Credential and Certificate Programs Database

Find information on programs offering a family services credential or certificate. These programs are for individuals seeking a certification of their knowledge and expertise in the field of family services. This type of credential or certification denotes professional commitment and achievement related to family services work.

Choosing a Credential or Certificate Program

Each family services staff member brings unique skills and experiences to their continuing education. You can choose a credential or certificate program that builds on what you already know and do as a professional. When searching for a program, consider which one will best meet your professional development needs and goals. Consider asking your supervisor or coach for advice as you make your selection.

Questions to Guide Your Decision

Reflect on the following questions to guide your decision:

If I do not meet the specific education requirements for family services staff roles detailed in 45 CFR §1302.91, what program can I complete within 18 months of being hired?
What financial aid does my program or employer offer for my professional development? Which programs qualify for that aid?
- Explore the Family Economic Mobility Toolkit's Paying for Education resource links.
Which learning format (e.g., online, in-person, hybrid) best fits my learning style?
- If your state or territory does not have a local credential or certificate program that meets the Head Start Program Performance Standards, you will need to look for an online program. Seek technical learning supports if a virtual format is not your preferred mode for coursework.
Which credential or certificate programs have my coworkers or training and technical assistance colleagues completed? What would they recommend based on their educational and professional experiences?
What opportunities and services does the credential or certificate program provide its students?
- How many students are in the program and in each course?
- What opportunities for peer learning communities are available?
- Who are the instructors for the program?
- Is there cultural or language representation among the instructors that connects with my background or the backgrounds of families in my Head Start program?
- What language translation or interpretation options are available?
- If any technology is required for the program, does the program offer technology assistance or aid?
- What benefits does the physical campus offer for in-person programs?
- What are the program’s professional networks and partnerships?
What are my career goals or interests for the next three years?
- Which program offers options for me to work toward these goals?
  - Are there opportunities to use the coursework toward an associate’s or bachelor’s degree?
- Use the resources on the Individualized Professional Development Plans to Support Career Pathways webpage to plan your career.

Explore the Federal Trade Commission Consumer Advice website for additional considerations.

If you don’t see a credential or certificate program in the database that matches your needs and interests, consider reaching out to the following groups or organizations in your geographic area:

Your state Head Start Association
Your Head Start Collaboration Offices
The Training and Technical Assistance team from your Regional Office
Your state or tribal association of community colleges

Disclaimer

The programs listed in this database have been validated by regional accreditation boards and prescreened for relevance. They do not represent an exhaustive list of programs. Databases include universally available credentials and do not incorporate credentials developed by specific groups or tribal organizations. Users should not construe the programs included in these databases as an endorsement by the Office of Head Start. Users seeking professional development and educational opportunities are encouraged to research programs based on their own goals, interests, and needs before making a final decision.

Prerequisites

The credential and certificate programs in the database require a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent.

Searching, Printing, or Downloading Database Programs

Open the database that best describes the type of program you are looking for. Review the list to find credential or certificate programs. To narrow your search, use the filter dropdown box. Select the region you are interested in or “New Filter” to narrow by city, state, degree/certificate type, or program. Scroll to the right to view the information in each column. Access the program’s website link to learn more.

This database includes programs offered in online, in-person, or hybrid formats.

A Hispanic-serving Institution has federal status as an institution of higher education where at least 25% of undergraduate full-time equivalent students identify as Hispanic.

To download an editable version of the database, select the three dots to the right of "View Only" at the top of the database. Select "Export" and "Export to Microsoft Excel.”

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