FAQ: School-Age Professional Credential

It is administered by the Pennsylvania Key.

Individuals interested in obtaining the credential must:

• Be working in a Department of Human Services certified facility working with school-age children (5-12 years-old);
• Have a minimum of a high school diploma or GED;
• Have completed a Professional Development Plan;
• Have worked at least 480 hours with school-age children in the past 5 years

• Download the credential packet from the Pennsylvania Key website or call 800-284-6031
• Begin taking coursework equivalent to 120 hours
• Form and work with a team consisting of an advisor and parent
• Complete coursework and documentation collection including observations, family questionnaires, Portfolio and Resource File
• Have an observational assessment, interview and review of documentation

To find out about who is administering the School-Age Professional Credential coursework in your area, contact your Early Learning Resource Center (ELRCs).

Contact your Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) or visit pakeys.org/sapc.

You apply for the credential by using the Assessment Visit Request form in the credential materials packet. This form is submitted with payment after you have completed your course work, and documentation collection.

Individuals will be responsible for paying a $60.00 non-refundable processing fee.

For individuals working in school-age programs the Pennsylvania School-Age Professional Credential is equivalent to the CDA.

Download the credential packet from the PA Keys website or contact the Pennsylvania Key at 800- 284-6031.

When an individual requests a credential packet, they will receive all information needed for each member of their team. This includes the materials for the Candidate as well as the materials for the Advisor and Parent/ Community Representative. These materials include:

The Pennsylvania Key works to have the credential recognized by local colleges for articulation. The rigor of the credential requirements were written to appeal to the assessment requirements of colleges. The credential does articulate for credit at several colleges.

The School-Age regulatory language reads “A Pennsylvania School-Age Professional Credential is equivalent to 9 credit hours from an accredited college or university in elementary education or child development and 1-year experience with children.

The credential may be obtained through a self-study option. The individual wishing to obtain the credential in this manner will need to document 120 hours of course work covering the credential competencies. They will also need to complete all other documentation collection requirements and meet eligibility requirements.

You should review the criteria and role of an advisor and select an advisor accordingly. You can also contact the Pennsylvania Key.