TECTA - Professional Development

Orientation

The Tennessee Early Childhood Training Alliance (TECTA) provides FREE 30-hours of Orientation DHS approved training to child care staff and administrators.

TECTA Orientation is an academic gateway with a curriculum centered on professional core competencies. Research shows that quality early childhood education plays an important role in preparing children to enter school ready to learn. The key to quality programs is the preparation of personnel with whom young children spend a significant portion of their time.

Participation is free to anyone employed in a DHS or DOE licensed program. Certificates of Completion are awarded to those who complete the Orientation training.

Note: Anyone who would like to receive TECTA funding must complete an orientation first.

Participants may choose from the orientation specializations below:

When enrolling, please choose the Orientation that best fits your role in childcare.

Administrator - Designed for directors, assistant directors, owners, program coordinators and other administrative staff
Center-Based - Designed for early childhood professionals working with children ages 3 to 5 in child care centers
Family Child Care - Designed for early childhood professionals working with children in a family or group home child care
Infant/Toddler - Designed for early childhood professionals working with children ages birth to 2 years in child care center
School-Age - Designed for early childhood professionals working with school-aged children in child care centers

The following orientations are open to childcare providers who have previously completed a TECTA orientation and/or have completed at least three hours of academic coursework. A transcript may be requested at the time or registration.

ACES Orientation ( Building Strong Brains) - Designed for early childhood professionals who have previously completed a TECTA orientation and /or successfully completed 2+hours academic coursework. In this advanced orientation you will learn about Adverse Childhood Experiences and how it relates to brain development, toxic stress, and physical/mental health.
Literacy30: Books and Beyond Online Workshop- Self-Guided - Designed for early childhood professionals who have previously completed a TECTA orientation and /or successfully completed 2+hours academic coursework. In this online Orientation participants explore ways to enhance and increase literacy development.

Note: You are allowed to miss two classes/modules of the orientation you are enrolled in. However, to receive your completion certificate, you must complete those two classes/modules within 18 months of attending the enrolled class.

ONLINE ORIENTATION HELPS

ECE Careers I & II Equivalency

What does it mean?

As a high school student you have your choice of electives. The Early Childhood Education Careers elective has two components: ECEC I and II. If you choose this elective and complete both of these courses with a grade of ‘B’ or above then you are eligible to receive a certificate from TECTA that confirms that you also meet the standards of the TECTA Center-Based Orientation class.
Normally individuals must complete the 30-hour Orientation class while working in a licensed child care program to receive their TECTA Certificate of Completion. But, because the ECE Careers classes contain an amount of information and training equivalent to the Center-Based Orientation class you qualify to receive a TECTA Certificate of Completion after completing ECEC I and II with a ‘B’ or above. This means that you are eligible for tuition support from TECTA for college coursework in the field of Early Childhood Education beginning your first year of college at any of the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) community colleges and universities.
To apply send a completed TECTA Center-Based Orientation/ECE Careers I & II Application with a copy of your high school transcript to:

Attn: Caitlin Williams
Tennessee Early Childhood Training Alliance
Tennessee State University
3500 John A. Merritt Blvd, Box 9500
Nashville, TN 37209
Fax: 615-277-1686
Email: cwill328@tnstate.edu

Click on the link to download the HSE Application .

Online Training

Tennessee Child Care Online Training System powered by ProSolutions

The Tennessee Child Care Online Training System (TCCOTS) is an online learning platform where early educators can access free approved training at their own convenience. Educators can select training modules that align with their specific interests, needs, and areas for improvement, ensuring that their professional development journey is tailored to their unique goals.

TCCOTS is available to all educators working in licensed programs and offers a diverse range of training modules that cover various aspects of early childhood education, from child development and curriculum planning to health and safety practices. Educators can enhance their skills, gain new insights, and stay updated with the latest best practices in the field.

The Tennessee Child Care Online Training System, or TCCOTS, is a learning portal is designed by early childhood professionals that combines high-quality content with the convenience of an online training program. Online training is a strategic and invaluable step for child care providers seeking to elevate the quality of their care, expand their skill set, and create a nurturing and enriching environment for the children they serve.

TCCOTS Courses
TCCOTS offers over 60 free courses on everything from approaches to promote children’s social, emotional, and cognitive development to child care program administration. There’s no limit to the number of training courses you can complete. All courses are also available in Spanish. TCCOTS is managed by ProSolutions. To browse the training catalog or to get started, register for training by creating a ProSolutions account at tccots.com.

Certificates for Training
Certificates for Training are issued after successfully completing each module. These certificates are recognized by the Tennessee Department of Human Services (DHS) as training hours for all staff employed in licensed child care facilities.

Tennessee Early Learning Development Standards Training

The Tennessee Early Learning Developmental Standards (TN-ELDS) is an online training which is designed to provide an introduction to and exploration of the TN-ELDS in order to meet the TN Department of Human Services required training on developmental learning for infants, toddlers, and pre-school age children.
To access the TN-ELDS e-learning portal, visit TN Home - ProSolutions Training. Certificates for Training are issued after successfully completing each module. These certificates are recognized by the Tennessee Department of Human Services (DHS) as training hours for all staff employed in licensed child care facilities

TECTA Apprenticeship Program

The TECTA Early Childhood Apprenticeship Program (TECAP) is a career pathway as defined by the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA) and is designed to increase education and training opportunities for the current and emerging child care workforce.

The TECTA Early Childhood Apprenticeship Program is a paid registered apprenticeship program for individuals interested in a career in child care.

Early childhood employers and care providers grapple with a multitude of challenges that significantly impact their ability to deliver exceptional education and nurturing care to young children. One of the most recognizable challenges is the recruitment and retention of highly trained and dedicated staff members. This issue impacts the entire workforce, causing disruptions in program quality, continuity of care, and the overall well-being of children in care.

Investing in the Early Childhood Workforce
The TECTA Early Childhood Apprenticeship Program, or TECAP, is an innovative program that aims to expand the child care workforce by creating a structured apprenticeship that emphasizes hands-on training, education, and professional development. Despite the ever-changing landscape of work, the child care industry remains an essential onsite service that is crucial for families, employers, and communities. The apprenticeship presents a unique opportunity to bolster the child care workforce by elevating the quality of care provided and providing supplemental pay for staff, two key objectives that are critical for the success of childcare programs.

Become a Registered Apprentice
Child care programs are looking for individuals who have a passion for working with children and have the early childhood competencies that are important for a business focused on promoting the healthy development of children. Apprentices can be employed while attending college courses to boost early education competencies and completing the requirements for a Child Development Associate® (CDA) Credential.

Eligible apprentices are individuals who are 18 years of age or older, are capable of passing a background check, and demonstrate a strong commitment to a 3-year apprenticeship. They are also willing and fully capable of meeting all relevant licensing and employer requirements, ensuring a dedicated and responsible approach to their role in the program.

How the Program Works: 3-Year Enrollment

Year 1
•Enrollment in TECTA orientation
•Completion of apprenticeship orientation
•Assigned a mentor and a coach
•Begin CDA prep college courses

Year 2
•Lead activities in the classroom
•Continue working with mentor and coach
•Continue college courses
•Complete year-end evaluation and assessment

Year 3
•Working as a full-time educator
•Complete CDA prep college courses and earn the credential
•Prepare a professional development plan for continued education

Mentor a Registered Apprentice
Tennessee child care programs licensed by the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) that are willing to meet the Registered Apprenticeship Program requirements are eligible to participate. Each apprentice is assigned an experienced mentor teacher who has the same or higher certification/degree. The mentor must complete training, meet with the apprentice for an hour each week, attend coaching meetings, document the apprentice’s progress, and serve as a role model to help connect theory to practice on the job.

TECAP Specialist

If you would like more information at our local office contact : Sally Draper@ 931-372.6558 or sadraper@tntech.edu

Leadership Development

Director's Pathway to Success

Director’s Pathway to Success (DP2S) is part of the TECTA Leadership Development program. It is an innovative leadership training program designed to foster growth, inspire innovation, and cultivate excellence in child care leadership.

Director's Pathway to Success is TECTA's leadership training program for Directors and Assistant Directors of child care programs. Participants will be assigned a peer learning group and will receive coaching, program accreditation support, and invitations to TECTA Leadership Institutes.

TECTA understands that leadership is a continuous journey of growth, and this pathway is designed to cater to Directors and Assistant Directors at any stage of their careers. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or just stepping into a leadership role, the pathway is tailored to your unique needs, ensuring that you receive the guidance and resources necessary to flourish in your position. As the demands of child care administration evolve, the Director’s Pathway to Success program equips leaders with the tools, knowledge, and network necessary not only to navigate challenges but also to thrive in the profession.

Director’s Pathway to Success is divided into four tiers, and entry is based on your years of experience. Each tier on the pathway contains a peer learning cohort, creating a space where leaders can connect, share insights, exchange best practices, and collectively unravel the nuances of effective leadership in child care programs.

Strive to Thrive!
Qualifications: For Directors with 0-2 years of experience or graduates from the CCR&R Small Business Academy (SBA)

Trending Up!
Qualifications: For Directors with 2-5 years of experience, graduates from the CCR&R SmallBusiness Academy (SBA), or Administrator Credential (TECPAC) candidates

Go Getters!
Qualifications: For Directors with 5-10 years of experience, TECPAC graduates, or those enrolled in Trending Up for a year

Pacesetters!
Qualifications: For Directors with at least 10 years of experience, TECPAC graduates, or those enrolled in DP2S program for 3 years

For more information, contact the TECTA Leadership Development Team at tectaleadership@tnstate.ed

Leadership Institutes

Leadership Institutes are regional and statewide workshops for anyone with an interest in child care program.

The TECTA Leadership Institutes are approved training events for Tennessee’s early childhood leaders, Directors, Assistant Directors, Owners, and other professionals in the field of Early Childhood Education.

TECTA Leadership Institute is composed of statewide and/or regional training workshops hosted each year. The institute provides participants with a structured and comprehensive environment to develop and enhance leadership skills through targeted workshops, seminars, and interactive sessions. TECTA invites guest presenters to offer diverse perspectives and practical insights that can be applied to your program. For more information about upcoming Leadership Institute workshops, check our calendar, or contact theTECTA Leadership Development Team at tectaleadership@tnstate.edu.

Leadership Links

Leadership Links are monthly meetings hosted by the TECTA Leadership Advisors for Directors and discuss issues, share experiences, and gain new perspectives on child care leadership.

The Leadership Links provide a forum for Directors, Assistant Directors, and Owners to meet monthly and discuss current issues impacting child care leadership.

Leadership Links are your opportunity to connect with other Directors and engage in meaningful conversations on issues that are important to you. These meetings are moderated by the TECTA Leadership Advisors and led by Directors, allowing for peer-to-peer discussions in a roundtable format on issues such as professionalism, policies, ethical dilemmas, and more. Groups meet monthly in each region. For more information, contact the TECTA Leadership Development Team at tectaleadership@tnstate.edu.

Program Accreditation Support

TECTA provides support to pursue NAEYC, NECPA, and other program accreditation. TECTA staff are available at each site to assist through the preparation and application process. All fees are paid by TECTA and, for a limited time, grants are available for programs that obtain accreditation.

Program accreditation support is available for child care programs striving to work beyond the minimum state licensing standards.

If you are ready to take a comprehensive look at your program and pursue professional accreditation or re-accreditation, TECTA is here to support the entire process by offering:

Training, consultations to assess accreditation readiness, and fee assistance for accreditation applications
Tuition support to help you and your staff improve their educational qualifications and earn a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential and/or complete associate, bachelor’s, or graduate degree programs
Technical assistance to help you get started on a professional development plan
Networking with support groups in your area
Help with self-study materials and a review of administrative documents where required
TECTA currently supports program accreditation from these national programs:

National Association for the Education of Young Children
National Association for Family Child Care
Montessori School Accreditation Commission
National After School Association
National Association of Child Care Professionals
National Early Childhood Program Accreditation

To get started, contact your local TECTA site.

Summer Research Institutes

Each summer TECTA hosts a Summer Research Institute, providing impactful, research-based training on relevant topics.

TECTA Summer Research Institutes provide 5 or more hours of approved training on specific, relevant topics in early childhood. Registration is open to all Tennessee early educators.

TECTA Summer Research Institutes are annual training events open to all Tennessee educators. Since 2008, these events have provided educators with an opportunity to engage in research-focused learning, collaborate with peers, and deepen their understanding of effective teaching practices.

Each institute focuses on research-based approaches to early childhood education. Guest presenters are invited to share their experiences with child development, learning theories, and instructional strategies. Attendees learn how to apply research findings to their teaching practices, creating more enriching and engaging learning experiences for young children.

Be sure to check the calendar for the next TECTA Summer Research Institute.

Emergency Preparedness

Trainings are available statewide from the Tennessee Children in Disasters Task Force. Contact your local TECTA Office for more information.

TECPAC: The Program Administrator Credential

TECPAC is the recognition awarded to early childhood administrators who have demonstrated the specific competencies for effective leadership and management through academics, job experience, and a portfolio assessment.

Leadership Advisors

The TECTA Leadership Advisors support Directors and Assistant Directors with the essential skills that contribute to the success of their child care programs.

Leadership Advisors support Directors in their ongoing professional development journey. Advisors are available for individual training and hands-on technical assistance.

TECTA Leadership Advisors serve the state across four regions.

Middle-North TN Regional Advisor
East TN Regional Advisor
Middle-South TN Regional Advisor
West TN Regional Advisor

Contact the Advisor for your region to get started.

Our Middle -South Tennessee Regional Advisor

- - L.Shavone White -lwhite43@tnstate.edu

Academic Support

The Tennessee Early Childhood Training Alliance can help you move toward completing an Early Childhood Degree. Financial support is made possible through funding from the Tennessee Department of Human Services to Tennessee State University for the operation of the Tennessee Early Childhood Training Alliance ( TECTA) Program.

Academic Support