Professional Development Module Instructions and Template

February 25, 2025

The following provides Pennsylvania Quality Assurance System (PQAS) applicants with the format and instructions for preparing the Professional Development (PD) Module to be submitted to PQAS approval.

Applicants should thoroughly review the criteria used for scoring modules to ensure that the PD Module has sufficient detail to allow the Peer Reviewers to make their assessments in the areas of content, organization, and presentation.

Professional Development Module Instructions and Template

Last Updated: February 25, 2025
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Format and Instructions

The PD Module submitted to PQAS for review should contain the following parts:

  • Professional Development Module Template
  • PowerPoint or Slide Deck (with instructor notes, if applicable; required for submitting using Option 2)If videos or other links are included on the presentation, include the URL in the notes section.
  • All Materials/Handouts used to deliver the module. Ensure each is labeled with a handout number and title.

Approved Professional Development PQAS Instructors may deliver their own curriculum to Early Childhood Educators, provided it aligns with the competencies they are qualified for based on their expertise and/or education.

Prior to submitting your Professional Development Module

  • Review the PD Scoring Rubric on the Pennsylvania Key website to ensure your Professional Development Module meet the criteria. Please note the first tab is the scoring rubric and the second tab offers guidance for each scoring indicator.
  • Make sure ALL required fields are completed within the Professional Development Module.
  • Sample module must be at least 2 hours, but no longer than 4 clock hours, excluding breaks.
  • The Professional Development Module and supporting handouts should have NO personal information. Replace ‘name’ with ‘instructor’. Or if you have your contact information listed, replace it with ‘Instructor Contact Information’. (Ex: ‘Jane Doe’ to ‘Instructor’)
  • An original professional development module should be submitted. These cannot be shared between applicants during the application process.
  • The Pennsylvania PD Registry is not a forum for advertising. The Pennsylvania Key strongly asks all presenters to refrain from marketing products during their sessions.

Guideline for Professional Development Overview/Module

All required documents must be uploaded through the PD Registry during the application process.
  • LabelingProfessional Development /Module
  • Personal InformationReplace any personal details with 'Instructor' and 'Instructor Contact Information' (ex, replace "Jane Doe" with "Instructor").
  • Upload LocationUpload materials to the Instructor Tab > Trainer Documentation section > PD Overview/Module dropdown.

Guidelines for Supporting Handouts

Ensure all handouts are in order and correctly labeled within the Handout Section of the PD Module.
  • LabelingUse the format: Handout 1 'Title,' Handout 2 'Title,' etc., and ensure titles match those in the Handout Section of the PD Overview. Only upload the physical handouts, not links.
  • Types of MaterialsHandouts can include PowerPoints, participant handouts, and other materials.
  • Personal InformationReplace any personal details with 'Instructor' and 'Instructor Contact Information' (ex, replace "Jane Doe" with "Instructor").
  • Upload LocationUpload materials to the Instructor Tab > Trainer Documentation section > PD Module Supporting Handouts dropdown.
PQAS requirements, processes and privileges may change due to policy changes.
Contact PQAS@pakeys.org if you have questions about your selected topic. Please include the course title, description, and participant learning outcomes for review.