What is the
NYSPEP Parenting Educator Credential?
The New York State Parenting Education Partnership (NYSPEP) Parenting Educator Credential is a professional recognition bestowed upon individuals, groups, organizations, or funders who are dedicated to ensuring exemplary parenting education in the State of New York. As such, parenting educators hold various titles, roles and levels of education. For more information about the methodology and origins of the Credential, please view the Rationale of the NYSPEP Parenting Educator Credential. The NYSPEP Parenting Educator Credential has a long-standing history of supporting and recognizing professionals since its inception in 2007. To further read about NYSPEP’s history, please view NYSPEP Credential History.
The New York State Parenting Education Partnership (NYSPEP) defines a parenting educator as any professional that works directly with families with a goal of children growing up in families with the knowledge and skills to support healthy development by supporting, promoting quality parenting education, educators, communities, families and funding.
NYSPEP provides a flexible, reasonably priced credential that acknowledges the value of superior support for families. With challenges like COVID, community and gun violence, increased behaviors, as well as diversity, equity and inclusion, Parenting Educators are more vital than ever before. There is no test, interview, or presentation required. You follow a framework of NYSPEP Credentialed Parenting Educator Core Competencies and NYSPEP Ethics Statement while working at your own pace to produce a portfolio that highlights your abilities and expertise in supporting families.
3 Tiers Available
Tier I
Credentialed Parenting Resource Associate (CPRA)
Requires basic knowledge of the core competency areas for those who would typically be referring parents to programs & resources. The applicant needs a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent, combined with work experience and some professional development training. The CPRA Tier is for those who are just entering the field and NOT directly teaching parents.
Qualifications:
-
High School Diploma or Equivalent
Application Fee: $150
Tier II
Credentialed Parenting Educator (CPE)
Requires a deeper knowledge of the core competency areas as well as experience working with parents. The applicant needs a two-year degree, combined with work experience and professional development training. The CPE Tier recognizes those who provide direct education to parents and caregivers about their care giving role.
Qualifications:
-
2-year College Degree or Equivalent
Application Fee: $300
Tier III
Credentialed Senior Parenting Educator (CSPE)
Requires an in-depth knowledge of the core competency areas, practice, and program oversight. The applicant needs a four-year degree, combined with work experience, a higher level of professional development training, and to have earned the Credentialed Parenting Educator. The CSPE Tier recognizes those in program development, leadership and/or supervisory roles. You must have your CPE first or apply for the CPE and CSPE together.
Qualifications:
-
4-year College Degree or Equivalent
Joint Application Fee: $600
(Includes Tier II & Tier III)
Applications now only $50 while grant funding is available!
NYSPEP Parenting Educator Credential Frequently Asked Questions
Who should I contact if I have any questions about the application? Reach out to the Credential Coordinator anytime at credential@nyspep.org with your questions or if you would prefer to have a zoom call set up, one can be requested as well. The Credential Coordinator is here to help as best as possible.
Is there a list of required documents to be included with my application submission? Yes, there is. There is an application checklist that the Credential Coordinator will send to you to make sure the proper documents are submitted along with your application.
How do I send in my completed application and any necessary supporting documentation? There are instructions on the Application Checklist that let you know which documents to physically mail to the Credential Coordinator (with address provided) and which documents to email to the Credential Coordinator. If you need further clarification after reviewing this checklist, reach out to the Credential Coordinator at credential@nyspep.org.
Is it possible to talk about my questions over Zoom instead of through email? Yes, it is. Our Credential Coordinator welcomes zoom sessions with individuals regarding the Credential and will make appointments with individuals around your schedule. Reach out to the Credential Coordinator at credential@nyspep.org to schedule them.
The Aspire Registry: What is it? The Aspire Registry is New York State’s online system that supports early childhood professionals and recognizes the valuable work being done. It functions as a professional portfolio for educators to help collect their education, professional development, and employment information with the goal of improving the quality of education in the state.
To apply for the Credential, is it necessary to have an Aspire Registry? An Aspire Registry or similar operating system is necessary as there are documents required to be submitted from these sites. For example: a complete training list and professional development record are required to be submitted with your application which would be printed off these sites.
How can I set up my own Aspire Registry? For those who do not already have an Aspire Registry, go to https://www.nyworksforchildren.org, click on “join the Aspire Registry” and click on “create account” to begin the process. If at any time you need further assistance or have questions with this process, reach out to the Credential Coordinator at credential@nyspep.org.
If I need more assistance than the Credential Coordinator can provide, is there anyone available? Yes, we do have mentors available. To be connected to one of our mentors, reach out to the Credential Coordinator at credential@nyspep.org about your interest in a mentor and the Credential Coordinator will connect you with one of our mentors.
Dawn Bruce, LMSW, NYSPEP-CPE
I am a social worker with a focus on building families in communities and a birth doula. The value of this credential process is being able to reflect on the accomplishments, as well as the professional and personal development that takes place. It challenges you to go deeper and write about your learning, experiences and how it is utilized in your daily work.
Judy Wolf, MS (ret.), Team Leader, Cornell Cooperative Extension Tioga
Having our staff credentialed recognizes their competence, provides credibility for funders, and validates our program to participants.
Karen Kissinger, New York State Office of Children & Family Services
The NYSPEP credential provides value for funders and parenting educators. Funders know that credentialed parenting educators have expertise to strengthen families, and parenting educators are acknowledged for their skills, including the different pathways they take to gain their expertise.