TECPDS Accounts
[fruitful_tabs type=”accordion” width=”100%” fit=”false”]
[fruitful_tab title=”What is a TECPDS account?”] The TECPDS account is your personal early childhood career profile, linking you to our state’s early childhood professional development system. Previously, users might have had two accounts on TECPDS: one for the Texas Workforce Registry and another for the Texas Trainer Registry. In May 2020, we launched consolidated accounts on the system, known as TECPDS accounts, to make it easier for users to create accounts and access tools on the system. [/fruitful_tab]
[fruitful_tab title=”How much does it cost to set-up an account in TECPDS?”] TECPDS accounts are available at no cost! This account includes access to the Texas Workforce Registry and the Certificate Generation Tool. If you are a center director, be sure to “Apply to become a Center Director” from your dashboard. After setting up your TECPDS account, you can also apply to become a Registered Trainer (additional application is required.) [/fruitful_tab]
[fruitful_tab title=”If I previously had an account in the Texas Workforce Registry, where can I find it?”] In May 2020, we launched consolidated accounts on the system, known as TECPDS accounts, to make it easier for users to create accounts and access tools on the system. Previously, users might have had two accounts on TECPDS: one for the Texas Workforce Registry and another for the Texas Trainer Registry. All information in your previous TECPDS accounts merged into a single combined base account. (If information is missing after the update on May 20, please contact TECPDS.) You will now have one ID number located in your base profile. Your highest-level account is used to determine permissions and access to tools. You can apply for elevated permissions by application.[/fruitful_tab]
[fruitful_tab title=”Who can have a TECPDS account?”]Anyone who works with children birth to age 8 can register for a TECPDS account, regardless of their role or the sector in which they work. This includes practitioners, teachers, assistant teachers, early childhood specialists, program administrators, center directors, trainers, and all others! If you work with young children and would like an account where you can keep track of your professional development, create your TECPDS account now![/fruitful_tab][/fruitful_tabs]
Texas Trainer Registry
[fruitful_tabs type=”accordion” width=”100%” fit=”false”]
[fruitful_tab title=”I cannot log in to my Trainer account or renew my account?”] If you are having difficulties logging in to your account, please submit a help ticket for assistance. Registered Trainers, do NOT sign up or pay for another account. [/fruitful_tab]
[fruitful_tab title=”How can I make the most of my account in the Texas Trainer Registry?”] The Texas Trainer Registry offers many tools and resources for early childhood trainers in Texas. Several new tools have been added to the system recently that you may not be utilizing. View our new video resources to learn about the new tools and how you can utilize these resources to enhance your training business and the experiences of your training attendees: Making the Most of Your Non-Registered Trainer Account and Making the Most of Your Registered Trainer Account. (Please note that these videos were recorded before we consolidated accounts, so the initial account set-up steps are out of date. Your first step is to create a TECPDS account.) [/fruitful_tab]
[fruitful_tab title=”Do I have to become listed on the Texas Trainer Registry to provide training in Texas?”] No. TECPDS is a voluntary system and participation is not required in order to provide training in Texas. However, according to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) – Child Care Licensing Division, in order to provide training to a person who works in the child care industry, a trainer must meet specific requirements (see Minimum Standards for additional information). In order to provide training to public school teachers, trainers must become approved by the State Board of Educator Certification (SBEC) and the Texas Education Agency (TEA). To find out how to become a CPE provider, visit the TEA website. [/fruitful_tab][fruitful_tab title=”Who qualifies to be listed on the Texas Trainer Registry?”]The educational qualifications vary depending on the Core Competency Area in which the trainer wishes to become approved, however all trainers must possess at least 3 years of experience working with young children or in their area of training, and must have completed a course or 15 hours of training in adult learning. To find out more about the qualifications, watch the Orientation Presentation available on the Texas Trainer Registry page. [/fruitful_tab][fruitful_tab title=”How do I apply to become listed on the Texas Trainer Registry?”]The first step in the application process is to watch our Orientation Presentation which details the qualifications and application steps. Once you’ve watched the orientation, you can continue to the online application form. The presentation and application form can be accessed by visiting the Texas Trainer Registry page.[/fruitful_tab][fruitful_tab title=”How long does it take for my application packet to be reviewed?”] Applications are reviewed in the order in which they are received. Depending on the influx of applications, the processing time can take approximately 3-6 weeks. [/fruitful_tab][fruitful_tab title=”If approved, how long do I remain active on the Texas Trainer Registry?”] Once placed on the Texas Trainer Registry, approved trainers will be active for three years, at which point they will need to renew in order remain active for another three years. Every 3 years Trainers need to renew their TECPDS account in order to remain active on the Texas Trainer Registry. The renewal process consists of completing the Texas Trainer Registry Renewal Form, signing a Trainer Agreement, and submitting a $45.00 processing fee. Application renewal becomes active 3 months before your renewal deadline, and will remain active up to 3 months after the deadline. Failure to complete the renewal process within this timeframe will result in the deactivation of your account. Should your account be deactivated, you will no longer be able to log in to the system, and your name, contact information and training proposals will no longer be visible through the Trainer/Training Search tool. To check if your renewal deadline is approaching, please review the summary box on your Dashboard page.
In order to complete the Renewal process, you must have access to the following:
- Information about the trainings that you have conducted in the last 3 years (please note that for the renewal to be approved, all trainers must present at least 36 hours of training in the 3-year period)
- Information & documentation about the trainings that you have attended in the last 3 years (please note that for the renewal to be approved, all trainers must have attended at least 20 hours of training – 12 in the Core Competency Areas for Practitioners or Administrators and 8 in the Core Competency Areas for Trainers)
- Information & documentation about any educational achievements completed in the last 3 years
- Debit or Credit Card with which to pay the $45.00 Processing Fee
Submit a help ticket for additional information.[/fruitful_tab]
[fruitful_tab title=”If approved, in which Core Competency Areas can I provide training?”] Trainers become approved in the Core Competency Area in which they have submitted a training proposal. If a trainer would like to become approved in multiple Core Competency Areas, they would need to submit a training proposal for each area. However, all proposals are subject to approval based on the trainer’s qualifications.[/fruitful_tab]
[fruitful_tab title=”If not approved, what are my next steps?”]
Our office keeps pending files for one year. If an application is deferred due to not meeting the qualifications or not being complete, the applicant has one year to provide us with the information or documentation needed in order to approve their application. Once the year is up, their information is securely discarded and the applicant would have to reapply if still interested. We highly recommend creating a Non-Registered Trainer account (available at no cost) while you update your application materials.[/fruitful_tab][fruitful_tab title=”What are the benefits to being listed on the Texas Trainer Registry?”]Trainers listed on the Texas Trainer Registry have been labeled “quality trainers” due to the qualifications they must possess in order to be placed on this list. In addition to this label, they become part of a network of trainers and receive from our office, ongoing resources and tools about presenter opportunities, training tools, and other resources that are relevant to trainers. Trainers are invited to participate in networking events, providing opportunities to meet and greet other trainers around the state, and receive opportunities to partner with community stakeholders in order to provide quality training. Lastly, trainers view the Texas Trainer Registry as a way to validate their hard work and qualifications and also as a marketing tool where potential clients can find them.[/fruitful_tab]
[fruitful_tab title=”Can organizations be approved by the Texas Trainer Registry?”]TECPDS is currently piloting a new process that will allow training organizations to enter into a formal agreement providing that all trainings conducted by approved trainers will be accepted and validated. Once an agreement is in place, TECPDS will automatically accept and validate records for any professionals who attend trainings by these organizations. Training organizations will be required to sign a formal memorandum of agreement with TECPDS, as well as provide a completed and signed trainer attestation for each trainer at the organization. We will provide additional information about this opportunity soon.[/fruitful_tab] [/fruitful_tabs]
Searching for Trainers & Training
[fruitful_tabs type=”accordion” width=”100%” fit=”false”]
[fruitful_tab title=”How do I contact a trainer listed on the Texas Trainer Registry?”] Trainers and their training can be sought using the Trainer/Training Search Tool. Once search criteria are selected, the trainer’s contact information will be visible on the table and the display page. [/fruitful_tab]
[fruitful_tab title=”What does the trainer level mean?”] Each trainer is assigned a level based on their education and experience providing training. Trainers who are assigned the Professional levels (Provisional Professional, Professional, and Master Professional) do not possess Early Childhood or Child Development educational qualifications, but rather qualifications specific to the area they are approved to provide training in. Trainers that are assigned Registered levels (Provisional, Registered, and Master Registered), all have Early Childhood or Child Development educational qualifications. To find out more about these levels, download the Texas Trainer Registry Educational Qualifications. [/fruitful_tab]
[fruitful_tab title=”How much do trainers charge for their training services?”] The TECPDS does not regulate trainer fees and fees can vary from trainer to trainer. Some factors which can affect this are the trainers experience level, the size of the training audience, and the delivery method of the training (online vs. classroom). Before contracting with a trainer make sure that fees have been discussed and agreed upon. Written communication or signed agreements are encouraged. [/fruitful_tab] [fruitful_tab title=”What is the process for letting the TECPDS staff know if I have had a positive or negative experience with a trainer listed on the Texas Trainer Registry?”] We greatly appreciate any feedback about the trainers listed on the Texas Trainer Registry and you are encouraged to contact us with any comment or concern at any of the contact methods listed on the Contact Us page. [/fruitful_tab] [fruitful_tab title=”How do I know if a trainer is approved to provide training in the Core Competency Area that I am interested in?”] Trainers become approved in the Core Competency Area in which they have submitted a training proposal. If a trainer is not listed as having a training proposal in the Core Competency Area that you are interested in, then they are not approved in that area. However, this does not necessarily mean that they are not qualified to train in this area, just that they have not submitted a proposal in a topic that falls under that area. If you are interested in a Registered Trainer who is not approved in the Core Competency Area in which you are interested, encourage them to submit a new training proposal. All training proposals, however, are subject to review prior to approval and trainers must have demonstrated knowledge and skills in the area they wish to train. [/fruitful_tab] [/fruitful_tabs]
Certification Generation Tool Questions
[fruitful_tabs type=”accordion” width=”100%” fit=”false”]
[fruitful_tab title=”Who has access to the Certificate Generation Tool?”] The Certificate Generation Tool is part of the Texas Trainer Registry on TECPDS. Both Registered Trainers and Non-Registered Trainers have access to the Certificate Generation Tool.[/fruitful_tab]
[fruitful_tab title=”How do I use the Certificate Generation Tool?”] The Texas Trainer Registry offers many tools and resources for early childhood trainers in Texas. Several new tools have been added to the system recently that you may not be utilizing. View our new video resources to learn about the new tools and how you can utilize these resources to enhance your training business and the experiences of your training attendees: Making the Most of Your Non-Registered Trainer Account and Making the Most of Your Registered Trainer Account. (Please note that these videos were recorded before we consolidated accounts, so the initial account set-up steps are out of date. Your first step is to create a TECPDS account.)[/fruitful_tab]
[fruitful_tab title=”Can trainers send certificates directly to training attendees through the Certificate Generation Tool?”]Yes, trainers can include the TECPDS ID for their training attendees to automatically send a copy of the certificate to their TECPDS accounts. Trainers can also choose to print or email copies of the certificates to their attendees.[/fruitful_tab]
[fruitful_tab title=”Can more than one trainer be listed on certificates?”]Yes, certificates generated through the Certificate Generation Tool can list up to two trainers.[/fruitful_tab]
[fruitful_tab title=”Does TECPDS offer training evaluations that I can send to my attendees?”]Yes, trainers using the Certificate Generation Tool have the option to send a link to a standard training evaluation to all attendees. This anonymous training evaluation link is included in the email that delivers certificates to your attendees. [/fruitful_tab][/fruitful_tabs]
Texas Workforce Registry Questions
[fruitful_tabs type=”accordion” width=”100%” fit=”false”]
[fruitful_tab title=”How do I create a Texas Workforce Registry account?”]Your TECPDS account automatically links you to the Texas Workforce Registry. The first step in the registration process is to watch our Orientation Presentation which details the process and benefits to being on the Texas Workforce Registry. Once you’ve watched the orientation, you can continue to the registration form. The presentation and registration form can be accessed by visiting the Texas Workforce Registry page.[/fruitful_tab]
[fruitful_tab title=”What are the benefits of joining the Texas Workforce Registry?”] The Texas Workforce Registry provides users with a centralized, confidential, electronic storage system for professional development and employment records in your TECPDS account. Based on the information added into their TECPDS account, practitioners can easily assess their professional development needs and create a plan for meeting these needs. Administrators can also use Texas Workforce Registry for running reports on the professional development being obtain by their staff and can submit job openings to be posted on the website’s Job Board. Lastly, information added to the Texas Trainer Registry will be used to generate statewide reports on the employment, education and training of those working with young children, which will benefit policymakers, researchers, and specialists wanting to better understand the early childhood workforce. [/fruitful_tab]
[fruitful_tab title=”Who can view my Professional Development Profile?”]Practitioners with TECPDS accounts have the option of sharing their education, employment, and training information with the administrator of the center or facility they work for, if their administrator also has a TECPDS account.
Professional development, education, and work experience entered into TECPDS may be viewed by TECPDS staff and external users employed by the 28 Texas local workforce development boards (LWBD) for the purposes of record validation. All information entered through the tool is stored securely in our database, and may only be viewed by approved individuals at TECPDS and your regional LWDB.[/fruitful_tab]
[fruitful_tab title=”Does information in my TECPDS account also save in the Find My Career Pathway tool?”]Yes, all information saved in your personal TECPDS account is also saved in the Find My Career Pathway tool. Similarly, any information saved or updated in the career pathway tool will also save in your TECPDS account.[/fruitful_tab]
[fruitful_tab title=”How often should I update my profile?”]We recommend that users update their professional development, education, and work experience on a regular basis. You can re-run your career pathway report at any time in the “Find My Career Pathway” tool. [/fruitful_tab] [/fruitful_tabs]
Record Validation Questions
[fruitful_tabs type=”accordion” width=”100%” fit=”false”]
[fruitful_tab title=”What is record validation?”]
TECPDS includes a new record validation process for early childhood professionals. Through this process, Texas early childhood professionals can enter their education, professional development, and work experience into their personal account on TECPDS and upload documents (records) that can be used to verify this information. Through record validation, users’ records will be reviewed for accuracy and then confirmed, if applicable, through the TECPDS website.
Record validation is available at no cost for participants in the Texas Rising Star and Texas School Ready programs. For additional information about record validation, please submit a help ticket.[/fruitful_tab]
[fruitful_tab title=”What kind of records can be reviewed and validated?”]
Types of records that may be reviewed and validated by TECPDS and LWDB staff:
- Education records, including transcripts
- Education certificates/diplomas
- Professional development/training certificates
[/fruitful_tab]
[fruitful_tab title=”Who has access to view and validate my records?”]
Only TECPDS staff and and external users employed by the 28 Texas local workforce development boards (LWDB) to login to TECPDS and view uploaded records. LWDB Staff will only have access to the records of TECPDS users employed or living in the geographic regions served by each LWDB. All records will be stored in the TECPDS website database, secured behind the UTHealth firewall. Records will only be viewed through the TECPDS website for the purposes of validation, and not downloaded.
[/fruitful_tab]
[/fruitful_tabs]
Core Competency Questions
[fruitful_tabs type=”accordion” width=”100%” fit=”false”]
[fruitful_tab title=”How can I use the core competencies?”]
The Core Competencies help professionals know what knowledge and skills they should possess to be successful in their careers. These documents can be used as tools for self-assessment and as a way to guide the selection of professional development. Core Competencies for Practitioners and Administrators are available now, with Core Competencies for Trainers and Coaches/Mentors coming soon.
[/fruitful_tab]
[fruitful_tab title=”Where can I find training on the Core Competencies?”]
Visit CLI Engage to find free online training on the Core Competencies for Practitioners and Administrators, up to 15 clock hours or CPEs. To access the training, complete a short sign-up form to set-up a free account on CLI Engage. This training is located in the “Online Learning” section of the website. [/fruitful_tab]
[/fruitful_tabs]
Find My Career Pathway Tool Questions
[fruitful_tabs type=”accordion” width=”100%” fit=”false”]
[fruitful_tab title=”What is the Find My Career Pathway Tool?”] Through this tool, early childhood professionals can enter information about their education, training, and work experience to learn their career pathway level. After entering information, professionals will be able to print out a custom report that shows their self-reported career pathway level and offers resources to support continued advancement in the early childhood profession. The tool is available for free to ALL TECPDS account holders. [/fruitful_tab]
[fruitful_tab title=”How can I use the Find My Career Pathway tool to support my career development?”] Also known as a career ladder or career pathway, the career pathway relates a professional’s training hours, education, work experience, and other factors to a position on the career pathway, from entry-level to expertise in the early childhood field. Professionals can advance levels on the career pathway by gaining more professional experience, or obtaining additional education credentials, such as a child development associate (CDA) degree, bachelor’s degree, or beyond. Use the “Find My Career Pathway” tool to find your current level and start planning how to advance your career through education, professional development, and work experience opportunities. Your personal report includes opportunities for you to consider as you plan your career pathway, and you can always find additional resources on TECPDS. [/fruitful_tab]
[fruitful_tab title=”Who can access the tool?”] All users with a TECPDS account can access the Find My Career Pathway tool after logging into the system. TECPDS accounts are FREE for all users. [/fruitful_tab]
[fruitful_tab title=”Why does my report show my career pathway level as ‘Self-Reported’?”] After completing the Find my Career Pathway tool, professionals will receive a self-reported career pathway level. This level is based on information that you have self-reported by uploading documents and information into TECPDS. If you have your records validated by TECPDS or your local workforce development board, your pathway level will change to “validated.”[/fruitful_tab]
[fruitful_tab title=”What is a ‘validated’ career pathway level?”] A “validated” career pathway level is based on uploaded documents and information that has been reviewed and validated by TECPDS administrators or local workforce development board staff. [/fruitful_tab]
[fruitful_tab title=”Does information saved in the Find My Career Pathway tool also save in my TECPDS account?”] Yes, all information saved in the Find My Career Pathway tool is also saved in your personal TECPDS account. Similarly, any information saved or updated in your TECPDS account will also appear in this tool.[/fruitful_tab]
[fruitful_tab title=”How often can I update my career pathway level?”] We recommend that users update their professional development, education, and work experience on a regular basis. You can re-run your career pathway report at any time.[/fruitful_tab} [/fruitful_tabs]
News & Announcement Questions
[fruitful_tabs type=”accordion” width=”100%” fit=”false”]
[fruitful_tab title=”What kind of information will I find on the News & Announcements page?”]
The News and Announcements page will include information on upcoming events, resources or opportunities relevant to those working with young children.[/fruitful_tab]
[fruitful_tab title=”Who can post information on the News & Announcement page?”] Information on this page is populated by announcements submitted by trainers listed on the Texas Trainer Registry and news items submitted by TECPDS staff. Trainers can post their own announcements from their dashboard, after logging into TECPDS. For others, please submit a ticket if you have an important announcement or news item that you would like to see listed on this page.[/fruitful_tab]
[/fruitful_tabs]
Calendar of Events Questions
[fruitful_tabs type=”accordion” width=”100%” fit=”false”]
[fruitful_tab title=”What types of events are posted on the Calendar of Events?”] The Calendar of Events page will include a list of upcoming conferences, workshops, webinars or meetings that are open to the public and relevant to those working with young children. [/fruitful_tab]
[fruitful_tab title=”Who can post events on the Calendar of Events page?”] Events visible on this page are added by TECPDS staff. If you are hosting a public event and would like to see it listed on this page, feel free to submit a ticket.[/fruitful_tab]
[/fruitful_tabs]
Statewide Report Questions
[fruitful_tabs type=”accordion” width=”100%” fit=”false”]
[fruitful_tab title=”What information is included in the public reports?”]Public reports include aggregate level data on the employment, education, and training information included in the Texas Trainer Registry and Texas Workforce Registry.[/fruitful_tab]
[fruitful_tab title=”Will any personal data be included in the public reports?”]No personal data is included in the public reports, which only provide aggregate information representing information uploaded into TECPDS.[/fruitful_tab]
[fruitful_tab title=”What are the benefits of having public reports available?”]The information captured in the public reports help policymakers and researchers better understand the early childhood workforce in order to support projects and initiatives that enhance professional development statewide.
[/fruitful_tab]
[/fruitful_tabs]
Tips for Saving Documents into TECPDS
[fruitful_tabs type=”accordion” width=”100%” fit=”false”]
[fruitful_tab title=”What are some helpful tips for saving documents onto the TECPDS site?”]
If you are having difficulties uploading documents to your Workforce or Trainer account please try the following solutions:
- Make sure your document is not too big. The maximum size you can upload for one document is 1.5mb (megabyte).
- Save regularly. Please do not spend too much time typing and uploading without saving. You may time out and lose everything you worked on; not fun we know!
- When saving the document, only use letters and numbers.
- Only certain types of documents can be uploaded. The following are the only types of documents that you can upload:
- Images files with JPEG, JPG, or PNG extensions
- Word documents with DOC or DOCX extensions
- PDF documents
- Excel files with XLS or XLSX extensions[/fruitful_tab]
[/fruitful_tabs]