Pennsylvania School Age Professional Credential (SAPC)
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 practitioners. Individuals interested in acquiring the SAPC must meet specific eligibility requirements, complete 120 hours of coursework addressing the thirteen (13) Functional Areas and complete a collection of information including a Portfolio, Resource File, Observations and Family Questionnaires. The final step in the process is an on-site assessment review with a SAPC Assessor. This credential is recognized in the Keystone STARS Continuous Quality Improvement System as meeting Level A on the Early Childhood Education Career Pathway.
General Information
- Information Sheet about the SAC Credential (PDF)
- Credential Brochure (PDF)
- Credential Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)
- Credential and CDA Crosswalk (PDF)
- Credential Guidance for Course Crosswalk (PDF)
Institutes of Higher Education (IHEs) with School Age Professional Credential (SAPC) Coursework
The below list of IHEs have partnered with Pennsylvania’s Rising Stars Tuition Assistance (RSTA) program to provide School Age Professional Credential coursework in the last 18 months:
- Northampton Community College
- Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC)
- Early Learning Resource Center, Northwest Institute of Research
For more information, contact your Professional Development Organization (PDO) and the Institution of Higher Education (IHE) offering the program.
SAPC Candidate Information and Materials Packet
Please mail all SAPC Credential applications to:
Pennsylvania Key
200 North 3rd Street, 2nd Flr.
Harrisburg, PA 17101
Materials below include a description of the SAPC process, requirements, directions and forms for completing the Portfolio, Resource File, Observations and Family Surveys. Also included is the application for the on-site assessment request form. Please download and print the materials. If you do not have download capacity, please call 800-284-6031 and request a SAC Credential Packet. Please have your Early Learning Facility MPI# and shipping information when calling to request a copy of the materials.
- Assessment Process and Competencies (PDF)
- Competencies and Indicators (PDF)
- Candidate Instructions (PDF)
- Advisor Instructions (PDF)
- Advisor Observation Tool (PDF)
- Parent/Community Representative Instructions (PDF)
- Parent/Community Representative Observation Tool (PDF)
- On-site Assessment Request Form (PDF)
Northampton Community College: SAPC is offered in a three-course series starting with EARL102 Introduction to School Age Programs – part 1 of 3 courses or 9 college credits. Credits can be applied to NCC’s Early Childhood Education: Infant to Grade 4 Associate Degree. Click here for college info and here for registration info. Contact Cathe Kuker at ckuker@northampton.edu with questions. A minimum of 10 students are needed to run the courses. Access Rising STARS Tuition Reimbursement.
Harrisburg Area Community College, 2022-2023: (HACC) CDA Child Development Associate Courses, including SAPC (School Age Professional Credential)
Early Learning Resource Center, Northwest Institute of Research: PA School-Age Professional Credential 2021-2022
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
For more information, contact Betsy O. Saatman at betsaa@pakeys.org or 484-955-5909.