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Policy

All staff who work directly with families on the family partnership process hired after November 7th, 2016, will have, or obtain within eighteen months of hire, at a minimum, a credential or certification in social work, human services, family services, counseling, or a related field.1 Staff that have not met this requirement will participate in the Head Start of Lane County in-house credentialing program. 

Procedure

  1. Affected staff will attend training sessions that are part of the HSOLC Family Services Credential coursework. These training sessions will be offered annually. 
    1. Family Engagement, Boundaries & Communication Skills (2 hours) 
    2. Family Partnership Process & Goal Setting (2 hours)
    3. Poverty Informed Services (4 hours) 
    4. Trauma Informed Services (4 hours) 
    5. Home Visitor Practices & Safety (2 hours) 
    6. Connection between Family & Child Outcomes (2 hours)
  2. Staff attendance will be verified using training attendance rosters. 
  3. The Professional Development Manager will track staff progress towards completion of training requirements. 
  4. Upon completion of the training requirements, the Professional Development Manager will prompt the staff member on the last step, a 500-word essay to be completed within 90 days of its assignment. The essay will demonstrate the staff member’s comprehension and connection between knowledge and practice. The essay will be assessed by the Family and Community Engagement Consultant, the Family Support Interpreter/Outreach Manager, and the Professional Development Manager. The essay may be written in the staff member’s home language. 
  5. A Family Service Credential will be awarded to the staff member upon completion of the above requirements. 

Note: Staff that completed the Social Services Competency Based Training Program or who have completed a bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, family services, counseling, or a related field, meet the family services requirements under Performance Standard 1302.91 (7). 

This policy complies with Head Start Performance Standard 45CFR 1202.91(d) (e) (7)

It was approved by Policy Council: February 2024.

Updated:

REVIEWED: