Indiana Youth Development (IYD) Credential - Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to many of your questions can be found in the following section. If you have questions or need additional information please contact YouthPRO at info@indianayouthpro.org or by phone 317-259-9491.

1. What is the IYD-Indiana Youth Development Credential?
2. What is the difference between a Credential and a Certificate?
3. Who could work on earning an IYD Credential?
4. What are the requirements for an IYD Credential?
5. How or where can a person get the required training?
6. I already have some classes in some competency areas. do have to start over?
7. What is the self assessment, and what do I need to do to complete it?
8. How long does it take to earn the credential?
9. If our center is working on accreditation, would the IYD be considered as a substitute for the CDA?
10. What is a Portfolio/Resource File?
11. What is the Assessment Team Meeting, and how does that work?

12. I read there was a need for an Advisor. What is their role and how do I find one?

13. What are the qualifications of an IYD Advisor?

14. What is the role of the Independent Reviewer?
    

15. How is recruiting done to locate and train the Independent Reviewers?
    
16. I know that YouthPRO appoints an Independent Reviewer to observe and conduct the final team assessment meeting. What are the qualifications for the Reviewer?
17. What would be the incentive to be an Independent Reviewer?
    
18. How much time is involved in the Reviewer role?
19. So why should I work on this credential? What's in it for me?
    

1. What is the Indiana Youth Development (IYD) Credential?
The IYD Credential was created as a professional development option for people who work with school-age children and youth. Like the Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential, it is awarded after a person has some experience, has taken some prescribed training and is able to demonstrate competence in working with children and youth. The IYD Credential was created by the Indiana School-Age Consortium (ISAC) working with a broad-based group from across Indiana. In January of 2007, ISAC became Indiana YouthPRO Association (YouthPRO).

2. What is the difference between a Credential and a Certificate?
A Certificate is a document certifying that an individual has met specified requirements, such as successfully passing a CPR or First Aide class. A Credential is a document that shows an individual has a right to exercise a certain position or authority based on proven skills and knowledge. Some organizations use these terms interchangeably, the IYD is a Credential.

3. Who could work on earning an IYD Credential?
An IYD can be earned by anyone who works in a program that serves children 5 to 18, has a High School Diploma or GED, and has worked 480 hours in the field during the past 5 years. Experience can be as a teacher's aide, youth worker, after-school staff, scout leader, athletic/recreation coach, camp counselor, or any similar capacity working with youth. If you currently hold or are close to completing an Associate, Bachelor or Master degree with at least 12 credits in Youth Development or a related field, you may be able to earn an IYD Credential with little additional work.

4. What are the requirements for an IYD Credential?
Currently there are two different paths for earning an IYD Credential:

Standard Process for an IYD requires that a person have:
1. At least a High School Diploma or GED
2. 480 hours of experience working with children/youth.
3. Completed approximately 180 hours of classes/training that cover Youth Development, Families and Communities, Program Environment, Program Content and Professionalism (this is approximately 12 college credits).
4. Been observed and approved by an Advisor and Independent Reviewer selected by the Indiana YouthPRO Association.
5. Is a member of Indiana YouthPRO Association (YouthPRO).

Alternate Process for an IYD requires that a person have:
1. Education - an Associate, Bachelor, or Master Degree with a minimum of 12 credits in Youth Development or a related field; or

• Degree plus 180 hours of non-credit training and/or experience in Youth Development within the past 3 years that relate to the Core Competencies; or
• Degree plus 20 Continuing Education Hours (CEH or CEU) earned during the past 3 years that relate to the Core Competencies.
  

2. At least 480 hours as an employee, volunteer or intern in an organized program environment that serves children or youth aged 5 to 18 within the past 5 years.
3. Is a member of Indiana YouthPRO Association (YouthPRO).

5. How or where can a person get the required training?
Each College/University can identify the classes (or develop/tailor classes) that cover the areas outlined in the IYD Core Competencies. Some noncredit training (up to 45 hours) may be approved to count toward the training requirements. Training provided by the YMCA, Boys and Girls Club, Head Start, IAEYC are just a few of the places where noncredit training may be earned.

6. I already have some classes in some competency areas. Do I have to start over?
Absolutely not, as long as the course covers the IYD Core Competencies and Competency Criteria. You will need to submit copies of your transcript along with an IYD Self-Assessment which will be reviewed to determine if the course work covers the Competencies.

7. What is the self assessment, and what do I need to do to complete it?
The IYD Self-Assessment provides space for the Candidate to document education and training experience and determine what if any additional coursework or training is needed. Reviewing the IYD Core Competencies and Directions for Using the Self-Assessment Tool can help in understanding and completing the IYD Self-Assessment. These forms are available on the website or by contacting the YouthPRO office. Please note there are two ways to meet the criteria for an IYD and separate forms for each process.

The completed IYD Self-Assessment Tool along with copies of your College transcript(s), training certificates/records, grade reports or other documentation must be forwarded to the YouthPRO office to support the use of for-credit and not-for-credit training towards the IYD Credential requirements.

Once you have completed the IYD Self-Assessment it will be reviewed by the YouthPRO office and you will receive information about any additional requirements you must meet to earn an IYD Credential. Help in filling out the IYD Self-Assessment Tool is available by contacting the IYD Coordinator at the YouthPRO office (317-259-9491 or by e-mail info@indianayouthpro.org) or you can ask your college instructor, your program director or other supportive person.

8. How long does it take to earn the credential?
That depends on the Candidates past experience and education and which process is used - the Standard Process or the Alternate Process.

• Standard Process - Candidates with little or no College Coursework it could take up to 18 months. For Candidates with completed course work it could take between 3 and 6 months.
• Alternate Process - Candidates who met all the requirements for the IYD and have documentation to support the educations/knowledge/experience, the IYD can be earned in about 3 months. For Candidates with limited experience or in need of additional training it can take about 6 months.
  

9. If our center is working on accreditation, would the IYD be considered as a substitute for the CDA?
Unfortunately at this time - the answer is no. We are hoping to eventually build the relationship with various accrediting organizations to earn recognition for this Credential.

10. What is a Portfolio/Resource File?
The Portfolio/Resource File include additional documents and information that a Candidate must complete prior to applying for an Assessment visit, there are different documentation requirements for the Standard and Alternate Process.

Standard Process: The Portfolio documents personal and professional information and provides statements about on-the-job application/practices related to the IYD Credential Competency Standards. If you are taking the IYD Process Class from Ivy Technical College, the Portfolio will be discussed as part of the course content. If you do not take the class and/or need additional assistance please contact your Advisor or the YouthPRO office. The portfolio will be reviewed by the Independent Reviewer as part of the final evaluation steps. The Candidate's Checklist - Preparing for Assessment-Standard Process provides more detail on the requirements and content of the Portfolio/Resource File.

Alternate Process: The Portfolio will contain a sample of documents and a brief essay along with documentation of training and education. The Candidate's Checklist - Preparing for Assessment-Alternate Process provides more detail on the requirements and content of the Portfolio/Resource file.

11. What is the Assessment Team Meeting, and how does that work?
The Assessment Team for those using the Standard Process includes the Candidate, the Advisor, and the Independent Reviewer with all members having an equal voice. Information and observations are reviewed regarding the Candidate's competence and performance. The meetings are conducted following a standard format. During this meeting the Candidate presents and explains the documentation contained in the Portfolio and Resource File, answers questions from other Team members, and as a group review the ways in which you have demonstrated competence.

The Assessment Team for those using the Alternate Process includes the Candidate and the Independent Reviewer. Each member has an equal voice in the process and shares information and observations on the Candidate's competence and performance. The meetings are conducted following a standard format. During this meeting the Candidate presents and explains the documentation and together review how you have demonstrated competence.

12. I read there was a need for an Advisor. What is their role and how do I find one?
An Advisor is required for individuals using the Standard Process to earn an IYD. The Advisor works with a Candidate over a period of at least 4 weeks. The Advisor observes the Candidate at least two times assessing current competency in each functional area, recording observations and giving the Candidate recommendations for growth. In addition, he/she advises the Candidate about preparation of the Portfolio and Resource File, reviews the Candidate's Portfolio and Resource File, and attends the final Assessment Team Meeting.

If an individual meets the qualifications of the IYD Advisor as outlined below, the Candidate may recruit that person. Typically, the instructor for the IYD Process Class at Ivy Technical Community College fulfills this role. (A more comprehensive description is found on the Advisor Eligibility Requirements.)

13. What are the qualifications of an IYD Advisor?
(**Advisor is required for Candidates pursuing the IYD using the Standard Process only!)

• Knowledge about the IYD Credential requirements, standards and policies for quality programs for children and youth; familiar with the program where the Candidate will be observed and the needs of children and families in that community.
• Bachelor or advanced degree in child or youth development, youth agency administration, recreation, home economics, physical education, elementary education, special education, social work or other related field from an accredited college; OR an Associate degree in a related field; OR Successful completion of the Indiana Youth Development Credential, plus a minimum of five years experience; OR A combination of education and experience which provides professional knowledge comparable to that normally acquired through the successful completion of a four-year course of study, plus experience.
• Minimum of two years of experience in a children's or youth program including: One year working directly with children in the same age range as the children in the Candidate's program as a staff, teacher, family child care provider, social worker or similar role; and One year of responsibility for the professional growth of another adult

14. What is the role of the Independent Reviewer?
This person serves as the representative of YouthPRO and the school-age care/youth development profession. He/She confirms arrangements for the Assessment visit, including the Assessment Team Meeting, observes the Candidate, interviews the Candidate following the observation, monitors the procedures of the Assessment Team meeting and verifies that all procedures have been followed and submits completed documentation to the YouthPRO office.

YouthPRO pays a per diem and travel stipend to the Independent Reviewer to fulfill this vital role in the Assessment process.

15. How is recruiting done to locate and train the Independent Reviewers?
Recruiting is usually done by YouthPRO person-to-person, letter and/or announcements at other meetings, etc. Training is provided by YouthPRO .

16. I know that YouthPRO appoints an Independent Reviewer to observe and conduct the final team assessment meeting. What are the qualifications for the Reviewer?

• Strong written, oral, and interpersonal skills; membership in a professional organization; knowledge of the Indiana Youth Development Credential Competency Standards, Credentialing process and the National AfterSchool Association (formerly NSACA-National School-Age Care Alliance) Standards and Accreditation. (knowledge prior to training desirable); successful completion of the Indiana Youth Development Credential Independent Reviewer Training; finally excellent professional references
• Education related to child or youth development such as Bachelor's degree or Associates degree or successful completion of the Indiana Youth Development Credential.
• Worked with school-age children or adolescents; supervise and/or teach staff working with school-age children/youth: recent experience preferred; working with diverse populations. Experience obtained within the past 5 years.
  

17. What would be the incentive to be an Independent Reviewer?
To support professionalism and to engage in an expanded professional role are major incentives. In addition, YouthPRO pays travel expenses and $175 honorarium.

18. How much time is involved in the Reviewer role?

• Approximately 12 hours (not counting travel and accommodations, if out of town)
• Contacting candidate and preparing for visit: from 1-3 hrs
• Observing and interviewing candidate: from 3-5 hrs
• Writing report and preparing for Assessment Team Meeting: approximately 3 hrs
• Conducting Assessment Team Meeting: approximately 3 hrs
• Finalizing documentation and submitting packet: approximately 1 hr
  

19. So why should I work on this credential? What's in it for me?
Good question! People who have earned the Credential have said that they are more confident in their professional abilities to work as administrators, and work with children and youth. One IYD recipient stated "It has given me the opportunity to become more professional and more confident in myself." Recipients feel personally renewed and reinvigorated by the increase in competency and effectiveness.

IYD Home