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Process for Becoming Certified/Accredited as a Group Leader

This page details the process for becoming certified to deliver the following Incredible Years Programs.

  • Group Leader of BABY Parenting Program Certification
  • Group Leader of BASIC Parenting Program Certification
  • Group Leader of Dinosaur Child (Small Group) Certification
  • Group Leader of Classroom Dinosaur Certification
  • Group leader of Teacher Classroom Management Certification
  • Group Leader of ADVANCE Parenting Program Certification

Please see the right side bar for important documentation.

General background requirements expect extensive experience with young children (this may include being a parent, working with children as a health care provider, mental health provider, teacher, social worker, or parent educator). Two years experience minimum requirement.

Excellent interpersonal skills. Letters of reference attesting to your clinical experience working with individuals and groups (minimum two).

Experience with parenting skills and family interactions (this may include being a parent, working with families as a health care provider, psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker, nurse, teacher, or parent educator).

Involvement with group activities and awareness of group dynamics (ranging from having participated in PTA committee work to having led a group).

Educational course in child development required (credited course ) (educational background in counseling helpful).

NOTE: Important deadlines:

Certification/Accreditation in Basic: pre-2008 version of Basic (early years version) paperwork – two sets of the 12 session protocols are accepted through December 31, 2011. From January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012, only one set from the old 12-session protocol will be accepted; the second set needs to include either the 18 session treatment checklists from the manual, or the 14-session prevention checklists from the Resources section of this website. See April 2011 e-newsletter for more information.

NOTE: To ensure your materials reflect current work we require you to finalize your certification/accreditation within two years. Please keep us informed about your pack and plans. If we have not received any communication from you in two years we will assume you are not continuing to pursue certification/accreditation. Please  contact us with any questions, thank you!


Certification Process for Group Leader of BABY Parenting Program

See the Application Checklist Page to help you complete this process.

Application Form (PDF)

Background Questionnaire for Parent Group Leader (PDF)

Attend Approved Training Workshop

Only those candidates who have successfully completed the approved training qualify to submit a certification application. Approved training consists of a 2-day workshop offered by a certified mentor or trainer of group leaders (prior to January 2011, 1-day supplemental workshops will be acceptable).

Experience Requirements

Conduct a minimum of 2 groups, utilizing the complete parent and child video series (each group lasting a minimum of 8 weeks). The optimal number per group is 12 - 14 parents. It is required that more than 50% of those starting the program complete all sessions (minimum 6 parents finishing the groups). A list of dates, locations, and number of attendees must be submitted.

Submit to the Certification Committee Workshop Session Checklists for 2 complete groups. See the Parent Program resources page for the Baby Program Leader Agendas and Checklists

Submit to the Certification Committee weekly evaluations by each parent who attends each of the 8-10 sessions for both groups.

Submit to the Certification Committee final program evaluations (Parent Satisfaction Questionnaire) by each parent who attended the two groups.

Peer and Self-Evaluation

Submit 2 Peer and 2 Self-evaluations using the form below. Submit one peer and one self evaluation from each of two group sessions (four forms in total will be submitted).

Parent Leader Peer and Self-Evaluation Form

Feedback from Certified Mentor or Trainer

Telephone consultation from Certified/Accredited Mentor or Trainer. Telephone consultation may be requested by IY group leaders and is provided by a Mentor or Trainer. Consultation calls are contracted through IY office.

Consultation workshops led by Certified/Accredited Mentor or Trainer. These workshops consist of 6-8 pairs of group leaders who present videos of their parent groups for peer review and feedback from IY Mentor or Trainer. Agencies may request these consultation workshops at their site or send group leaders to regularly held workshops in Seattle.

DVD review of complete parent group session by IY Certified/Accredited Mentor or Trainer. After submitting a DVD recording of a complete parent group session, the group leader will receive a detailed written report of their performance. The report will provide specific feedback for the group leader. Two complete DVD reviews are included in the certification fee. For each additional DVD review a fee is required due to the time intensive process of the review and preparation of the written report. Most group leaders submit at least two DVDs (at different times, from different groups) before obtaining final approval.

The DVD should be labeled, identifying the program  and submitted with the group leader's self-evaluation checklist and must meet minimal requirements for following session protocols. These protocols are outlined in the PDF below.

Please see the Tips for a Successful Video/DVD Review below.

DVD Review - Parent Group Leader (PDF)

How to prepare and upload your DVD (PDF)


Certification Process for Group Leader of BASIC Parenting Program

See the Application Checklist Page to help you complete this process.

Application Form (PDF)

Background Questionnaire for Group Leader (PDF)

Attend Approved Training Workshop

Only those candidates who have successfully completed the approved training qualify to submit a certification application. Approved training consists of a 3-day workshop offered by a certified mentor or trainer of group leaders. (prior to September 1999, 2-day workshops will be acceptable)

Experience Requirements

Conduct a minimum of 2 groups, utilizing the complete parent and child video series (each group lasting a minimum of 14 weeks). The optimal number per group is 12-14 parents. It is required that more than 50% of those starting the program complete all sessions (minimum 6 parents finishing the groups). A list of dates, locations, and number of attendees must be submitted.

There are multiple ways to meet the certification requirements. These ways are listed here.

For Toddler Basic Group Leader Certification:
Submit paperwork for 2 groups (12-13 sessions each)

For Basic Group Leader (Prevention) Certification:
Submit paperwork for 2 groups Preschool (14+ sessions)
Or: 1 group Toddler (12-13 sessions) PLUS 1 group Preschool (14+ sessions)
Or: 1 group Preschool PLUS 1 group School Age (age 6-8) (12-14 sessions, 16-18 if doing program 8)
Or: 1 group Toddler (12-13 sessions) PLUS 1 group School-Age (age 6-8) (12-14 sessions, 16-18 if doing program 8)

For Basic Group Leader (Treatment) Certification:
Submit paperwork for 2 groups Preschool (18-20 sessions each)
Or: 2 groups School-Age (age 6-8) (16+ sessions)
Or: 1 group Preschool (18-20 sessions) PLUS 1 group School-Age (age 6-8) (16+ sessions)

For School Age Basic Certification:
Submit paperwork for Basic (above) and 2 groups of School Age (age 9-12) (16-20 sessions each)

Submit to the Certification Committee Workshop Session Checklists for 2 complete groups. See the Parent Program resources page for the Basic Program Leader Agendas and Checklists

Submit to the Certification Committee weekly evaluations by each parent who attends each of the 14 or 18-20 sessions for both groups.

Submit to the Certification Committee final program evaluations (Final Satisfaction Questionnaire) by each parent who attended the two groups.

Peer and Self-Evaluation

Submit 2 Peer and 2 Self-evaluations using the form below. Submit one peer and one self evaluation from each of two group sessions.

Parent Leader Peer and Self-Evaluation Form

Feedback from Certified Mentor or Trainer

Telephone consultation from Certified/Accredited Mentor or Trainer. Telephone consultation may be requested by IY group leaders and is provided by a Mentor or Trainer. Consultation calls are contracted through IY office.

Consultation workshops led by Certified/Accredited Mentor or Trainer. These workshops consist of 6-8 pairs of group leaders who present videos of their parent groups for peer review and feedback from IY Mentor or Trainer. Agencies may request these consultation workshops at their site or send group leaders to regularly held workshops in Seattle.

DVD review of complete parent group session by IY Certified/Accredited Mentor or Trainer. After submitting a DVD recording of a complete parent group session, the group leader will receive a detailed written report of their performance. The report will provide specific feedback for the group leader. Two complete DVD reviews are included in the certification fee. For each additional DVD review a fee is required due to the time intensive process of the review and preparation of the written report. Most group leaders submit at least two DVDs (at different times, from different groups) before obtaining final approval.

The DVD should be labeled, identifying the program (Toddler, Preschool Basic, or School Age Basic) and submitted with the group leader's self-evaluation checklist and must meet minimal requirements for following session protocols. These protocols are outlined in the PDF below.

Please see the Tips for a Successful Video/DVD Review below.

DVD Review - Parent Group Leader (PDF)

How to prepare and upload your DVD (PDF)

(Certified group leaders are expected to attend a 1-day renewal workshop every 5 years.)


Certification Process for Dina (Small Group) Child Program Group Leader/Therapist

See the Application Checklist Page to help you complete this process.

Application Form (PDF)

Background Requirements to be Eligible for Certification

Education as Teacher or psychologist or school counselor or child psychiatrist.

If small group Dina program is offered in conjunction with Parent Group, familiarity with parent curriculum is highly desirable.

Background Questionnaire - Dina and Teacher Classroom (PDF)

Training

Attend Approved Training Workshop. Only those candidates who have successfully completed the approved training qualify to submit a certification application. Approved training consists of a 3-day workshop offered by a certified mentor or trainer of group leaders. (Prior to September 2010, 2-day workshops will be acceptable.)

Experience Requirements

Conduct 2 child groups utilizing the complete Dinosaur video curriculum (each group consisting of 18-22, 2-hour sessions or an equivalent time period). 5-6 children per series is recommended, and a minimum of 4 is required. A list of dates, locations, and number of attendees must be submitted.

Feedback and Evaluation

Submit to the Certification Committee session protocol checklists, self-evaluation and peer-evaluation, and parent final satisfaction questionnaires for each of two groups.

Satisfactory completion of protocols for group sessions - 18-22 sessions. (Included in the manual)

Parent Satisfaction questionnaire about their child's participation in Dinosaur school. (This form included in the manual)

Submit 2 Peer-evaluations and 2 Self-evaluations using this form. (Submit one peer and one self-evaluation from each of two groups.)

See the resources page for Dina Small Group to download the forms and checklists

Feedback from Certified Mentor or Trainer

Satisfactory feedback for one session. This feedback may be from certified mentor or trainer or by submitting a video to the Certification Committee. (There is a fee for this review).

Your video must meet minimal requirements for following the session protocols. If it does not meet these requirements a second video will be requested.

Please see the Tips for a Successful Video/DVD Review below.

DVD Review - Small Group Dina Leader (PDF)


Certification for Classroom Dinosaur Group Leader

See the Application Checklist Page to help you complete this process.

Application Form (PDF)

Background Requirements to be Eligible for Certification

Education as teacher or psychologist or school counselor.

Background Questionnaire - Dina and Teacher Classroom (PDF)

Training

Attend approved training workshops. Only those candidates who have successfully completed the approved training qualify to submit a certification application. Approved training consists of a 3-day workshop offered by a certified trainer of group leaders. (prior to August 2001, 2-day workshop will be acceptable)

Experience Requirements

Conduct minimum of 1 full Dina Curriculum (60+ lesson plans). Conduct the complete first year Dinosaur video curriculum (2-3 times per week for 20-30 weeks), or all the lessons in the two-year model (60+ lessons). Leaders/teachers are expected to have conducted some lessons (as developmentally appropriate) for all dinosaur units in the curriculum. A minimum of 12 children per series is required. A list of dates, locations, and number of attendees will need to be submitted.

Feedback and Evaluation

Satisfactory completion of unit checklists for each unit (60+ lessons representing all units). See the Teacher Resources page for these Unit Checklists

Completion of 3 teacher-child group self-evaluation (throughout the year).

Completion of 3 peer evaluations. (These may be done by an Incredible Years Classroom Dina Coach or by a co-teacher.

Submission of a minimum of 10 Parent Satisfaction Questionnaires  (completed by parents at end of year or after your final lessons in the curriculum). *New requirement as of January 1, 2012.

Feedback from Certified Trainer

Satisfactory feedback for one lesson, submitted to the Certification Committee. This feedback may be in one of two forms: By submitting a DVD video for one lesson including large circle time and small group activities. Or a certified trainer or mentor may do a live observation of the circle time and small group activities and provide you with written feedback for you to submit.

Your DVD video must meet minimal requirements for following the session protocols. If it does not meet these requirements a second video will be requested. Your DVD video should show two lessons that include the following:

  • circle time lesson
  • showing and mediating a video vignette
  • involving children in role plays and practice of skills
  • small group activity
  • using the puppets as part of the lesson

DVD Review - Classroom Dina - Leader (PDF)

How to prepare and upload your DVD (PDF)


Certification Process for Group Leader of Teacher Classroom Management

See the Application Checklist Page to help you complete this process.

Application form (PDF)

Background Requirements to be Eligible for Certification

Education and accreditation as a teacher or psychologist or school counselor OR, Completion of certification as parent group leader

Background Questionnaire - Dina and Teacher Classroom (PDF)

Training

Attend Approved Teacher Workshop - Teacher classroom management group leader training.

Experience Requirements

Conduct minimum of 2 teacher training workshops utilizing the video-based series (each workshop lasting the full 6 days or 42 hours spread out in weekly sessions). A minimum of 10 teachers per series is required. A list of dates, locations, and number of attendees will need to be submitted.

Submit to the Certification Committee workshop or session evaluations by each teacher who attends each of the training days for both sets of workshops, using the Final Satisfaction Questionnaire for the final meeting. (see Manual)

Submit training checklists/protocols for each of the training days. See the Teacher Resources page for these checklists/protocols

Feedback and Evaluation

Satisfactory completion of co-leader/peer and self-evaluations for each workshop.

Submit 2 Peer and 2 Self-evaluations using the form below. Submit one peer and one self evaluation from each of two groups.

Classroom Management Peer and Self-evaluation Form (PDF) (e-form)

Teacher Group Leader Collaborative Process Checklist (e-Form)

Feedback from Certified Trainer

Receive satisfactory feedback for a 2-hour portion of 1 workshop. Please choose a segment that includes mediating a vignette and doing a role play. This feedback may be from a certified trainer, or mentor, or by submitting a video to the Certification Committee. (There is a fee for this review)

Your video must meet minimal requirements for following the session protocols. If it does not meet these requirements a second video will be requested.


Certification Process for Group Leader – ADVANCE Parenting Program

See the Application Checklist Page to help you complete this process.

Only group leaders who have successfully become Certified Group Leader in the Basic parent program are eligible to apply for Advance Certification. We do not need another background questionnaire for Advance certification, unless your situation has changed quite a bit from when you submitted it for your Basic certification.

Application Form (PDF)

Attend Approved Training Workshop

Only those candidates who have successfully completed the approved training qualify to submit a certification application. Approved training consists of a 1-day workshop offered by a certified mentor or trainer of group leaders.

Experience Requirements

Conduct a minimum of 2 groups, utilizing the complete parent and child video series (each group lasting a minimum of 9 weeks). The optimal number per group is 12 - 14 parents. It is required that more than 50% of those starting the program complete all sessions (minimum 6 parents finishing the groups). A list of dates, locations, and number of attendees must be submitted.

Submit to the Certification Committee Workshop Session Checklists for 2 complete groups.

See the Parent Program resources page for Advance Parent Program Session Checklists

Submit to the Certification Committee weekly evaluations by each parent who attends each of the 9 sessions for both groups.

Submit to the Certification Committee final program evaluations (Final Satisfaction Questionnaire) by each parent who attended the two groups.

Peer and Self-Evaluation

Submit 2 Peer and 2 Self-evaluations using the form below. Submit one peer and one self evaluation from each of two groups.

Parent Leader Peer and Self-Evaluation Form (PDF) (e-form)

Feedback from Certified Mentor or Trainer

Receive a satisfactory supervisory report for one complete group session. This supervision may be done by a certified mentor or by submitting a video to the certification committee. Most people usually submit two tapes (at different times and with different groups) before they obtain approval. There is a fee for each type of review because the review process involves 3-4 hours of tape review and preparation of a written report.

Your video must meet minimal requirements for following the session protocols. If it does not meet these requirements a second video will be requested.

Please see the Tips for a Successful Video Review box on the right side of this page.

How to prepare and upload your DVD (PDF)

Send Your Certification Materials

Please mail to this Address:

The Incredible Years, Inc.
Attn: Certification Committee
1411 8th Ave West
Seattle, WA 98119  USA

 

Related Information

Certification - Training Progression (PDF)
View a certification process profile

BASIC Program Certification Grid
This grid shows the options for meeting the paperwork submissions necessary for certification.

Peer support and consultancy trainings

Hot Coaching Tips for Group Leaders

 

Achieving Fidelity

Achieving Fidelity of IY Program Delivery Content, Dosage and Clinical Processes through Certification/Accreditation Read the article (PDF)

 

Certification Fee

There is a certification fee of $450. This fee includes video review and supervisory report (up to two reviews), registration process, and certificate of certification. If the supervisory report has been approved by a certified mentor (rather than an Incredible Years trainer) then the cost of certification is $150.

PLEASE NOTE: if your DVD session is in another language, contact us about translation provisions. There is additional charge for translation services, or you may send a translated transcript of your session.

 

Application Checklist Page

Application for Certification page is a condensed version of the information on this page with links to all the forms required for certification in each Incredible Years program.

 

Tips for a Successful DVD Review

Review your DVD yourself with the Leader Collaborative Process Checklist (to make sure all aspects are covered) and the Group Leader Self-Evaluation. Please send these two forms with the video/DVD for review.

Send entire group session (with opening and closing session).

Be sure your DVD shows you being group leader (and not just the group or coleader).

Identify you as the group leader to be reviewed and label the tape accordingly.

If you have a co-leader on your DVD, you must take responsibility for entire session so we can see you "in action".

Your DVD should be labeled, identifying the program (Toddler, Preschool Basic, or School Age Basic)

Do not send more than one DVD or send bits of different sessions.

How to prepare and upload your DVD

DVD only (NTSC or PAL format). No mini DV or other small formats accepted (please call about converting).

Prepare for DVD Review from Peers Coaches or IY Mentors and Trainers

DVD Review - Tips for each program

DVD Review - Parent Group Leader

DVD Review - Small Group Dina Leader

DVD Review - Classroom Dina - Leader

DVD Review - Teacher Program

Leader Process & Self-Evaluation Checklist for the Video

Your DVD must demonstrate the points contained in the Leader Process Checklist. If it does not meet these requirements a second DVD will be requested.

Baby Group Leader Process Checklist (e-Form)

Parent Group Leader Process Checklist (e-Form)

Parent Group Leader Self & Peer Eval Form (e-Form)

Dina (Sm Group) Leader Process Checklist

Dina (Sm Group) Self & Peer Evaluation Form (e-Form)

Classroom Dinosaur Self & Peer Eval Form (e-Form)

Teacher Collaborative Process Checklist

Classroom Process Checklist

Classroom Mgmt Self & Peer Evaluation Form (e-Form)

   
 


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