School-Age Professional Credential (SAPC)

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The Pennsylvania School-Age Professional Credential (SAPC) is administered by the Pennsylvania Key through statewide partners.  It was developed to promote quality services for children and families by providing specific standards, professional development and evaluation of school-age.

Individuals interested in acquiring the SAPC:

  • Must meet specific eligibility requirements;
  • Complete 120 hours of coursework addressing the thirteen (13) Functional Areas;
  • Complete a collection of information including a Portfolio, Resource File, Observations and Family Questionnaires; and
  • Successfully complete an on-site assessment review with a SAPC Assessor
This credential is recognized in the Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) Keystone STARS as meeting Level A on the Pennsylvania Early Childhood Education (ECE) Career Pathway.

Organizations with School-Age Professional Credential (SAPC) Coursework

Three Institutes of Higher Education (IHEs) offer School-Age Professional Credential coursework that may be eligible for Pennsylvania’s Rising Stars Tuition Assistance (RSTA) program.

For more information, please contact one of the programs listed below:

Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC)

Learn about HACC’s program.

Email Melissa Nagengast (manageng@hacc.edu) with questions.

Northampton Community College (NCC)

Learn more about NCC’s program.

Email Tara Pascoe (tpascoe@northampton.edu) with questions.

Renewal Information and Materials

Take a look at the opportunities with Professional Development that aligns with the current School Age Professional credential to acquire your renewal hours.

For more information about coursework being offered in your region contact your Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC). Find your ELRC at www.raiseyourstar.org

Next Steps

Apply for Pennsylvania's SAPC:

A packet of application materials is available as digital files above including a description of the SAPC process, requirements, directions and forms for completing the Portfolio, Resource File, Observations and Family Surveys. Applicants can also download the form to request their on-site assessment.

Mail completed applications to the Pennsylvania Key (address available to the right).

If you are unable to download the application materials, call 1-800-284-6031 and request a SAC Credential Packet.  Have your Early Learning Facility MPI# and shipping information ready when requesting an application packet.

Mail all SAPC Credential applications to:

The Pennsylvania Key
200 North 3rd Street, 2nd Flr.
Harrisburg, PA 17101

For more information, contact Betsy O. Saatman at betsaa@pakeys.org or 484-955-5909.