Welcome to the frequently asked questions page for the MAA Certificate or MiYDC Credential. If you cannot find the information you need please contact: info@michiganafterschoolassociation.org.
General Questions
Q: Do I have to be an MAA member to apply for the MAA Certificate or MiYDC Credential?
A: Yes. You must have an active membership in MAA to apply. To apply to be an MAA member please use this link: Join or Renew Today
Q: I think I may move out of Michigan in the near future, is my MAA Certificate or MiYDC Credential Transferable?
A: Currently, the MAA Certificate is transferable to certain states. Please contact us with questions at info@miafterschoolassociation.org
Certificate
Q: What is the price of the MAA Certificate?
A: Currently the price is $35
Q: How can I take my training hours?
A: Candidates may take training in-person, during staff meetings and online. To ease the burden of tracking hours MAA has partnered with Cypherworx (CollaborNation) to create an online training program that allows you access to low cost, high value, trainings as well as the ability to build a personal portfolio where you can upload evidence of past trainings you’ve attended and manage your entire portfolio of youth development trainings.
*A maximum of 6 hours of training based on Core Competencies that is conducted during staff meetings may be used towards the 40 hour total.
Q: Can I use observation hours as training hours when applying for my certificate?
A: Yes! Training hours may include up to 3 hours of program observation. These hours must be completed and documented in a specific way. If you wish to use program observation hours for training hours please contact X before you submit your application.
- A single setting for 3 continuous hours
- Two settings for 1 ½ hours each either at the same program or two different programs
- Three settings for 1 hour each at the same program or different programs.
Q: How do my college courses count?
A: One college credit equals 15 hours of training. Submit your syllabus/course outline. If you do not have your syllabus/course outline – go to your college website and get the description for the course from the course catalog.
Q: Can a site coordinator earn the credential/certification if they are not regularly teaching in a program?
A: Yes! Site Coordinators work directly with youth every day. During the observations, Site Coordinators will need to arrange to be in the teaching role with students.
Q: Do I have to get the certificate before I get the credential?
A: No, you can earn the credential without earning the certificate first.
Q: How long is the MAA Certificate valid?
A: The Certificate is valid for 3 years from the date of issuance. The date of issuance and the date of expiration are printed on the certificate
Credential
Q: How do my college courses count?
A: One college credit equals 15 hours of training. Submit your syllabus/course outline. If you do not have your syllabus/course outline – go to your college website and get the description for the course from the course catalog.
Q: Can a site coordinator earn the credential/certification if they are not regularly teaching in a program?
A: Yes! Site Coordinators work directly with youth every day. During the observations, Site Coordinators will need to arrange to be in the teaching role with students.
Q: How can I take my training hours?
A: Candidates may take training in-person, during staff meetings and online. To ease the burden of tracking hours MAA has partnered with Cypherworx (collabornation)to create an online training program that allows you access to low cost, high value, trainings as well as the ability to build a personal portfolio where you can upload evidence of past trainings you’ve attended and manage your entire portfolio of youth development trainings.
*A maximum of 12 hours of training based on the Core Competencies that is conducted during staff meetings may be used toward the required 120 training hours.
Q: I have a teaching certificate, why do I need the MiYDC Credential?
A: To ensure that you are up-to-date on best practices! The field of youth development has changed a lot in the last 10 years. You have to attend yearly training anyway, why not have it count for something else? Add this youth development specialty to what you already have; this Credential is specific to what happens in out-of-school time.
Q: How does this credential count?
A: For Licensing – the Credential can be used in combination with college credits to fulfill the Program Director Qualifications. In Great Start to Quality, Michigan’s Quality Rating & Improvement System the Credential will help your program meet staff training and education requirements. Currently, the MiYDC Credential is transferable to certain states. Please contact us with questions at info@miafterschoolassociation.org
Q: Do I have to get the certificate before I get the credential?
A: No, you can earn the credential without earning the certificate first. However, it is only 40 hrs for your certificate. We recommend getting that while still working on your 120 hrs for the credential.
Q: How long is the MiYDC Credential valid?
A: The Credential is valid for 3 years from the date of issuance. The credential must be renewed within 60 days of the initial expiration date, and every 5 years thereafter. The date of issuance and the date of expiration are printed on the certificate
Q: Can I observe in my own program or in another program within my organization?
A: You may not use your own program. The goal of the Program Observation is to give you a chance to see how other programs operate so you can bring ideas/strategies back to your own program. You may use another program within your organization.
What is the formal observation process for receiving the MiYDC Credential like?
Once you have submitted all required pieces and the “Ready to Schedule Observation” form, you will be assigned an observer. This observer will be a trained External Assessor in the SA-PQA or YPQA depending on the age of youth in your program. This observer will call or email you to set a date/time for your observation. You will want to select a day that represents a typical day in your program (no special events or field trips). You will also select a time when you are in charge of the group for the one hour observation.
The three hours must be completed in one of the following ways:
- A single setting for 3 continuous hours
- Two (2) settings of 1 1/2 hours each either at the same program or 2 different
- programs.
- Three (3) settings of 1 hour each either at the same program or up to 3 different
- programs.
Click here to return to the MAA Certificate and MiYDC Credential page.
