The first systematic statewide early childhood training and professional system in the nation administered by higher education to include orientation through advanced degree programs is known as the Tennessee Early Childhood Training Alliance, or TECTA. Based on state and national standards of training, TECTA supplies early childhood personnel with the recognized professional knowledge and skills needed to provide appropriate care and education of young children. TECTA at Dyersburg State Community College is funded by the Center of Excellence for Learning Sciences at Tennessee State University through a contract with the Department of Human Services.
TECTA at DSCC
- Step 1: Enroll and complete TECTA 30 hour Orientation.
- Step 2: Apply for tuition support if interested in CDA, TECPAC, Degree or Certificate.
For additional information about the TECTA program, visit the statewide web site at www.tecta.info.
This project is funded by the Center of Excellence for Learning Sciences at Tennessee State University through a contract with the Tennessee Department of Human Services.
Important
Links and Resources
Connect with TECTA by exploring the resources and links below.
TECTA orientation is the bridge to all other services we can provide to individuals.
The Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) is a national credential issued by the Council for Professional Development in Washington, D.C.
College academic courses that you will need to complete for a CDA, certificate, or degree.
The TECTA program offers tuition scholarships for all ECE academic degree courses. This includes, but is not limited to ECEd 1310, ECEd 2310, ECEd 2315, ECEd 2340, and some general education courses. Amounts vary according to fund availability. Completion of the 30-hour orientation is required to receive TECTA funding for academic courses.
Spring semester begins in mid-January and continues through the first week of May.
Fall semester begins mid-August and continues through the first week of December.
The Tennessee Early Childhood Program Administrator Credential (TECPAC) is a state awarded credential provides another level of recognition as part of the quality rating system.
Who is eligible?
Eligibility to receive the Tennessee Early Childhood Program Administrator Credential requires one to be the director or program administrator of a Tennessee licensed child care program. The director is defined as the individual who provides leadership, supervision, and management in a licensed early childhood program. Both new and experienced administrators may choose to obtain the credential.
What are the benefits?
The education of child care providers directly impacts children’s ability to grow and develop to their fullest potential and provides quality outcomes for their families. By earning the credential a director may meet the alternate pathway for NAEYC accreditation.
How much does it cost?
There are no fees or costs related to applying for and receiving the Credential. This program is designed to improve the competencies of people working with children and their families without an additional financial obligation. The Tennessee Department of Human Services provides the funding.
What is required to receive the credential?
You must first complete the Initial Application for Eligibility and submit your academic transcripts. The applications are reviewed and each candidate is advised regarding his or her further requirements for entry or is assigned an advisor and admitted to the Administrator Academy.
What is the Administrator Academy?
The Administrator Academy is the name given to the eight classroom sessions that incorporate leadership and management training, goal setting, and self-evaluations guided by portfolios and other curriculum.
Why does the Credential have four different levels?
The four levels are Provisional, Standard, Advanced, and Master. The credential is designed to offer four levels of entry for administrators so that it could be available to those with basic early childhood coursework to those with advanced degrees.
How long does it take to earn an Administrator Credential?
The total process takes approximately 6 months. The candidate enrolls in and finishes an Administrator Academy, completes a program portfolio, and is assessed by the appropriate Administration Scale; the Program Administration Scale (PAS) for center-based programs and Business Administration Scale (BAS) for home based programs.
If you have been in operation a minimum of at least one year and are Tennessee licensed then you may be eligible for training, consultation, and fee assistance (when available).
-Does your program strive to work beyond the minimum state licensing standards for staff training and staff/child ratios?
-Do you (and staff) have Early Childhood Credentials such as TECTA training, CDA Credential, Associates Degree or an Education or Business Degree?
-Does your staff have work benefits?
-Are your rooms set up into “learning centers” for play opportunities such as blocks, dramatic play, creative art, science/cooking, manipulatives, library and puppets?
-Do parents participate in your program in any way?
-Does your program operate based on written policies to govern the program, staff, and parents?
If you can answer “YES” to most of the above questions, then you may be exceeding state licensing requirements and be ready to seek NATIONAL ACCREDITATION for your high-quality childcare program!
Accreditation means operating your childcare program based on nationally set standards and state licensing requirements. If you have been in operation a minimum of at least one year and are Tennessee licensed then you may be eligible for training, consultation, and fee assistance (when available).
Two national organizations offering national accreditations are the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC). NAEYC is the nation’s largest organization of early childhood educators. For more information about NAEYC accreditation visit the NAEYC web site at www.naeyc.org. NAFCC is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting quality family child care by strengthening the profession of family child care. For more information about NAFCC accreditation, log on to the NAFCC web site at www.nafcc.org.
The first systematic statewide early childhood training and professional system in the nation administered by higher education to include orientation through advanced degree programs is known as the Tennessee Early Childhood Training Alliance, or TECTA. Based on state and national standards of training, TECTA supplies early childhood personnel with the recognized professional knowledge and skills needed to provide appropriate care and education of young children. TECTA at Dyersburg State Community College is funded by the Center of Excellence for Learning Sciences at Tennessee State University through a contract with the Department of Human Services.
TECTA:
-is a statewide training system teaching those who care for young children
-is a research-based curriculum to positively impact the lives of Tennessee’s Children
-plays an important role in preparing children to enter school ready to learn
-serves all 95 Tennessee counties
-makes 30 hours of free training available to Tennessee residents who work in a state regulated child care facility or licensed family/group home
For additional information about the TECTA program, visit the statewide web site at www.tecta.info