Unique skills for a unique role
The RBPD Credential gives participants an excellent foundation in coaching, a role that experienced early childhood professionals may take on without having a background in RBPD. Coaching adults on belief and behavior change is a different set of skills from that required in other early childhood administrative positions. This 45-hour Develop-approved training helps coaches, consultants, and mentors support early childhood professionals.
Watch our two-minute video explaining RBPD!
What is relationship-based professional development (RBPD)?
RBPD focuses on learning through a relationship with the RBPD specialist using a one-on-one and small group model to support early childhood professionals in their work. The goal of this type of individualized support is to improve children’s developmental outcomes by increasing practitioners’ knowledge, skills, and abilities. RBPD specialists provide practitioners with competency-based expert guidance and customized support. This fosters professional growth and career achievement, and it creates the conditions for sustainable change in practice.
How does the Credential work?
Participants complete the program as part of a cohort (12-14 peers) and apply the content in real time with the early childhood professionals with whom they are working.
The curriculum consists of 15 week-long blocks of content called “sessions.” Each week, participants complete readings and/or assignments, respond to a discussion board, and join a regularly scheduled live Zoom meeting with the rest of the cohort. The Credential can be completed in 15 weeks, or it can be completed at a slower pace with periodic breaks. Please see the four cohort schedules below for details. Participants who complete the RBPD Credential receive a certificate for 45 clock hours. For Minnesota residents, the training will be added to their Develop record.
Cost
The cost of the 45-hour RBPD credential is $1,400. If you currently work in the early childhood field in Minnesota the credential is discounted to $1,000. The cost works out to $22 per clock hour for Minnesota participants and $31 per clock hour for those who do not work in early childhood in Minnesota. Scholarships may be available. Please reach out to tarss@umn.edu to learn more about what scholarship opportunities are available.
Upcoming cohorts
Cohort 1: September 23, 2024 – April 19, 2025, with Zoom sessions Thursdays from 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. CST
Zoom sessions will take place September 26, October 10 and 24, November 7 and 21, December 5 and 19, January 9 and 23, February 6 and 20, March 6 and 20, and April 3 and 17.
Cohort 2: October 7, 2024 – May 3, 2025, with Zoom sessions Thursdays from 3 – 4:30 p.m. CST
Zoom sessions will take place October 10 and 24, November 7 and 21, December 5 and 19, January 9 and 23, February 6 and 20, March 6 and 20, April 3 and 17, and May 1.
Cohort 3: January 6 – May 17, 2025, with Zoom sessions Thursdays from 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. CST
Zoom sessions will take place January 9, 16, and 30; February 6, 13, and 20; March 6, 13, 20, and 27; April 10, 17, and 24; May 8 and 25.
Cohort 4: January 6 – May 17, 2025, with Zoom sessions Thursdays from 6:30 – 8 p.m. CST
Zoom sessions will take place January 9, 16, and 30; February 6, 13, and 20; March 6, 13, 20, and 27; April 10, 17, and 24; May 8 and 15.
F.A.Q.
What qualifications are needed to apply for the RBPD Credential program?
Although there are no specific training or course prerequisites for participating in this program, participants tend to be able to better engage with the material if they have some experience with coaching or being coached.
How long does the program take to complete?
The credential includes 15 weeks of content. However, the needs of each cohort determine the pace of the program. This means that a cohort can choose to complete the credential in as little as 15 weeks or as long as a year.
Is this an online program?
The credential can be done in person, online, or in a hybrid model. Our current cohorts areall online. If you are interested in a customized cohort for your group, please reach out to tarss@umn.edu.
Why does the program cost so much?
This is a highly relationship-based, interactive training sustained over 15 sessions. Scholarships may be available. Please reach out to tarss@umn.edu to learn more about what scholarship opportunities are available.
If you have questions, are interested in learning more, or wish to apply for the RBPD Credential, please fill out our interest form. Don’t see dates that work for you? Want to discuss a private cohort for your organization? Email us at tarss@umn.edu.
Subscribe to our email newsletter, The Source, for updates on this and other TARSS programs.