o Copies of transcripts or certificates to verify training

Teaching Experience Verification Form

Documentation of Observation

o Written report from the observer: Observation Form

Observation Reflection Form

Action Plan: Improving My Practice

Professional Involvement Verification Form

Core Knowledge Category Statements (200-500 words for each statement)

o Five essays demonstrating competence in 5 of the 10 core knowledge categories

o Human Growth & Development and Understanding & Guiding Behavior are required

Professional Development Plan

References

o One from a professional who knows of the applicant's work with infants and toddlers AND

o One from a parent of an infant and/or toddler whose child has been in ongoing care with the candidate

Commitment to NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct



December 2009

ENROLLMENT FORM

You MUST complete items #1 – 6 for all applications

1. Name: Last First Middle Former Name(s)

2. Date of Birth (MM/DD/YYYY): 3. Last FIVE digits of your Social Security #:

4. Mailing Address: Street or PO Box

City State ZIP County

5. Primary Phone: Secondary Phone:

Cell Phone: FAX:

6. Check only ONE and follow the directions provided:

I have already completed items #7 – 15, and I have no changes to report. Go directly to items #16 & #17.

I have not filled out items #7 – 15, or I need to update some of the information in items #7 – 15. Please continue and complete items #7 – 17.

7. Email Address: 8. Place of

Employment: If Self-employed, please provide business name

9. Position/Title:

10. What is your Child Care Division licensing status? (Required: Check only ONE): Registered Family Child Care Licensed Center-Based Child Care Program Staff Certified Family Child Care Exempt Center-Based Child Care or Preschool Staff Exempt Family Child Care None of the above

11. Of the following, which settings do you work in? What job(s) do you have? (Required: Check all that apply): Family Child Care In a Child’s Home (i.e. Nanny) Center-Based Care Child Care Resource and Referral Program Staff School Age Care Program (before/after school) Staff State Agency Staff Head Start or Oregon Pre-K Head Start Program Staff Family Support Services High School Teen Parent & Child Development Program

Staff 2 or 4 Year Higher Education Early Childhood Education

Program Staff Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education

Program Staff Trainer

Elementary Grades K-4 Staff Private Consultant Family Member or Friend of Family Providing Care Other (e.g. Librarian, Mentor, etc.):

The next three items #12 – 14 are optional. We use this information to track our success in being inclusive of all populations.

12. What ONE racial/ethnic heritage BEST describes you? Please feel free to write in another word to describe your ethnic or cultural identity if your first choice is not listed.

White/non-Hispanic/non-Latino American Indian/Alaskan Native

White/Hispanic/Latino Asian/Pacific Islander

Black/non-Hispanic/non-Latino Other:

Black/Hispanic/Latino

13. What is your primary language?

Do you speak any other language(s) in addition to your primary language? Yes No

If “YES”, what other language(s) do you speak?

14. Gender Female Male



December 2009

15. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND (Required: Please check all that apply):

Oregon Registry Step:

Less than a high school diploma

High school diploma Year:

General Educational Development (GED) Year:

Child Development Associate (CDA) Year:

Certificate from college, school or professional association, in: Year:

AA, AS, AAS or other 2-year college degree in: Year:

BA, BS or other 4-year college degree in: Year:

MA, MS, Med or other Master’s degree in: Year:

PhD, EdD or other doctoral degree in: Year:

Other – Please specify degree and field of study: Year:

16. CONFIDENTIALITY • The Oregon Center for Career Development in Childhood Care and Education (OCCD) will not, under any circumstances,

release the following individual information as public information: Ethnicity, Gender, Full Social Security Number.

• OCCD may share necessary individual information with the Department of Human Services (DHS) for the specific purpose of operating the Enhanced Rate Program (ERP).

• OCCD may grant access to individual directory information (i.e. name, address, county, phone, email) as public information to screened and appropriate professional partners in the field of childhood care and education.

• OCCD may grant access to individual program status information (i.e. Oregon Registry Program Step, pathway, degree, credential, certificate; and Oregon Registry Trainer Program Certification type, training counties, training languages, training sessions) as public information to screened and appropriate professional partners in the field of childhood care and education.

• If you DO NOT want to have your individual directory information or individual program status information release for these purposes, then you must notify OCCD in writing.

• You may request that OCCD grant additional access to your individual application or participation details for the Oregon Registry, Oregon Registry Trainer Program, or John and Betty Gray Scholarship Program. You may wish to grant this access for specific individuals such as your mentor, your supervisor, or others. You may wish them to have access to such things as the status of your application (i.e. reviewed, tabled, denied, approved), details regarding your training and education, steps you may need to take to receive approval, etc. If you wish others to have access to this individual application or participation status information, then you must notify OCCD in writing.

17. ACCOUNTABILITY STATEMENT (Signature required) I have reviewed the information I have provided to the Oregon Center for Career Development in Childhood Care and Education

(OCCD), and attest that, to the best of my knowledge, it is true and accurate. I agree to notify OCCD of any updates or changes to my information as they occur (e.g. change of address, name change, etc.).

Signature Date signed

Printed Name

Thank you. Your enrollment form is now complete. Please send your completed form to:

Portland State University – OCCD PO Box 751 Portland OR 97207-0751

...and you will be enrolled in the Oregon Registry as an active professional in the field of childhood care and education.

Visit our website (www.centerline.pdx.edu), or call us toll free at 1-877-725-8535 for more information about the Oregon Registry, the Oregon Registry Trainer Program, Sponsoring organizations, or the Statewide John and Betty Gray Scholarship Program.



December 2009

COVER SHEET

Candidate Name: Last First Middle

Why do you want to achieve this credential?

How will this credential benefit you professionally?

Please include any other comments or information you would l ike to share.

OCCD ID# For Office Use Only



December 2009

EDUCATION FORM


High School/GED

School Name: Graduation/Completion Date:

Education in the Field of Childhood Care and Education

Requirement: Training and Education sufficient to receive an Oregon Registry Step 6 or higher.

Registered Family Child Care Providers: If you are meeting the experience requirement with registered family child care experience, you will need to achieve a minimum Oregon Registry Step 8. See application guide for further details.

Verify ONE of the following:

I have achieved Step 6 or higher in the Oregon Registry.

Oregon Registry Step:

OR

I have a Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) or degree in the field of childhood care and education1. I have attached a copy of my CDA, degree or transcript showing degree completion.

Degrees Awarded College/University Date

CDA:

Associates:

Bachelors:

Masters:

OR

I am applying for an Oregon Registry Step 6 or higher. I have documented training/education requirements for the step by including copies of transcripts and/or certificates.

I am applying for Oregon Registry Step .

For help in determining which step you are eligible to receive, you may want to complete the Oregon Registry Step: Training and Education Worksheet. Refer to Infant Toddler Professional Credential Supporting Materials for worksheet and instructions.

1. Degrees include completed degrees in the field of childhood care and education such as early childhood education, child development, human development, education, elementary education, human ecology, home economics, family and consumer studies, child and family studies, and special education.




December 2009

TRAINING AND EDUCATION DOCUMENTATION FORM


Record your training and education on this form and then attach the appropriate documentation (e.g. certificates, transcripts, class descriptions, etc.). See the application guide for helpful information.

College Course Credits (CCC) hours: 1 quarter credit = 10 clock hours, and 1 semester credit = 15 clock hours

Date

College Course Number Class/Training Title

Infant Toddler Hours

Current Infant

Toddler Hours2

For Office Use Only

CKC/Set

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

Total hours on this page:

2. Current Hours: Training hours received within five years of the date the portfolio is received at OCCD.




December 2009

TEACHING EXPERIENCE VERIFICATION FORM


Please complete this form and have it signed by one of the following: supervisor, director, human resources staff, board member of your program, or network coordinator. Requirement: 2 years of teaching experience with one year in the care of infants and toddlers. (1500 hours in 3-hour blocks = 1 year teaching experience) Certified Family Child Care Providers: Other options for experience documentation include a copy of your Child Care Division (CCD) License AND a signed copy of the CCD Certified Family Child Care Home Renewal Checklist indicating that you provide care for infants and/or toddlers. Registered Family Child Care Providers: Other options for experience documentation include a copy of your Child Care Division (CCD) License AND a signed copy of the CCD Family Child Care Health and Safety Review Checksheet indicating that you provide care for infants and/or toddlers.

Use a separate form for each place of employment.

Place of Employment:

Position: Start Date: End Date:

CCD License Number: If not licensed, please provide reason for exemption below:

Infant Toddler Teaching Hours:

Average Hours per week: x Weeks per year: x Number of years: = Total Hours:

Other Teaching Hours:

Average Hours per week: x Weeks per year: x Number of years: = Total Hours:

I verify that the above information is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge.

Name:

Signature: Date:

Relationship to Candidate:

Phone: Email:




December 2009

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE INFANT TODDLER PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIAL OBSERVATION

The purpose of this observation is to provide input on the candidate’s areas of strength and areas needing improvement. The feedback you provide will give the candidate an opportunity to reflect on the candidate's practice and create an action plan.

Please observe this credential candidate for at least one hour. The observation must take place in a certified or exempt child care center OR a certified or registered family child care home. You must observe the candidate working with a minimum of two children of infant and/or toddler age, one of which is not the candidate’s child.

You should receive a copy of the Observation Form from the credential candidate. You can also download a copy of the Observation Form and type directly into the form. To access a copy, go to: www.centerline.pdx.edu/credential/infant-toddler-forms.php

Complete the top section of the form:

• On the line titled, Relationship to Candidate, please indicate if you are a supervisor, mentor or consultant. • Include your phone and email address so we can contact you with questions. • Document the time and date of the observation, as well as the number of children and staff present. • For the ages of the children observed, give a general age range of the children (i.e., youngest: 6 months to oldest:

2 years).

Infant Toddler Caregiver Checklist: Look for examples of ways the candidate demonstrates each item on the checklist. Provide two or three specific examples for each item and check the boxes on the left to indicate your opinion as to whether the candidate demonstrates or does not demonstrate this skill.

1. Enthusiastically engages with children; responsive and respectful; sets pleasant tone. Example:

Candidate makes eye contact and talks to baby during diapering. Baby cried – candidate picked her up.

2. Supports the cognitive, physical, social and emotional development of infants and/or toddlers. Example:

Candidate provides opportunities to learn through sensory activities by providing a textured ball for play.

Candidate provides language rich activities by offering books, songs and finger plays.

3. Provides a developmentally appropriate environment for infants and/or toddlers. Example:

Candidate creates a home-like atmosphere with cozy spaces for children to play. Candidate provides a individual schedule recording sheets for each toddler.

4. Provides a supportive environment for families. Example:

Candidate provides a parent information board. Candidate provides a place for parents to spend time in the room.

5. Provides an environment that reflects the culture of children in the program and supports awareness, respect and appreciation of cultural diversity. Example:

Candidate displays pictures of children and their families. Candidate uses materials that reflect the diversity of children in the program.

6. Facilitates inclusion of all children. Example:

Candidate uses sign language and pictures to signal transitions. Candidate assists a child who is shy with entering the group.



December 2009

General Strengths: Provide comments on the candidate’s overall strengths.

Specific Areas of Strength: Please document two or three specific examples of strengths in the areas of Caregiver Relationship/Interactions, Environment, and Culturally Supportive and Inclusive Practice.

Recommendations for Areas of Improvement and/or Growth: Provide two or three recommendations for areas of improvement and/or growth. The candidate will use this feedback to reflect and develop an action plan. Please be as specific as possible.

Please sign and date the form. You’re done!

We appreciate your time and consideration of this candidate’s skills and knowledge. The observation is an important part of the Infant Toddler Professional Credential process. Your perspective of the candidate’s competency will help provide the Credential Review Team with important information to help guide their credentialing decision.

You may contact OCCD credential staff toll-free at 1-877-725-8535, or email [email protected] with any questions.



December 2009

OBSERVATION FORM


The candidate must be observed by a mentor, supervisor, professional consultant, or college faculty. This observation should document the candidate’s skill in working with infants and/or toddlers. The candidate must be observed for at least one hour in the role of lead caregiver, working with a minimum of two children of infant and/or toddler age, one of which is not the candidate’s child. This observation must be completed within six months prior to submitting the credential application. The observer must complete the following observation form.

Observer Name: Relationship to Candidate:

Phone: Email:

Observation Date: Start Time: End Time:

Number of Children Present During Observation: Number of Staff:

Ages of Children Observed, from the Youngest: to Oldest:

Demonstrates Infant Toddler Caregiver Checklist Specific Examples (for additional space, use the back of form)

YES

NO

1) Enthusiastically engages with children; responsive and respectful; sets pleasant tone.

YES

NO

2) Supports the cognitive, physical, social & emotional development of infants and/or toddlers.




December 2009

OBSERVATION FORM


Demonstrates Infant Toddler Caregiver Checklist Specific Examples (for additional space, use the back of form)

YES

NO

3) Provides a developmentally appropriate environment for infants and/or toddlers.

YES

NO

4) Provides a supportive environment for families.

YES

NO

5) Provides an environment that reflects the culture of children in the program and supports awareness, respect, and appreciation of cultural diversity.

YES

NO

6) Facilitates inclusion of all children.

Continued on next page OCCD ID# For Office Use Only



December 2009

OBSERVATION FORM


General Strengths:

Specific Areas of Strength

Caregiver Relationship/Interactions Environment Culturally Supportive and Inclusive

• • •

• • •

• • •

Recommendations for Areas of Improvement and/or Growth:

1.

2.

3.

I completed the above observation and verify that the above information is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge.

Observer Name: Date: (Please Print)

Observer Signature:

Adapted from The Teaching Research Institute, Early Childhood Department's Observation Feedback Form




December 2009

OBSERVATION REFLECTION FORM


This reflection on your observation should be 200-500 words in length.

Based on the written report from the observation on your work:

Describe at least one of your areas of strength.

Discuss how this impacts your work with infants and/or toddlers.

Describe at least one of your areas of improvement/growth.

Discuss how this impacts your work with infants and/or toddlers.

Based on your personal knowledge of your work:

Describe any other strengths and/or challenges.

Discuss how these affect your work with infants and/or toddlers.




December 2009

ACTION PLAN: IMPROVING MY PRACTICE


Identify two specific changes/actions that would improve your teaching practice. These actions should relate to the written report from your observation or your own reflection on the observation. Complete the following statements on each action.

Action #1

I would like to improve my practice by:

To make this improvement, I need:

I plan to start: and complete this activity: . Date Date

Action #2

I would like to improve my practice by:

To make this improvement, I need:





December 2009

PROFESSIONAL INVOLVEMENT VERIFICATION FORM


Professional Involvement Activity (check ONE and provide documentation)

Attendance at a state, regional, or national conference of an organization related to early childhood education and/or infant toddler development.

Documentation: Copy of attendance certificates OR letter from the organization.

Membership in a professional organization such as National Association for the Education of Young Children, Oregon Association for the Education of Young Children, Provider Resource Organization, Zero to Three, National Head Start Association, Oregon Infant Toddler Mental Health Association, or World Association for Infant Mental Health.

Documentation: Copy of Membership card OR letter from the organization.

Advocacy activity such as writing letters to a legislator or participation in a “Day at the Capitol” event.

Documentation: Complete this section OR attach other record of involvement.

Activity:

Location: Phone:

Contact Person: Date:

Contact Signature:

Active participation in a local or state organization or committee, such as Oregon Association for the Education of Young Children, One Voice, local commission on children and families, state childhood care and education committee, child care resource and referral advisory board, or local early childhood councils. Active participation includes serving on a committee, contributing to a service project, assisting with planning a conference, or volunteering at a conference.

Documentation: Complete this section or attach a letter from the organization OR other verification of service.

Organization Name:

Position or activity:

Contact Person: Phone:

Contact Signature: Date:

Participation in a support group for family child care providers and/or infant and toddler caregivers and teachers.

Documentation: Complete this section OR attach evidence of participation.

Description of network:

Contact Person: Phone:

Contact Signature: Date:




December 2009

CORE KNOWLEDGE CATEGORY STATEMENTS

Write five statements describing your competence in five of the ten Oregon Registry Core Knowledge Categories. The five categories must include Human Growth & Development and Understanding & Guiding Behavior and three additional categories of your choice. The statements must relate to your work with infants and/or toddlers.

Review the Definitions of Core Knowledge Categories found in the Infant Toddler Professional Credential Supporting Materials.

How to start:

• Review the core knowledge category of Human Growth & Development. Reflect on your infant and/or toddler training and experience in this category. Think about what you have learned and how you put it into practice in your work with infants and/or toddlers.

• Write a statement describing how you demonstrate your knowledge and skills in this core knowledge category.

• Give specific examples of what you do in your infant and/or toddler teaching practice relating to your knowledge of human growth and development.

Repeat this process as you develop statements for the core knowledge category of Understanding & Guiding Behavior and then for three more categories of your choice.

Format to follow:

• Each statement must be 200-500 words, typed, 12 pt. font, double spaced, and edited for spelling, grammar and punctuation.

• Write the statement in the first person, “I work very hard at…”.

• The title of the statement must include the core knowledge category name, your name, and date. The document, Topics for Core Knowledge Category Statements, found in the Infant Toddler Professional Credential Supporting Materials, provides additional ideas for the Core Knowledge Category Statements.



December 2009

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN FORM


Discuss two areas in which you plan to increase your knowledge and skills to improve your work with infants and toddlers.

Professional Development Activity #1

I plan to:

I feel this is important because:

I need the following to complete this professional development activity:


Professional Development Activity #2

I plan to:

I feel this is important because:

I need the following to complete this professional development activity:





December 2009

CREDENTIAL CANDIDATE REFERENCE FORM


This candidate is applying for an Oregon Registry Infant Toddler Professional Credential. Please answer the following questions, based on your personal/professional knowledge of the candidate's skills and qualities as an infant and/or toddler teacher. Please seal this reference form in an envelope with your signature across the seal and return it to the candidate.

The candidate is a warm, patient and responsive caregiver who strives to meet the needs of each individual child.

Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree Not Observed

The candidate maintains a well-designed environment for infants and/or toddlers and supports their learning by providing time, space, and materials for active exploration.


The candidate uses appropriate guidance strategies and socialization techniques helping each child build self-esteem.


The candidate maintains a respectful, responsive partnership with families and provides ways to recognize, respect and support each child's connection to family and culture.


The candidate has a strong commitment to professional ethics.


What has been your professional relationship with the candidate?

How long have you known the candidate?

Conflict of interest: To promote objectivity and credibility, an individual completing this form must not be related by blood or marriage or other legal relationship to the candidate.

I recommend this candidate for the Oregon Registry Infant Toddler Professional Credential.

Yes No

Please comment:

Reference provided by:

Name (please print) Phone

Relationship to candidate Agency/Program (if applicable)

Signature Date




December 2009

COMMITMENT TO NAEYC CODE OF ETHICAL CONDUCT


Definition: A Code of Ethical Conduct is a standard of ethical behavior. This is an opportunity to show a commitment to your practice of professional ethics within the field of childhood care and education. A copy of the Code of Ethical Conduct (NAEYC) is included in the Infant Toddler Professional Credential Supporting Materials. I attest that I have read the Code of Ethical Conduct (NAEYC) and I commit myself to its ideals and principles as the core values of the childhood care and education profession.

Candidate Signature Date signed


Documents

OR CRED-Infant-Toddler Portfolio-Instructions · Portfolio Instructions ... (CCD) qualifications of a ... signed copy of the CCD Certified Family Child Care Home Renewal Checklist