The administrative regulation 922 KAR 2:240 establishes the requirements for an individual to obtain a Kentucky Early Care and Education Trainer’s Credential. Credentialed trainers promote high-quality professional development resulting in a transfer of learning and positive outcomes for young children and families. Training provided by a credential trainer meets the requirements for child care licensing, All STARS Quality Rating System, Commonwealth Child Care Credential renewal, and the Trainer’s Credential Renewal.
Important Updates for the Division of Child Care
Trainer’s Credential
Regulation Update
The Division of Child Care announced that on June 16, 2021 at the Health, Welfare, and Family Services legislative committee meeting new child care regulations were passed. Specifically, several changes that affect the Trainer’s Credential regulation.
Got questions? Contact the Training Coach in your region. Coaches are available to:
✔️ Guide potential trainers through the application process
✔️ Assist Kentucky Credentialed Trainers with instructional design and development
Where is the online application located?
The application is located on ECE-TRIS. Log into your account and locate Trainer Credential Applications.
Don’t Have an ECE-TRIS Account?
Register online to create an account.
Locate a Credential Trainer
Locate approved trainers in your region or statewide by visiting the Trainer Search area in ECE-TRIS
Steps to Becoming a Credentialed Trainer
💻 Training can be taken in any order
FET & Intro to Resources
To register for the Fundamentals of Effective Training and/or Introduction to Resources in Kentucky for Early Care and Education Trainers. Please note that FET slots tend to fill quickly. If an event is sold out, you can email registration@lsv.uky.edu to be put on a wait list and alerted when registration opens up for the next FET session.
ECE-TRIS Data Entry Training
This course meets the requirement for the cabinet’s designated database training and must be completed by all potential trainers. Visit ECE-TRIS for registration instructions.
FET 370
Potential trainers and credentialed trainers conducting online trainings or webinars must complete FET 370: Introduction to Developing an Facilitating Online Training
Log into your ECE-TRIS account and locate the Trainer Credential Applications area. Complete the application and upload all supporting documentation. Reference: Tip Sheet for Submitting Initial Trainer Application online located below.
Initial Application
How to Apply
1. Complete the 17-hour Fundamentals of Effective Training (FET) if applying for Levels 2-5. This training is recommended but not required for Level 1 and Specialty trainers.
2. Complete the Training on the Cabinet-Designated Data System training that will introduce you to ECE-TRIS (2 hours).
3. Complete the Introduction to Resources in Kentucky for Early Care and Education Trainers (2 hours).
* Training can be taken in any order. All training must be completed prior to submitting an application.
4. Complete and submit an application. Applications are submitted electronically through ECE-TRIS.
*As of January 1, 2019, paper applications are no longer accepted.
How do I know which Level to apply for?
To learn more about training levels review the Trainers Credential Grid or contact the Training Coach for your region.
How do I apply for a credential online?
To apply online login to your ECE-TRIS account and click on Trainer Credential Applications. Complete the application and upload all supporting documentation. Reference the Tip sheet for submitting the application online
How soon will the application be reviewed?
The Trainers Credential Coordinator will review applications for missing or incomplete information and contact the applicant immediately. Initial applications are reviewed monthly and are scheduled on a first-come, first-serve basis.
What do I do if I receive a follow-up needed email after submitting my application?
1. Collect all requested supporting documentation
2. Log back into your ECE-TRIS account and click on Trainer Credential Applications.
3. Type in your name, click Search Trainer Applications. Click on your previous application marked follow-up.
* You do not need to submit a new application.
Can I begin an application and not submit for a review?
Yes, click Save instead of Save and Submit to DCC. The application will then be marked as unsubmitted and will not be reviewed. You can go back to this application at any time.
How long is a credential active?
The Early Care and Education Trainers Credential is active for three years. Trainers should reference the renewal requirements.
Where do I submit updates for contact information?
Trainers are able to update their personal record by logging into ECE-TRIS. Once logged in click Manage My Personal Information.
How can I make sure my application is complete?
Review the Common Application Mistakes and follow the instructions on the cover page of the application. Reference Tip Sheet- Submitting Initial Trainer Application Online.
If I don’t have the training or education requirements listed, are there options?
There are equivalencies for both the 17-hour Fundamentals of Effective Training seminar and the 3-hour course in Child Development.
Renewal Application
How do I renew my Trainer’s Credential?
Trainers wishing to renew their KY Early Care and Education Trainer Credential must complete the renewal requirements specific to the credential they hold and complete an online application. The Kentucky Early Care & Education Trainer Credential Levels 2-5 and Specialty must be renewed every three years. Reference Tip Sheet – Renew or Update Trainers Credential Online
Level 1 Renewal
Level 1 Credential is not renewable. Trainers at this level who wish to maintain a credential should apply for a higher level prior to their expiration date.
Level 2-4 Renewal
Level 2-4 credential holders must obtain a total of 30 clock hours of training and complete an observation conducted by a Training Coach during the three years their credential is current to be eligible for renewal. Please contact the Training Coach in your area to schedule an observation.
Of these 30 hours:
– 8 hours must be obtained in Early Care and Education
– 7 hours obtained in how to train other adults, and
– 15 hours from other related professional licensure, certification, credential, or any of the two options above.
* All training hours must be pertinent to Early Care and Education.
** Trainers must submit an application 30 days prior to the expiration date of their credential.
Reference Tip Sheet – Renew or Update Trainers Credential Online.
Level 5 Renewal
Level 5 credentials are renewable every three years by online application. Level 5 Credentialed Trainers are not required to submit training certificates with their renewal application. However, you must remain up-to-date on state and national early childhood issues. Reference Tip Sheet – Renew or Update Trainers Credential Online.
How do I renew my credential online?
Complete an online renewal application by:
1. Logging into your ECE-TRIS account.
2. Click on Trainer Credential Applications.
3. Type in your first and last name and click Submit Trainer Application.
4. Complete the application and upload all supporting documentation.
Reference Tip Sheet – Renew or Update Trainers Credential Online.
* As of January 1, 2019, paper renewal applications will not be accepted.
Do I need to include a copy of my training record to renew?
A trainer holding a Level 2, 3 or 4 credential must upload a copy of their training record.
Specialty Credential Renewal
Specialty Trainers must submit an application 30 days prior to the expiration date of their credential. Specialty trainers should also include a current license, certification, credential, or specialized training certificates. Reference Tip Sheet – Renew or Update Trainers Credential Online.
What do I need to do to update my credential to a higher level?
Trainers wishing to update their credential to a higher level must complete an online application and upload supporting documentation to meet the requirements for the requested level update.
* Please mark the application as update and not renewal.
What do I need to do if my credential has expired?
Expired credentials cannot be renewed. You will be required to reapply, as an initial applicant and retake Fundamentals of Effective Training (FET) and Introduction to Resources in Kentucky for Early Care and Education Trainers.
* See Policy Clarification
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to know about choosing a Specialty topic area?
- The topic area must be clearly and specifically stated, broad topics will not be reviewed.
- The topic area must be pertinent to early care and education staff and the settings they work in.
- The topic area cannot be the same as a Core Content Subject Area.
How do I know if I meet the requirement for the 3 credit hour Child Development course?
Review Policy Clarification-Child Development Course. An early childhood education course that doesn’t have development in the title will not meet this requirement. A course description from the college/university can be submitted for review.
What is the definition of adult learning?
As defined in state regulation 922 KAR 2:240, adult learning theory is “the concepts and principles that explain how adults gain knowledge and skills that result in relatively long-term changes in attitude and behavior.” Adult Learning Theory/Effective Training Design hours are more in-depth exploration of topics covered in Fundamentals of Effective Training.
What qualifies for how to train other adult hours?
These hours are limited to:
• Beyond Fundamentals
• Beyond Fundamentals: Tech for Trainers Series
• Trainers Institute
• Training that has been pre-approved by the Division of Child Care.
Do early childhood training hours have to be conducted by a credentialed trainer?
Yes, unless the training has been pre-approved by the Division of Child Care (DCC).
What do I need to include on my training certificates?
Participant certificates should include:
Trainer Name & Signature
Training Organization, if applicable
Credential Number, Level, Expiration Date
Title of Training, Date of Training, Number of Training Hours
Core Content Subject Area
CDA Subject Areas/IECE Areas ( Levels 3-5 ), if applicable
Location (City, State)
Can I train my own staff?
Owners, Directors, or employees holding a Kentucky Early Care and Education Trainer’s Credential may not train an employee of the same child care center or family child care home. A Credentialed Trainer employed by an organization that manages multiple early care and education centers/homes may train all participants as long as the credentialed trainer’s address is not the same as the training participants. This does not include staff of a child care center authorized by 42 U.S.C. 9831-9852 (Head Start). See Policy Clarification- Training Own Staff.
If I hold a valid trainers credential, can I award continuing education units CEU’s?
No, a trainer has to go through the local KCTCS or college/university that has an early childhood program to obtain approval to award CEUs. You should contact the Continuing Education department of the institution for specific requirements.
Can I use a college course(s) towards the renewal requirement for the 8 early childhood hours or 15 other hours?
Yes, a college course does count as long it has been completed during the 3 years your credential is active and is in early childhood. Each college credit hour equals 15 training credit hours.
How do I locate credentialed trainers in my area for training?
To locate active trainers in your area for training, visit ECE-TRIS and click Trainer Search.
Downloadable Documents
Policy Clarifications
Credentialed Trainers
To receive important information regarding your credential, please ensure your email address is up-to-date. Email updates can be sent to trainerscredential@lsv.uky.edu and don’t forget to update your ECE-TRIS account. Log into ECE-TRIS and update using Manage My Personal Information.
Division of Child Care Updates
Professional Development for Trainers
Did you know we have a series of courses for trainers that meet the requirement for how to train other adults and other hours, called Beyond Fundamentals? To learn more about this series visit HDI Learning.
Join the Trainer’s Facebook Group
Join the Training Coaches in a private Facebook group specifically designed for Kentucky’s Credentialed Trainers to connect. Also, you will be kept up to date on training announcements and the latest Division of Child Care updates. Visit www.facebook.com/groups/1884401974955801.
Join the Trainer Connections Group
Trainer Connections are a series of ongoing events planned for Trainers, by Trainers, and held throughout Kentucky. They are opportunities for Trainers to get together, share resources, ideas, and network. Trainer Connections may be hosted online or in-person in various regions based on the needs of each community of Trainers. Unable to make it? All sessions are archived. Visit HDI Learning and add FET: Trainer Connection Online Community to your cart. Check out, explore the archives, and learn.
Read the Trainer Talk Newsletter
Trainer Talk is an electronic newsletter published quarterly and distributed via email to all ECE Credentialed Trainers. It is written and edited by Training Coaches and contains news, notes, and brief articles of professional interest to trainers, as well as a calendar of upcoming/future professional development opportunities.
Trainer Talk: July 2021 Edition
Trainer Talk: April 2021 Edition
Trainer Talk: January 2021 Edition
Trainer Talk: October 2020 Edition