The application process below is effective as of September 1, 2015.
In order to become a part of the Trainer Registry, an individual may register through either an Independent trainer application process or the LDE System FastTrack application process, if eligible.
Trainer Approval System
The Trainer Registry is a component of Louisiana Pathways Early Learning Center Career Development System and the Louisiana Early Learning Center Licensing Regulations. The registry identifies individuals who have been reviewed and approved to provide training and continuing education clock hours to Early Learning Center staff in Louisiana.
In order be a part of the Louisiana Pathways Trainer Registry, a trainer must apply for and receive trainer approval. Trainer approval and level is determined by the professional experience and education level of the trainer. Once approved, Pathways trainers are eligible to provide training that qualifies as continuing education clock hours for teachers in early learning centers, as required by the Licensing Division. It is a requirement that all training used to meet the annual continuing education requirements must be provided by a Pathways approved trainer.
The Louisiana Pathways Trainer Registry maintains documentation on approved trainers by name, location, work, educational background, areas of expertise, approval expiration dates and any evaluation information.
The Registry provides referrals to help program administrators, professional development staff, training planners and others connect with trainers across the state for workshops, conference presentations and other continuing education opportunities.
Effective March 20, 2017
How to Apply
he following individuals are eligible for the FastTrack application process:
- School Board Staff or Teachers
- LA Department of Education Staff
- LA Department of Health and Hospitals staff from one of the following offices: Health Promotions Team, Bureau of Family Health, Bureau of Primary Care and
- Rural Health, WIC, or Children with Special Health Care needs
- Early Steps Staff/Contractor
- Community Network Lead Agency Staff
- Trainer/TA for Resource and Referral Agency
- Head Start Staff
- Consultant from an Approved LDE Contractor
- CLASS Special Learner Initiative
- Other Initiative/Program Approved by LDE
- Representative from Tier I Curriculum Company
- Early Childhood Ancillary Certificate Program (BESE Approved)
- Director or Assistant Director of a licensed Type III Early Learning Center at Pathways Director I level or higher (subject to verification)
- Lead Teacher at a licensed Type III Early Learning Center at Pathways Teacher I or higher (subject to verification & recommendation of Director)
Click here for the LDE FastTrack Trainer Initial Application Process
Not to be used for Trainer Renewals
LDE System Fast Track Trainers may be any individual who currently meets the employment criteria and whose supervisor/administrator has requested their approval as a requirement of their job.
We have provided the necessary FILLABLE .PDF forms to submit. (Download the .pdf file then select the open or save option.) Downloading the form will allow you the opportunity to type your information into the form(s) and print for signatures. (We are not accepting electronic signatures at this time.)
If you would like to be approved as a FastTrack trainer by Louisiana Pathways, please submit the following information to Gaynell Simmons at simmonsga@nsula.edu:
The application form above includes supervisor/administrator verification that the trainer meets qualifications and has reviewed the Louisiana Pathways Trainer Procedure Manual, available here:
We’ll also need:
- CLASS reliability certificates or CLASS Trainer certificates, if applicable.
- TS Gold Trainer or Inter-rater reliability certificates, if applicable.
Incomplete applications and submissions with missing documents will be deferred and not processed.
If approved, the trainer will receive a certificate from the Louisiana Pathways certifying them as Trainer I, II or III based on their documented education and experience as verified by their supervisor/administrator. Subject areas taught are determined by supervising agency.
The approved trainer will then be included in the Louisiana Pathways Trainer Registry, and will receive a unique Pathways trainer identification number which will be included on the continuing education certificates that he/she provides to attendees.
Initial approval and each renewal will be effective for a period of 3 years.
Not to be used for Trainer Renewals
An independent trainer is any individual who would like to provide training to Early Learning Center staff, but who does not meet the employment criteria for FastTrack trainers.
We have provided the necessary FILLABLE .PDF forms to submit. (Download the .pdf file then select the open or save option.) Downloading the form will allow you the opportunity to type your information into the form(s) and print for signatures. We are not accepting electronic signatures at this time.
If you would like to be approved as an Independent trainer by Louisiana Pathways please submit the following information to Gaynell Simmons at simmonsga@nsula.edu (incomplete applications and submissions with missing documents will be deferred and not processed):
The release form above includes supervisor/administrator verification that the trainer meets qualifications and has reviewed the Louisiana Pathways Trainer Procedure Manual, available here:
We’ll also need:
- Current Resume
- Documentation of Educational Background (official or unofficial transcripts for any degree(s) received, copies of credentials, licenses, etc. Includes CLASS reliability certificates or CLASS Trainer certificates and TS Gold Trainer or Inter-rater reliability certificates, if applicable.)
- Documentation of completion of “Pathways Trainer Orientation” and Early Learning and Development Standards training Module 2
If approved, the trainer will receive a certificate from Louisiana Pathways recognizing the trainer level and approved areas for training (CDA Subject areas). Individuals will be certified as Trainer I, II or III based on their documented education and experience.
The approved trainer will then be included in the Louisiana Pathways Trainer Registry, and will receive a unique Pathways trainer identification number which will be included on the continuing education certificates that he/she provides to attendees.
Initial approval and each renewal will be effective for a period of 3 years.
For Renewals Only
To renew your trainer approval status, submit the following information to Louisiana Pathways at least one month prior to your expiration date to Gaynell Simmons at simmonsga@nsula.edu
Note: If you are currently an Independent Pathways approved trainer eligible for FastTrack approval, read the document below.
We have provided the necessary FILLABLE .PDF forms to submit. (Download the .pdf file then select the open or save option.) Downloading the form will allow you the opportunity to type your information into the form(s) and print for signatures. (We are not accepting electronic signatures at this time.)
• Documentation of “Trainer Orientation/LDE Overview Update”, (After completing the Assessment email it to simmonsga@nsula.edu. You will receive an email with a grade after being physically graded. The Orientation is a requirement for each renewal.
For Independent Renewals you must also submit your 9 train the trainer hours as well. See Section §209. Independent Trainer Renewal of the Louisiana Pathways Trainer Procedure Manual for further information on Independent Renewals.
Review the Guidelines-for-Training-in-Adult-Learning to determine what training hours qualify for Train the Trainer hours.
Online Training in Adult Learning:
- NSU Child and Family Network —To determine which sessions to take, click on “Online Workshop Topics” (in the box on right hand side), then on Train the Trainer Sessions.
- Child Care Education Institute— Adult Learning: Theories and Strategies for Trainers and Directors
- The Care Courses School, Inc. —Staff Development and Motivation
Local Resource and Referral Agencies
Approved Trainer Referral List
The Approved Trainer Referral List is a list of approved trainers who wish to be referred to others as potential training providers. This list includes first and last name, city, parish, CLASS reliability information and email address. This information is released for referral purposes only and with the permission of the trainer.
Health Consultants approved by the Department of Health your original expiration dates have been extended until 1/31/2024.
If at any time, a trainer wishes to be removed from the Approved Trainer Referral List, he/she may submit a written request for removal via mail or Email.
Approved Trainer Verification List
The Approved Trainer Verification list includes names and approval expiration dates for all current Pathways approved trainers. This list is for the reference of licensing surveyors, Resource and Referral agencies, Community Networks and others who wish to verify approval status. No contact information is included on the verification list. The list is current as of the date at the bottom of the page. Please contact Louisiana Pathways with any questions regarding a trainer’s approval (1-800-245-8925).
Louisiana Pathways Trainer Orientation is required for all independent trainers who conduct training for licensing credit for early care and education providers. This orientation is designed to provide a working knowledge of the Pathways system and their responsibilities as a Pathways approved trainer. There is no charge for the orientation. Once the Final Assessment is satisfactorily completed, a certificate will be sent to document completion.
Assignment 1
Overview of Louisiana Pathways Early Learning Center Career Development System
Click on the document below to read about the system.
Assignment 2
Career Development Section
Click on the document below to read an overview of the Career Development Section.
An individual’s level on the career ladders is based on the information submitted to Pathways and must be verifiable. For each level, there are three columns: Training and Education Requirements, Experience Requirements and Professional Activity Requirements. To be placed at a particular level, a member must meet or exceed the requirements in all columns. Members are placed at the highest level where all requirements are met.
Click Teacher Track ladder document below for early care and education employees. Note that the Classroom Track provides steps for increased levels of skills and knowledge.
Click the Administrator Track ladder document below for directors and assistant directors. Director III and Director IV levels may require the Pathways Administrator Certificate which requires a specified amount of training in five areas necessary for the successful operation of an early care and education program. The second page of this document details requirements for this certificate.
Click the Family Child Care Track ladder document below for family child care home providers.
Click the Professional Activity Requirements document below for the professional activity requirements on the Pathways career ladders.
Louisiana Pathways plays an important role in the School Readiness Tax Credits for Directors and Staff. Click the Pathways and the School Readiness Tax Credits below to learn about Pathways’ role in documenting eligibility for the School Readiness Tax Credits for Directors and Staff.
Assignment 3
Scholarship Section
To be eligible for Louisiana Pathways’ scholarships, an individual must be enrolled and active in Louisiana Pathways and have current verified employment at a Type III Early Learning Center as the:
- director,
- assistant director,
- lead teacher,
- or assistant teacher
- OR be a CCAP registered Family Child Care Home provider
Click the Scholarships Available to Pathways Members document below to learn about the various types of scholarships available to individuals who work in early care and education programs.
Assignment 4
Trainer Approval Section
All training used for annual requirements through the Division of Licensing must be provided by a Pathways approved trainer. Revised Qualifications and Application Process went into effect September 1, 2015. Examine the Qualifications for Trainer Approval document below to review trainer qualifications
In order to become a part of the Trainer Registry, an individual may register in one of two ways:
- The following individuals are eligible for the FastTrack Trainer Application process:
- School Board Staff or Teachers,
- LA Department of Education Staff,
- LA Department of Health and Hospitals staff from one of the following offices: Health Promotions Team, Bureau of Family Health, Bureau of Primary Care and
- Rural Health, WIC, or Childrens with Special Health Care needs
- Early Steps Staff/Contractor,
- Community Network Lead Agency Staff,
- Trainer/TA for Resource and Referral Agency,
- Head Start Staff,
- Consultant from an approved LDE Contractor,
- CLASS Special Learner Initiative
- Other Initiative/Program Approved by LDE
- Representative from Tier 1 Curriculum company
- Early Childhood Ancillary Certificate Program (BESE Approved)
- Director or Assistant Director of a licensed Type III Early Learning Center at Pathways Director I level or higher (subject to verification), and
- Lead Teacher at a licensed Type III Early Learning Center at Pathways Teacher I or higher (subject to verification & recommendation of Director).
Click the LDE FastTrack Trainer Processes document below to view processes for FastTrack Trainers
All others should complete the Independent Trainer application process. Click the Independent Trainer Processes document below to view processes for Independent Trainers.
The name and approval expiration date of all Pathways approved trainers arepublished on the Approved Trainer Verification List as a reference. No contact information is included on the verification list. Trainers who wish to be referred to others as potential training providers must give permission to publish their contact information on the Approved Trainer Referral List. Approved trainers must sign a Trainer Agreement Form (available below) verifying that they understand and agree to the provisions found in the Louisiana Pathways Trainer Procedure Manual (also available below). See the documents listed below for for a Summary of Trainer Responsibilities.
Assignment 5
Pathways PowerPoint Summary
View the Pathways Trainer Orientation PowerPoint document below to review the information in this orientation.
Once you complete all of the above assignments, take the assessment by clicking on the Orientation Final Assessment below. Submit your assessment by emailing it to simmonsga@nsula.edu. You will receive a certificate of completion with a score of 70% and above. Pathways will document in your file that you have completed this requirement.
