What are the
MiYDC Credential
and MAA Certificate?
A school-age youth development professional is an extraordinary individual who helps to guide youth to master skills, develop relationships, grow in independence, and move to new levels of thinking and understanding about themselves and the world. The Michigan Youth Development Credential (MiYDC)(formerly MiSAYD(TM)) and the Core Knowledge and Competencies support quality programs for school-age youth by providing standards for training and evaluation.
The Michigan Youth Development Credential (MiYDC) and Certificate programs represent the combined efforts of representatives from school-age and youth groups across Michigan to define competencies for youth development professionals in our state. In 2023, the Michigan Core Competencies were revised to reflect and align with the National AfterSchool Association Core Knowledge, Skills, & Competencies for AfterSchool and Youth Development Professionals. To apply for the Michigan Youth Development Credential (MiYDC) or MAA Certificate you must be a member of the Michigan AfterSchool Association.
Did you know that many afterschool professionals already qualify for their Michigan Youth Development Credential (MiYDC) and Certificate?
You’re one step away from a more advanced career in youth development!
If you meet the requirements below you may be able to apply now for your certificate simply by providing documentation.
How to Qualify for your Michigan AfterSchool (MAA) Certificate
- Be at least 17 years old.
- High school diploma or equivalent.*
- Evidence of current CPR/1st aid certification and blood borne pathogens training.
- Complete 40 hours of training within the past 3 years with at least 2 in each 10 of the NAA Core Knowledge, Skills, & Competencies.
- Complete 240 hours of work/volunteer experience with school-age youth in OST programs in the last five years.
- Must be an MAA member.
Certificates are valid for three years from date of issuance.
*or be a 17 year old that has satisfactorily completed at least one year of apprenticeship in a recognized child care apprenticeship program sponsored by the US Department of Labor.
How to Qualify for your MiYDC (formerly MiSAYD(TM) Credential)
- Must be age 18 or older.
- Must possess a high school diploma or equivalent.*
- Current CPR/1st aid certification and blood borne pathogens training (cannot be included in training hours).
- Complete and document 120 hours of training within the past 5 years with at least 10 hours in each of the ten content areas identified in the NAA Core Knowledge, Skills, & Competencies.
- Complete 480 hours of work/volunteer experience with school-age youth in out-of-school time programs within the past 5 years
- Three (3) hours of program observation must be completed and documented.
- Must be an MAA Member.
*or be an 18 year old that has satisfactorily completed at least one year of apprenticeship in a recognized child care apprenticeship program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor.
If you would like more information, please check out our Frequently Asked Questions.
