School-Age and Youth Development (SAYD) Credential

The School-Age and Youth Development (SAYD) Credential Level 1 pilot begins in January 2011. SAYD Credential Levels 2–5 are being developed. The SAYD Credential defines what a person working with children and youth (ages 5–21) should know and be able to demonstrate at various levels of training, education, and experience.

The SAYD Credential is being developed to:

• Promote high-quality services for children and families by preparing and supporting qualified, well-trained school-age and youth development practitioners.
• Provide adults working with school-age children and youth the opportunity to gain professional recognition for demonstrating competencies in their on-the-job skills.
• Standardize personnel requirements within the field.
• Formally define an educational pathway for current school-age and youth development practitioners as well as those interested in the field.

The SAYD Credential is being developed from the seven Gateways Content Areas. The SAYD Credential includes two additional areas: Advocacy and Policy, and Program and Agency Governance and Function. These areas, in addition to the Gateways seven, are identified as key to the professional development of school-age and youth development professionals.

The seven Gateways Content Areas are:

1. Human Growth and Development
2. Health, Safety, and Well-Being
3. Observation and Assessment
4. Curriculum or Program Design
5. Interactions, Relationships, and Environments
6. Family and Community Relationships
7. Personal and Professional Development

Additional Gateways SAYD specific Content Areas:

1. Advocacy and Policy
2. Program and Agency Governance and Function

Three areas are woven throughout the seven content areas listed above: (1) Children with Special Needs, (2) Culture and Diversity, and (3) Individual and Group Guidance.

Please contact us for more information.