Congratulations on beginning the journey through the CCP-MIE Credentialing Process! Individual achievement of professional ability representing the highest standards of excellence in child care and early childhood education is recognized by The NECPA Commission, in partnership with the NCCA, the awarding of a national credential – the Certified Childcare Professional (CCP). A CCP candidate will be evaluated in nine Professional Ability Areas that reflect the desired qualities of the CCP Early Childhood Education Specialist. Skill development in the Professional y Areas can be acquired through training by college credit hours, in service, hours, online or in person training, or conference workshops going back as far as five years from portfolio submission. To obtain this training directly from The NECPA Commission, Inc. in an online format, please visit www.necpa.net.

This guide will provide directions for proceeding through the CCP-MIE Credentialing process. Technical assistance is also available through your CCP Field Counselor. The NECPA Commission can be reached at 1.855.706.3272. 

Steps in the CCP Credentialing Process

1.       The Candidate completes the CCP Registration Form. CCP Registration costs a total of $350. 

2.      The Candidate completes the entire CCP Candidate Packet and constructs a Portfolio. The professional portfolio is a completion of the MIE Entry Record found here.

3.      Upon completion of the professional portfolio, the candidate will choose a Field Counselor or ask NECPA to provide one. 

4.       NECPA sends the Field Counselor the CCP Performance Based Observation materials and the CCP Exam who will first ensure the professional portfolio is complete, and then proctor the CCP Examination and observe the candidate in the classroom

5.      The CCP Field Counselor sends the Performance Based Observation, MIE Data Entry Record and the proctored CCP exam to NECPA where the records are reviewed by the Professional Standards Council (PSC) who will determine one of two results:

a.       Approved: The candidate is fully approved and receives the CCP award. The CCP award is valid for three years, requiring maintenance every three years through a renewal process.

b.       Open File: The candidate may become fully approved upon completion of additional training and/or re-tested in areas specified by the Professional Standards Council (PSC) to strengthen your experiential and/or your educational skills. Documented completion of the additional training is required within 12 months of the notification date. If a candidate does not provide a response within the specified timeframes, they must complete the CCP process again.

The 9 Professional Ability Areas

A successful candidate will have at least 15 hours in each of the following Area Abilities.

1.      The ability to establish and maintain a safe, nurturing, purposeful learning environment.

2.      The ability to promote children’s physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development.

3.      The ability to create a purposeful learning environment through curriculum and content.

4.      The ability to create an inclusive and culturally responsive learning environment.

5.      The ability to engage in effective management of learning environment.

6.      The ability to maintain a commitment to professional development and leadership.

7.      The ability to use assessment planning of learning opportunities and documentation of outcomes.

8.      The ability to demonstrate knowledge of child development theory, research and practice.

9.      The ability to demonstrate computer literacy and promote learning through Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM).

Your CCP Field Counselor

 

 

Each CCP Candidate will be assigned a local Field Counselor. Even in areas where there are an abundance of Field Counselors, it is suggested that you choose your own field counselor. many times when a stranger is introduced to a classroom, you, as the candidate, may have increased anxiety which may lead to lessened performance. Field Counselors ensure that your portfolio is in good standing before they observe you in the classroom and proctor your examination. Field Counselors will be knowledgeable about local resources and will be able to offer guidance, resource suggestions and assistance.

 

Your CCP Field Counselor is an important person in your credentialing process. The Field Counselor is highly qualified in the childcare profession and MUST be approved by The NECPA Commission, Inc. The Field Counselor has been instructed to make every effort to meet with each candidate when necessary and to be available if you have questions or problems that arise in your credentialing process.

 

Please be aware the Field Counselors volunteer their time from their busy schedule. Be sensitive of placing extra demands on their time. If you have concerns or questions regarding the credentialing process or your Field Counselor, please contact The NECPA Commission, Inc. at 1.855.706.3272.

Multi-Indicator Evaluation (MIE)

 

The Multi-Indicator Evaluation (MIE) process has been established to determine the extent to which The NECPA Commission national standards of professional expertise in the nine Professional Ability Areas are met or exceeded. The MIE consists of fifteen indicators which will be evaluated for awarding of the CCP. In awarding the CCP, the Professional Standards Council takes into consideration strengths on all indicators as evidence of professional ability. For example, extensive strengths on some indicators (e.g., experience) may be considered by the Professional Standards Council as compensating for limitations on other indicators (e.g., course work). This helps to ensure an objective, comprehensive and fair evaluation of all qualifications. The MIE will also give individuals tailored feedback to assist in enhancing professional development.

 

It is important to keep in mind that no one indicator is used by itself to determine qualifications for awarding of the CCP. To assist in making this kind of determination, please feel free to provide any additional documentation that might be helpful to the Council in evaluating qualifications. Evidence demonstrating one indicator has been exceeded could help balance a shortfall in another indicator. Field Counselors can assist in how to document this information.

 

The MIE Indicators

 

INDICATOR 1	Professional narrative toward children, families, and the community
INDICATOR 2	Resume
INDICATOR 3	High school diploma or equivalent To meet the requirement of this indicator, insert a copy of (a) High School or Equivalency Diploma or (b) High School or Equivalency Program Transcript showing successful completion of all courses leading to graduation; or (c) an official letter from an authorized representative of the High School or Equivalency Program indicating graduation.
INDICATOR 4	Proof of age, 18 years or older To meet the requirements of this indicator; insert a copy of driver’s license, birth certificate, or other official document verifying age.
INDICATOR 5	First aid/CPR/Infant rescue breathing
INDICATOR 6	Letters of endorsement To meet the requirements of this indicator, present Endorsement Letters completed by center director and a professional colleague (not a relative or subordinate) familiar with the candidate’s professional abilities directly to your CCP Field Counselor. The CCP Field Counselor will add these completed letters to the portfolio after review.
INDICATOR 7	Parent Evaluations To meet the requirements of this indicator, present two Parent Evaluations to the CCP Field Counselor. Families completing the evaluation must be current clients. The CCP Field Counselor will add these completed evaluations to the portfolio after review.
INDICATOR 8	Writing Samples To meet the requirements of this indicator, submit two (2) writing samples. One sample must reflect communication skills with parents, colleagues, or supervisors. Examples: letters to parents, memos, program improvement recommendations, reports for parent- teacher conferences. The second sample must reflect communication skills in planning, management, or record keeping. Examples: lesson plans, classroom procedures, anecdotal reports on children’s development, activity plans.
INDICATOR 9	720 hours of work experience with children from birth through five years of age To meet the requirements of this indicator, enclose the completed Experience Documentation in the portfolio. Documentation for more than 720 hours is acceptable and encouraged.
INDICATOR 10	150 clock hours of validated training/12 credit hours The candidate must have at least 15 hours in each of the nine Area Abilities, with  at least 150 hours total.
INDICATOR 11	Comprehensive child development activities (Completion of Training Tracker and dependent tasks)
INDICATOR 12*	Performance-based observation To meet this indicator, observation will be conducted by your Field Counselor, using the Performance-Based Observation Booklet provided. The purpose of the performance- based observation is to assess on-the-job skills and professionalism.
INDICATOR 13	Future plans for continued development To meet the requirements of this indicator, use the Plans for Continued Professional Development (typed or handwritten) and present to your CCP Field Counselor prior to insertion into portfolio. Evaluation will be based on self-evaluation and areas of professional development needs, past accomplishments, and future goals, plans to accomplish goals and complete professional development.
INDICATOR 14*	Completion of the national credentialing examination To meet the requirements of this indicator, register for and complete the National Credentialing Examination. Your CCP Field Counselor will provide information about scheduled examination date, times, and places.
INDICATOR 15*	Professional Standards Council MIE Review The last step in the MIE Process is the review of CCP-MIE documents by the Professional Standards Council. The Council will determine whether or not the documents submitted meet qualifications for recommendation to The NECPA Commission for awarding of the CCP Early Childhood Education Specialist Credential. To initiate this final step, confirm that the CCP Field Counselor forwards the following documents to The NECPA Commission: Completed CCP-MIE Record, Completed Experience Documentation Form, National Credentialing Examination Booklet, Completed Performance-Based Observation Booklet, Plans for Continued Development, Two Parent Evaluations, Two Letters of Endorsement, Writing Samples, Credentialing Petition, Field Counselor-Candidate Log, Exam.

 

*NECPA WILL INSERT THESE INDICATOR ITEMS IN YOUR PORTFOLIO AFTER THEY ARE COMPLETED.

 

The Early Childhood Education Specialist Examination

… An Opportunity!

The Early Childhood Specialist Credentialing examination will be your opportunity to show what you have mastered and to exhibit your skills. As you study and practice at your own pace, you will thoroughly learn each new skill and concept. The material on this examination will become familiar to you, and you will feel comfortable and confident so you can excel at this portion of the CCP Credential program.

Purpose of the Credentialing Exam

In order to determine the extent to which individuals meet or exceed, The NECPA Commissioned the Professional Standards Council for the awarding of the CCP, a candidate’s knowledge and skills must be evaluated. While on- going evaluation of a Candidate may occur during formal or informal education, training, and field experiences, The NECPA Commission requires an independent empirically based evaluation of the Candidates uniformly nationwide. Independent evaluation of each Candidate is accomplished with the National Credentialing Examination. The Exam is a formal measure of an individual’s knowledge and direct skills in the 9 Professional Ability Areas of professional practice.

 

Benefits of the Credentialing Exam

 The National Credentialing Exam is an objective measure of teacher knowledge skills in ability areas fundamental to providing high quality services to children and their families. As a result, the Exam has several benefits for the Candidate and for the Credentialing program.

1. The Exam provides objective evidence of competent independence of formal or informal education and/ or training.
2. The Exam provides an evaluation of the Candidate’s abilities uniformly on the 9 Professional Ability Areas establishing a high standard of professional practice nationwide.
3. The Exam serves as a feedback tool for assisting individuals in enhancing their abilities.
4. The Exam provides quality assurance with respect to the abilities of credentialed individuals.
5. The Exam provides evidence to an institution of higher learning that the CCP included this evidence of achievement to validate the entire process.

  

Format of the Exam

 The National Credentialing Exam consists of seventy-five multiple-choice items. These items are divided into four sections. Each section has a maximum 35-minute time limit. A ten-minute break is provided between each section.

 

 

Sample Items Similar to Those on the Exam

 The items on the Credentialing examination are designed to assess knowledge and the firsthand skills needed to provide quality child care and early childhood education to young children. A detailed listing of the content underlying the items on the exam is provided in the next section. In some cases, all answers may seem correct. Please remember to keep in mind what is accepted / appropriate nationally. Here are a few samples.

 

Sample Item 1	What is the best practice to ensure child safety in a childcare setting during outdoor playtime? a. Allow children to freely wander and explore without adult supervision. b. Provide age-inappropriate toys and equipment for added excitement. c. Ensure adequate adult supervision at all times. d. Allow children to engage in rough play to build resilience.
Sample Item 2	In a comprehensive childcare curriculum that emphasizes social, emotional, and cognitive learning opportunities, which activity would best promote all three aspects? a. Watching educational cartoons on a screen. b. Engaging in a group art project where children work together to create a mural. c. Playing with toys independently in a designated play area. d. Memorizing and reciting alphabet letters in a quiet corner.
Sample Item 3	During a parent-teacher meeting at a preschool, what is the most valuable information to convey to the parent about yourself as a professional childcare teacher? a. Your favorite hobbies and interests outside of teaching. b. The names and backgrounds of all your colleagues. c. Your experience, qualifications, and teaching approach. d. The preschool’s administrative policies and procedures.

 

Answers to sample questions: 1C, 2B, 3C

Observation and Assessment Completion

 The observation and assessment are only parts of the process that are taken into consideration by the Professional Standards Council when your portfolio is reviewed. Upon assessment of your portfolio using the MIE Data Entry Record, the CCP Exam and your CCP Observation, your Field Counselor will have submitted all your materials to the NECPA Commission, Inc. Upon receipt of all these materials, The NECPA Office creates a CCP Candidate Profile. The Professional Standards Council (PSC) will then review the CCP Candidate Profile. The Candidate is awarded the CCP Credential. The CCP is valid for three years and can be renewed by following the maintenance requirements at time of renewal found at www.RenewMyCCP.com 

4.       The ability to create an inclusive and culturally responsive learning environment.

a.        Designing activities with cultural richness,

b.       Ensuring sensitivity to cultural diversity among children.

5.       The ability to engage in effective management of learning environments.

a.        Developing planning, record keeping, and reporting procedures,

b.       Implementing positive guidance and discipline,

c.        Minimizing disruption in the classroom,

d.       Using time efficiently,

e.        Creating staff/director interactions,

f.        Promoting adult interactions in the classroom,

g.       Knowledge of standards, regulations, and licensing.

6.       The ability to maintain a commitment to professional development and leadership.

a.        Maintaining ethical practice,

b.       Affiliation with early childhood associations,

c.        Utilization of effective communication,

d.       Knowledge of early childhood practice and research.

7.       The ability to use assessment planning of learning opportunities and documentation of outcomes.

a.        Developing strategies to evaluate teaching effectiveness,

b.       Developing a plan for professional growth,

c.        Setting goals and monitoring the attainment of those goals.

8.       The ability to demonstrate knowledge of child development theory research and practice.

a.        Understanding facts and misconceptions about development,

b.       Understanding teacher expectations and learning,

c.        Knowledge of theories on development, teaching, and learning,

d.       Understanding the role of childcare and early childhood education,

e.        Understanding the role of the early childhood professional.

9.       The ability to demonstrate computer literacy and promote learning through Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM).

a.        Selecting software and apps that align with children’s developmental stages and STEAM goals.

b.       Identifying safe, educational resources that enhance exploration in science, tech, engineering, art, and math.

c.        Using computers and digital devices to support interactive STEAM projects in the classroom.

d.       Applying basic computer functions (e.g., word processing, spreadsheets) to plan and document STEAM learning experiences.

e.        Guiding children through experiments like color mixing, weather observations, and sensory investigations using digital tools.

f.        Teaching simple sequencing, patterns, and cause-and-effect through activities building with simple machines.

g.       Encouraging block-building and shape exploration, enhanced by digital design or simulation tools.

h.       Integrating art materials and creative outlets (drawing, music, rhythm) with technology for multimedia projects.

i.         Using resources to teach counting, number recognition, sorting, categorizing, and shape identification.

Parent Evaluation Form (must submit two)

Colleague Endorsement Form 

Director Endorsement Form

Experience Documentation Form

MEI Data Entry Record

CCP Training Tracker

Plans for Continued Professional Development Form