Awarding CEUs with Authorization from IACET:

 

NHSA has been accredited an authorized CEUs provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET). In attaining this approval, the National Head Start Association has demonstrated that it complies with the ANSI/IACET Standard which is recognized internationally as a standard of good practice. As a result of their Authorized Provider accreditation status, National Head Start Association is authorized to offer IACET CEUs for its programs that qualify under the ANSI/IACET Standard.NHSA is approved as an IACET Authorized provider until June 30 2017.

 

The purpose of providing CEU:

 

The purpose of Continuing Education Unit (CEU) is to provide a permanent record of the educational accomplishment of the participant who has accomplished one or more significant non-credit educational experience. The CEU is also a means to validate training quality and to document participants’ hours in training.

 

Program Criteria---Approval process for granting CEUs

 

All education sessions will be evaluated for its quality and effectiveness. The CEU award is determined upon methodical review of the intended learning outcomes and content of the educational session(s). Only educational session(s) that meets IACET’s criteria is qualified for the award of CEUs to participants. Sample of basic criteria to meet CEU qualifications includes:

• Presenter(s) are qualified
• The session outline clearly states learning objectives
• Participants accomplishment can be evaluated against stated objectives
• List of support materials (e.g. oral presentation online)
• Explanation of how participants will demonstrate competence

 

Learning Outcomes:

 

Each educational session should have clear and concise written statement of the intended learning outcomes (e.g. behavioral or performance objectives). These outcomes represent what learners are expected to accomplish. The outcomes (skills, knowledge, behavior the learner should be able to demonstrate) will be formally stated in the conference program.

 

 

CEU Process for Approval

 

Post Conference Assessment (Action Plan)

 

In accordance with IACET guidelines, participants interested in earning CEU credits for educational session(s) will have to take post-conference assessment (Action Plan) to assess participants’ mastery of the presentation content. Action Plan will also guide participants to determine how they may utilize information they have learned in educational session(s). Examples of questions on the Action Plan might include: * As a result of what you have learned in this course, what are the things you will want to do differently? * When you succeed incorporating this new information, how will it impact your work? * What kind of help do you need, and from who to implement your new information?

 

Attendees & Room Monitor Evaluations:

 

In additional to the post-conference assessment (Action Plan), NHSA also utilizes two evaluations: Attendee and Room Monitor evaluations, to analyze the level of participants’ mastery of knowledge and skills from the educational session(s). Thus, we strongly recommend interested CEU applicants to fill out Attendee and Room Monitor evaluations at the end of each session.

The primary focus of the evaluation(s) is to measure the extent to which the intended learning objectives were achieved. The data collection in the evaluation process will allow us to identify areas where improvements in planning, development and delivery of effective educational training can be made

 

Final Assessment and Certification

 

• At the conclusion of the conference, applicants will receive an e-mail from NHSA, outlining the guidelines regarding the process and procedures of completing Action Plan.
• Upon receipt of the completed Action Plan, we will systematically examine the post assessment along with other critical documents, specifically CEU Attendees, Presenters and Room Monitor evaluation forms, to determine whether or not the participant has mastered the intended learning outcomes.
• Participants who successfully master the intended learning objectives will receive an e-mail form NHSA pertaining to the acquisition of CEU certificate.

 

CEU Certificate:

 

• Participants, who successfully master the intended learning objectives, please email NHSA: nabebe@nhsa.org to receive your CEU certificate.
• NHSA’s certificate consists of the name of attendee, the number of the CEU awarded, and the name of the organization granting CEU credit(s), National Head Start Association.
• It is the individuals’ responsibility to keep and present the CEU certificate to the organization that requires or requests it.
• NHSA may maintain the record of awarded CEUs in case should attendees need verification in the foreseeable future.

 

CEU Calculation Guidelines

 

• When calculating the number of CEUs for a course, the number of contact minutes should be totaled and divided by 60 to arrive at the number of contact hours. Total contact hours should then be divided by 10 to obtain the number of CEUs. CEUs may be expressed in tenths of a CEU; that is; 17 contact hours equate to 1.7 CEU. For example --- three contact hours program equates to 0.3 CEU.
• Non-instructional time such as breaks, meals are not included when determining contact hours. A program must be at least one (1) hour in length to qualify for CEUs.

 

Cost To Grant CEUs

 

• The CEU application fee is $25.00 per each CEU registrant, effective as of April 1, 2013. Payment may be made by individuals receiving the certificate or by the individual’s program. The registrant is responsible for ensuring the payment of the CEU application fee.
• Please note that, the conference registration fee must also be fully paid prior to process of any CE certificate request.

 

Contact:

 

Should CEU registrants have any questions pertaining to the process and/or applying for CEUs, please contact NHSA’s Professional Development Coordinator, Nardos Abebe, via e-mail: nabebe@nhsa.org or phone: 703-962-7083.

For additional information regarding upcoming conferences, please visit NHSA’s website: www.nhsa.org

 

Sample of NHSA’s CEU Activity Record Form

 

(This form will also be available in the conference program book)