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School-Age Credential for Military Personnel
http://www.cdacouncil.org/pro_mil.htm
What is the MSA Credential?
The Military School-Age Credential (MSA) promotes quality service to parents and children by providing specific standards, training and evaluation for Military School-Age staff members and Family Child Care providers. It is an opportunity for adults working with school-age children in a Military School-Age setting to gain professional recognition for demonstrating competence in their on-the-job skills. Staff must complete the Foundation Level Individual Development Plan (IDP) to be eligible for the Military School-Age Credential.
The MSA Credential is recognized throughout the U.S. Department of Defense as recognition that an individual has reached a high level of competency working with school-age children. The Military School-Age (MSA) Credential may qualify one to move to a higher position and may translate into college credit, though the amount of credit varies with each institution. The MSA Credential may open doors throughout the field of school-age services.
How can Military Staff apply?
The Military School-Age Candidate can request the MSA Assessment packet
by calling 800-424-4310 or mailing a request to:
Council for Professional Recognition
Attention: Military School-Age Credential Coordinator
2460 16th Street, NW
Washington DC 20009-3575
Telephone: 800-424-4310 or 202-265-9090
The assessment packet contains all the instructions and forms needed for the next stages of the assessment system. There is no cost for ordering the MSA Assessment packet.
How does the MSA assessment & credentialing process work?
The Council for Professional Recognition evaluates the School-Age staff member/provider's competence. The materials are evaluated by a group of people called the Local Assessment Team (LAT). This team includes the staff member/provider (Candidate); a Military School-Age Professional (Advisor); a member of the local community (Parent/Community Representative); and a Representative of the Military (Military School-Age Representative). The Candidate selects people to serve as the Advisor and Parent/Community Representative. The team members must meet eligibility requirements and each one has specific responsibilities.
There are five stages in the Military School-Age assessment system:
- Application
- Information Collection by the LAT members
- Local Assessment Team meeting
- Credential Award
- Credential Renewal
The Candidate can tailor the assessment pace to his/her situation; however, stages #1 and #2 must be completed within 12 months following the completion of the School-Age Foundational Level Training IDP.
The Candidate submits the Assessment Request Form (the application) with $150 to the Council after all team members have completed their materials. The Council assigns a Military School-Age Representative to contact the Candidate, the Advisor and the Parent Community Representative to schedule the team meeting. The four team members meet to present and evaluate information about the Candidate's work. The team votes on the Candidate's competence and the assessment materials are sent to the Council. The Council reviews the assessment materials and notifies the Candidate of the decision.
The Military School-Age Credential is valid for three years. The Candidate must contact the Council before their credential expires and request a Military School-Age Renewal packet.
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