U-LAUNCH-YOU Academy
U-LAUNCH: Child Development Credential of Virginia
U-LAUNCH-YOU Academy is our proprietary professional development program where CDH providers and their staff are required to earn U-LAUNCH: Child Development Credential of Virginia. U-LAUNCH-YOU Academy is open for enrollment to everyone with a high school diploma and high school students enrolled in Early Childhood Development classes. What makes U-LAUNCH: Child Development Credential of Virginia special is that it was created with intentionality to align with Virginia Early Childhood Development Alignment Project: Competencies for Early Childhood Professionals, 8VAC20-780-190 Standards for Licensed Child Day Centers: Program director qualifications, VDOE subsidy training requirements, national requirements and our credential
NEVER EXPIRES.
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U-LAUNCH: Child Development Credential of Virginia meets 8VAC20-780-190; Program director qualifications:
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High school program completion or the equivalent;
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480 hours working with children in a group;
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Determination of competency in promoting children's development, providing a safe and healthy environment, managing the classroom environment or childhood program, and promoting positive and productive relationships with parents or guardians);
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120 clock hours of child-related trainings where the facilitator documents the student's mastery and competence, observes the student's application of competence in a classroom setting, has programmatic experience; and 180 hours in a child-related field, a child development credential or equivalent, and two years of programmatic experience with one year in a staff supervisory capacity.
Within each content area, four competency levels are presented to establish a continuum from preliminary skills to an advanced level of academic preparation and varied experience. The four levels are cumulative.
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Competency Levels & Competency Content Areas
A Credential that aligns with Virginia Training Requirements and National Standards
LEVEL 01
Implement Practices According to Program Guidelines and Policies
The general requirements are two years of programmatic experience with one year in a staff supervisory capacity AND:
• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Resume with (2) Professional References
• 480 hrs. of Programmatic Experience
• 120 clock hours of Programmatic Training to include:
• Virginia ELDS Micro-Credential
• Virginia Preservice Training
• Annual Virginia Health & Safety Update Training
• Daily Health Observation
• CPR & First Aid Child, Pediatric, & Adult
• Child Abuse & Neglect/Mandated Reporter Training
LEVEL 02
Demonstrate the Skills Present at the Previous Level. Work Independently and Take Initiative in Designing Environments to Facilitate Development
The general requirements are:
• Level 1 prerequisites
• 1 Year of programmatic experience
• Bloodborne Pathogens Training
LEVEL 03
Demonstrate the skills present at the previous levels. In addition, they design, assess, and modify the learning environment to meet children's changing needs. They also model excellent practices and encourage others to develop proficiency in skills
The general requirements are:
• Levels 1 & 2 prerequisites
• 1 Year of supervisory experience
• Medication Administration Training (MAT)
• Food Handlers Card
LEVEL 04
Demonstrate the Skills Present at the Previous Level. Work Independently and Take Initiative in Designing Environments to Facilitate Development
The general requirements are:
• Levels 1-3 prerequisites
• Virginia Notary Public (optional)
• Serv Safe Manager
• CLASS Observer Certification
U-LAUNCH: Child Development Credential of Virginia fee is $375.00. Only members of U-LAUNCH: Childhood Development Homes will have access to take the credential for FREE. The Reassessment of Competency Level fee is $187.50 and must be given no less than annually from the date of the initial Child Development Credential.
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U-LAUNCH: Child Development Credential of Virginia is designed to align with Virginia recognized certifications and trainings needed to operate as members of U-Launch: Childhood Development Homes or Licensed Childcare Centers. Additionally, it recognizes an individual's basic framework of early childhood educational theory and application of that theory to serve as a competent early childhood professional for Virginia.
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U-LAUNCH: Child Development Credential of Virginia is comprised of a rigorous test, professional development e-portfolio and a choice of an in-person or virtual Observation Visit. Successful candidates who complete the minimum requirements would receive U-LAUNCH: Child Development Credential indicating their level of competency, training transcript and an official letter of completion in the 8 core areas of competency.
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Core Areas of Competency:
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• Health, Safety, and Nutritional Practices;
• Understanding Child Growth and Development;
• Appropriate Child Observation and Assessment;
• Partnering with Families and Communities;
• Learning Environment;
• Effective Interactions (Teacher/Student and Student/Student);
• Program Management; and
• Teacher Qualifications and Professional Development.