Program Administrators Frequently Asked Questions

1. Q: How can I receive course announcements?
A: After checking the eligibility requirements, complete the general coursework application and email or fax it to the CCAC office (mgustafson@ctcharts.org; fax 203.287.3915). Be sure to include a current email address on the application and notify us if it changes. Our announcements are sent electronically to save money, time and resources. Announcements are also posted over the ece listserve. Contact CAHS (Connecticut Association for Human Services) to receive listserve postings.

2. Q: I used to get announcements but now I don’t. Why don’t I get them anymore?
A: Unless you have specifically asked to be taken off the mailing list, you will continue to receive announcements. Have you changed your email address? CCAC AFP announces opportunities via email so you need to update your information if you change your email address. Also be sure your spam filter will allow you to receive CCAC AFP email announcements. If this is a problem with your primary or work email, consider using an alternate email account (i.e. home account).

3. Q: How much do the CCAC AFP sponsored courses cost?
A: Based on the generosity of our funders, courses are typically fully funded, meaning that your tuition and textbooks are paid for and you will receive refreshments and lunch during our full day courses. You are responsible for transportation to/from class and hotel overnight charges should you decide to stay at an area hotel.

4. Q: Do I need to stay overnight at the hotel if I attend a class?
A: No. This is your decision and perhaps that of your board or program owner (should they decide to pay for you to stay overnight all of or part of the time). Occasionally, group work will require you to arrange time outside of class to complete projects. However, CCAC AFP does not fund overnight accommodations for participants and does not require you to stay overnight. To assist you, CCAC AFP arranges a block rate for participants. You assume the hotel charges should you choose to stay.

5. Q: I can’t make it to the mandatory enrollment meeting and/or part of the class. Can I still attend the class?
A: No. You should wait for a time when you can commit to the full scope of the course. Due to the compact nature of our offerings, missing any of the time is significant and negatively impacts the participant’s experience. Be sure to get the proper authorizations from your employer prior to committing to a space.

6. Q: My program is an AFP selected site. Do I get a priority to be in a class?
A: Yes. Program administrators of AFP selected sites (those that have been selected through the formal application and review process) receive a priority for course enrollment. Depending on the funding, there are often other priorities that will be applied. In the past, these have included program administrators of state funded programs and holders of the provisional level Connecticut Director Credential.

7. Q: Does Connecticut Charts-a-Course administer the Connecticut Director Credential?
A: No. Charter Oak State College administers the Connecticut Director Credential. CCAC AFP sponsors coursework that meets the Connecticut Director Credential competency areas.

8. Q: Do I submit my transcripts and other documents for the Connecticut Director Credential to CCAC AFP?
A: No. Send all Connecticut Director Credential documents to:
Carole Weisberg
Coordinator Early Childhood and Youth Programs
Charter Oak State College
55 Paul J. Manafort Drive
New Britain, CT 06053-2150

9. Q: Will CCAC AFP pay my Connecticut Director Credential fee?
A: Once you have taken a class through CCAC AFP and as funding allows, you eligible for scholarship to cover application and credentialing fees at Charter Oak State College for the CDC.

10. Q: How do I know what courses I need to take?
A: This depends on your goal and what you have previously taken. If you choose to take AFP-sponsored coursework, note that CCAC AFP considers successful completion of a survey course a prerequisite for all other AFP-sponsored courses. You may take the survey course anywhere.

If you want to meet NAEYC program administrator education qualifications, review your credentials with the requirements: http://www.naeyc.org/academy/pursuing/candreq

If you want to achieve your Connecticut Director Credential, review your credentials with the requirements: http://www.charteroak.edu/Current/Programs/Credentials/DirectorCredential/index.cfm

If you still have CDC questions, contact the CDC Coordinator:

Carole Weisberg
Coordinator Early Childhood and Youth Programs
Charter Oak State College
55 Paul J. Manafort Drive
New Britain, CT 06053-2150
Phone: 860-832-3933
Fax: 860-832-3999
email: cweisberg@charteroak.edu

For other questions, please contact:
Margaret Gustafson at Connecticut Charts-A-Course:
mgustafson@ctcharts.org
800.832.7784 x6647 or
203.407.6647

11. Q: I took the NAC (National Administrator Credential). Is this the same as the Connecticut Director Credential? Does the NAC meet NAEYC requirements?
A: The NAC is not the same as the Connecticut Director Credential. The NAC qualifies as an introductory survey course which is one of the requirements to achieve the Connecticut Director Credential at any level.

The NAC can be used as part of a program administrator’s credentials for NAEYC. For more information, go to http://www.naeyc.org/academy/pursuing/candreq

12. Q: When will I get my transcript or grade record from the class I took?
A: For an AFP-sponsored course awarded credit through a community college or four year college, other than those specified as "Charter Oak State College (CCAP)," participants should contact the college awarding the credit. This information is noted on your agenda from the enrollment meeting during which you completed college registration forms for that particular college or university.

For an AFP-sponsored course awarded credit specified as "Charter Oak State College (CCAP)," you should receive an official grade record within 3-4 weeks of completing the course from the CCAC AFP office. For additional copies of official grade records, participants should contact:

Margaret L. Gustafson
Quality Initiatives Specialist
Connecticut Charts-a-Course
mgustafson@ctcharts.org
800.832.7784 x6647 or 203.407.6647

13. Q: I did not complete my last CCAC AFP course. How do I finish it?
A: You need to contact the instructor of that course directly. Participants must make arrangements with instructors as soon as possible if they have unexpected circumstances preventing them from completing the course within the designated timeframe. Failing to make prior arrangements with the instructor jeopardizes your grade.

14. Q: I didn’t make it to the last class after registering. Can I take another class now?
A: If you failed to notify CCAC AFP of your intent to drop the course according to the agreement you signed, you must pay a $250 fee. CCAC AFP reserves the right to deny access to future classes until the fee is paid. In addition, if a participant repeatedly reserves a space in a class and cancels in an untimely manner, CCAC AFP reserves the right to deny that person priority status (if relevant) and/or access to future CCAC AFP courses. Be respectful! Each space in a course is valuable and another program administrator can benefit from it. Don’t abuse your space!