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The NYS Infant Toddler Care And Education Credential (ITCEC)

Picture of early childhood activity

Introduction

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The New York State Infant Toddler Care & Education Credential (ITCEC) is designed to formally recognize those teachers and caregivers who show:

  • A dedicated knowledge of infant and toddler development
  • The partnership of caregivers with the families of the children in their care
  • Professional practice based on respect for the individual, the system and themselves

This credential focuses only on infants and toddlers, not as an add-on to a preschool credential.

This credential incorporates the NYS Core Body of Knowledge, NYS childcare regulations, and the Code of Ethics of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

Frequently Asked Questions

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Who should seek the credential?

  • A person who presently or desires to work with infants and toddlers in child care centers and family childcare homes.
  • Candidates may come from a variety of backgrounds as a staff member, provider, substitute, floater or administrator of programs.
  • The candidate may have not yet earned any college credits or experience or may already have the required college credits (12 with 13 earned in the last 5 years) and extensive experience.

Can previously earned college courses apply?

  • It depends on the individual coursework. Candidates who believe they have coursework that would fit the requirements for the candidacy should apply to the New York State Association for the Education of Young children (NYSAEYC) to have their previous coursework assessed.
  • To contact NYSAEYC visit: www.nysaeyc.org

Who is the Credentialing Agency?

  • The New York State Association for the Education of Young Children (NYSAEYC) is the credentialing agency for both the Children’s Program Administrator Credential and the Infant Toddler Care and Education Credential.
  • This Association is the professional organization for those in the field of early care and education.

What are the prerequisites?

  • Each candidate must have 12 credits in college coursework.
  • 3 of these credits must have been earned in the last 5 years.
  • The 12 credits should reflect the topics that the candidate seeks know-how in:
    • Infant and Toddler Development
    • Family and Culture
    • Environment and Curriculum
    • Assessment and Evaluation

How do I show my competence?

What is the cost?

  • The application fee for assessment is $50 and the credential fee is $200.
  • The Educational Incentive Program (EIP) will cover the costs of these fees for eligible candidates.
  • For more information on the EIP, click here

Eligibility Requirements

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College coursework in infant/toddler development and professional practice:

  • 12 credits from a nationally accredited college in early childhood coursework that covers the standards of the NYS Infant Toddler Care & Education Competencies
  • 3 of these 12 credits must have been completed within the last 5 years

Experience

  • 1 year caring for infants and/or toddlers in NYS licensed center, family child care home or formal program serving infants and/or toddlers.

OR

  • 2 semesters of supervised field work course with infants and toddlers and 6 months work experience in the above

OR

  • Floater or substitute with 480 hours of documented experience

The Credentialing Process is based on 3 parts:

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PHASE I - INQUIRY:

Prospects will receive materials from NYSAEYC that will include the Guidelines, Application and Competencies.

PHASE II - CANDIDACY

After deciding to pursue the credential:

  • Submit the application complete with verified experience record
  • Send a student copy of transcripts of coursework completed thus far
  • Pay $50 non-refundable deposit towards the portfolio review fee of $300
  • NYSAEYC will assess if the necessary requirements have been met and move the prospect to Candidate status.
  • The Candidate is informed that the Portfolio can be submitted for review by the next quarterly deadline.
  • Each candidate will be sent a Portfolio Cover Page when he or she has been accepted as a candidate.
  • Fees subject to change without notice.

The Candidate has 1 year from this date to submit the Portfolio or the above process must be repeated.

PHASE III - PREPARATION/REVIEW

Once declared a candidate, the individual:

  • Completes the necessary coursework and experience
  • Submits official transcripts (directly from college to NYSAEYC).
  • Assembles Portfolio and submits for review with the $300 fee by the quarterly deadline of March 31, June 30, September 30 or December 31.
  • NYSAEYC Portfolio Review will be completed within the next quarte
  • Will be informed of the decision to award, defer or deny credential.
  • Will receive the Portfolio after the credential is awarded, deferred or denied.

For more information visit: www.nysaeyc.org/cpac.htm
Call: (518) 867-3517 or (800) 246-AEYC
Email: nysaeyc@capital.net