National Head Start Association

About the Academy Basic Family Services or Health Services Credential

 

What are the Academy Basic Family Services and Health Services Credentials?

The Basic Family Services Credential* and the Basic Health Services Credential* (also referred to as “the Basics”) are presented as a self-study, distance learning course in which family service  and health service providers demonstrate skills in 12 competency areas. Portfolios are to be completed by candidates and returned to NHSA for review and evaluation. Interested individuals can register at anytime throughout the year. Continuing Education Units are offered to candidates who successfully complete these credentials.

* Please note that these are two separate credentials.

The Basic Family Services Credential

The Basic Family Services Credential is designed for Family Services providers to demonstrate their skills in 12 competency areas, including partnering with families, implementing the family goal-setting process, developing parent involvement in child development and program governance, and providing family support in all service delivery areas. Each competency area corresponds with the Head Start Program Performance Standards.

Basic Health Services Credential

The Basic Health Services Credential is designed for Health Services providers to demonstrate their skills in 12 competency areas, including child health and development services and implementing health and safety practices, individualized services for children and health and wellness services. Each competency area corresponds with the Head Start Program Performance Standards.

Why does the National Head Start Association offer a credential in Basic Family Services or Health Services?

The National Head Start Association understands the importance of enlisting well-versed family service and health professionals in providing comprehensive, high quality services to children and their families. Therefore, NHSA offers two credentials that are specifically focused on these critical support services to young children and their families. In addition, each competency area of the Basics credentials corresponds with the Head Start Program Performance Standards.

Who is the credential most appropriate for?

Both credentials are appropriate for all Head Start family service or health service professionals who have been working for Head Start for at least one year. Those who are newer to Head Start can use this credentialing experience as a tool to support their learning. Seasoned professionals can use the credentialing experience as a refresher course. 

What is the design of this credential?

The NHSA credential is a self-study course designed to offer maximum flexibility to Head Start professionals who wish to reflect on their current practice to both certify that they are competent in core areas of practice and identify areas for further growth and development. Credentials are divided into major competency areas necessary for the implementation of quality services and based upon Head Start Program Performance Standards.

Can candidates from the same program work together?

Candidates may choose to move through the credentialing process at the same time. This will enable them to support one another and bounce ideas off of each other.

However, the Basic Family Services and Health Services Credentials require that the responses be in each of the candidate’s own words. This demonstrates an understanding of each candidate’s individual knowledge, thoughts, practices, and roles as a family services or health services provider.

What is a portfolio?

The Distance Learning Workbook, also referred to as “the portfolio,” is a compilation of the candidate’s responses to activities that reflect on the candidate’s practices and their Head Start program’s procedures and policies in each competency area.

How long will it take to earn my credential?

Each credential candidate is given six months to complete the course.

What is a credential supervisor?

Each candidate must select a credential supervisor employed with your program and with significant experience in Head Start and in the credentialing area in which you are enrolled — family services or health services.

Who should I select as my credential supervisor?

Credential supervisors should be qualified by a combination of the following:

• Current position in the program as a family services manager/coordinator or health services manager/coordinator supervising others in these areas.
• More than five years of experience in family services or health services (with at least three of these years spent in a Head Start program) are recommended.
• Education specifically related to family services or health services. For family services, a credential supervisor may hold a master’s degree in social work or a related field. For heath services, a credential supervisor may be a registered nurse or have a degree in public health.

How will my credential supervisor assist me?

All credential supervisors must have a commitment to supporting you as you move through the credentialing process, so choose this person wisely. The credential supervisor will need to provide their resume and sign a short statement of commitment that shows that they are qualified and ready to assist you as needed.

The credential supervisor is expected to:

• Act as a coach to guide and mentor you as you complete the credential portfolio.
• Review the requirement of the credentialing program with you when you receive the credential portfolio.
• Provide a signature on your completed credential portfolio to verify that you have completed ALL of the requirements.

Who reviews and evaluates the credential when it is completed and submitted to the NHSA Academy?

Academy courses are reviewed and evaluated  by seasoned Head Start or early childhood professionals, university professors, or others well qualified by a combination of experience and education to verify your level of competency as they review your completed portfolio.

Will I receive a raise or promotion based on my earning this credential?

Compensation or promotion within the candidate’s program is solely up to their Head Start program.

We hope that Head Start programs will consider the completion of this credential, along with all the candidate’s other sets of qualifications — skills, experiences, education and motivation — as a valuable professional development opportunity.

What does earning an NHSA Academy credential in family services or health services do for me?

Earning the NHSA Basic Family Services or Health Services Credentials demonstrates that you:

• Possess the dedication and desire to pursue a continued learning experience that refines and expands your areas of competency.
• Have completed an intense, in-depth, professional development opportunity to reflect and improve upon your practices.
• Are committed to offering the highest quality services possible to the children and families that you serve.