I AM A High School Student

Are you thinking about a career in Early Childhood Education? TECTA can help you navigate all of your options as a Tennessee student.
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I AM INTERESTED IN Higher Education

Are you thinking about going to college or want to return to finish your degree? TECTA can help with tuition assistance and professional planning.
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I AM A Child Care Professional

If lifelong learning is your goal, we are here to help with training and support tailored to your needs.
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TECTA’s main priority is to provide high quality professional development opportunities and experiences that enable you to personalize your professional journey. Explore our website to explore and find the right opportunities for you.

Pre-register for a TECTA Orientation

TECTA Orientation serves as the first step in your partnership with TECTA for professional development support. In the 30-hour free training hosted through our eight TECTA sites at public colleges and universities across the state, you will learn the core professional competencies for child care in several specialized categories related to the age group you service, your service location, or your professional role. TECTA Orientations are designed to meet the training needs for Center-Based programs, Infant/Toddler programs, School-Age programs, Administrators, and Family Child Care programs.

The TECTA Advantage

Working with TECTA has benefits that can put you on a clear path to professional development. Learn more about how TECTA can help you set goals and reach them.

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Support for Child Care Professionals

TECTA specializes in supporting all child care professionals. Whether you work in a Center-Based or a Family Child Care program, each has its unique set of needs and challenges when caring for children.

Learn more about how TECTA can help you find resources and support tailored to your environment.

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Who is Eligible for TECTA Support?

You are eligible for TECTA support if you:

Are currently employed or volunteering on a regular basis at a Tennessee state-licensed early care and educational program
Are currently a high school student enrolled in ECEC courses
Have completed a TECTA Orientation, or have completed High School ECEC I and II courses that have been approved by TECTA as equivalent to a TECTA Orientation
Have declared a major in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related degree program and have earned 3 credits of early childhood course work
Have enrolled in ECED courses or have completed ECEC Careers I-III courses and are looking for assistance with obtaining a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential™

Testimonials

This class was fun, engaging, and full of information to help me with my job and improving my work environment - Yolanda – APSU TECTA Fall 2019 Center-Based Orientation Student
This sense of community is what defined my time going through TECTA. The women I interacted with not only kept my spirits up when working, school, and life got to be a little too much, but they were a big help in changing the culture of my classroom. - Sami Barwick – APSU TECTA
TECTA has allowed me to obtain my goal to serve children and families in our community and to hopefully make a positive impact on the lives of others in our area. TECTA has not only touched my life but the lives of others all around us. Thank you TECTA for all your support - Olivia Looper-Deason – TTU TECTA
TECTA has helped me achieve my goals in the following ways: by paying my tuition, answering all my questions, and encouraging me! Through TECTA and receiving my CDA, I faced my fears and gained confidence in my self and in my abilities to work with children. - Allison Profitt – TTU TECTA