Dear Colleagues:

The New Jersey Professional Development Center for Early Care and Education is offering another opportunity for professionals to improve the quality of child care and early education in New Jersey: The Instructor Approval System.

The Instructor Approval System is a statewide system whereby instructors in Early Care and Education, Out-of-School Time, and Primary Education may submit their applications to the Clearinghouse of the NJ Professional Development Center for Early Care and Education. They may then be approved as an "Associate Instructor," "Instructor," or "Master Instructor," depending on their educational level and amount of work experience. The qualifications for each instructor level are enclosed on the Instructor Approval Criteria grid.

All child care centers, agencies, and parent groups looking for speakers or trainers on a particular topic will have access to the Approved Instructor Database, located in the Directory of Instructional Resources at www.njpdc.org. Thus, having a listing in this database would be a great way to present your services as an individual or agency, and to list an individual's credentials. THE NEW JERSEY PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CENTER FOR EARLY CARE AND EDUCATION DOES NOT ENDORSE OR RECOMMEND THE SERVICES OF AN APPROVED INSTRUCTOR, OR GUARANTEE THE QUALITY OF THE DELIVERY OR CONTENT OF AN APPROVED INSTRUCTOR.

Another advantage of becoming an approved instructor is that only approved instructors will be able to rate the courses which they are teaching that are listed in the Directory of Instructional Resources. Rating of courses will allow practitioners to choose courses appropriate to their knowledge and competency level and allow directors to recommend appropriate courses to their staff members. Courses may be rated as Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced. Additional information about rating courses can be obtained by e-mailing mmanning@njpdc.org.

Instructors may become approved in one of three ways:
" First, instructors may become approved as individuals. To do so, they should complete the "Individual Instructor Approval Application." Once approved, these individuals' names, contact information, and area(s) of expertise will be listed in the Approved Instructor Database.
" The second way is for the individuals to be affiliated with an established agency or institution. A recognized agency or institution (see application) may apply to approve any employees or consultants who meet the education and experience criteria by submitting the "Application for Agencies and Institutions Seeking Approved Instructor Status." The approved agency's or institution's name, contact information, and area(s) of expertise will be listed in the Approved Instructor Database.
" Finally, professionals in a field other than Early Care and Education, Out-of-School Time, or Primary Education, such as Accounting, First Aid/CPR, etc., may apply to become approved. These professionals may apply individually or be sponsored by an "Approved Instructor" agency. These individuals must submit the "Application for Professionals in Fields Other Than Early Care and Education For Instructor Approval Program."

All three application forms must be obtained by e-mailing mmanning@njpdc.org or calling at 908-737-5903.

Applications must be fully completed and submitted with all required documentation. Incomplete applications will be returned. All complete applications will be reviewed and approved by Clearinghouse staff members.

We are looking forward to your participation in this worthwhile program! If you have any questions, call the Clearinghouse at 908-737-5900 or e-mail mmanning@njpdc.org.

Sincerely
Mary Manning-Falzarano
Clearinghouse Manager