Trainer Approval
Quality training relies on trainers who have background content knowledge and training skills.
Quality trainers:
- apply knowledge to practice
- effectively communicate knowledge and skills
- facilitate adult learning
- are committed to strengthening children, families and communities
An important function of the Minnesota Center for Professional Development (MNCPD) is to create and oversee a statewide trainer and training approval system to support early childhood and school-age practitioners.
Trainer Approval Process (pdf)
Trainer Application Printable Version (pdf)
Trainer Agreement Form (pdf)
Trainers serve a vital role in early childhood, school-age and youth development work. They provide training, consultation and technical assistance to workers at every level:
- direct service workers-aides, assistant teachers, teachers, school-age and family child care providers
- directors and administrators
- parents and families
- community members
- trainers and educators
Training approval requires consistent standards for training events and programs.
Trainers must:
- have experience and training in early childhood education or related field
- be qualified in their area(s) of expertise
- know adult learning theory
- have course design skills
- have well-developed communication, collaboration and presentation skills
- be trained in diversity and be culturally competent
- be open to feedback
- have clear learning outcomes and valid ways to evaluate them
Trainer approval systems across the country have many of those expectations in common. On a national level, trainer approval systems usually require at least a two-year college degree for trainers presenting independently prepared trainings.
