TECTA Orientation serves as the first step of professional development in your partnership with TECTA. In the 30-hour free training hosted through our eight TECTA sites, you will learn the core professional competencies for child care in several specializations based on the age group you service, your service location, or your professional role.

Which TECTA Orientation is right for you? TECTA Orientation teaches core knowledge and best practices through in-person and online modules with activities that are fun, interactive, and full of practical ideas in five specializations:

1. Center-Based: For providers working with children 3 to 5 years old
2. Infant/Toddler: For providers working with children 6 weeks to 3 years old
3. School-Age: For providers working with children 5 to 12 years old
4. Administrator: For Owners, Directors and Assistant Directors, and other administrative staff working in child care
5. Family Child Care: For providers working with children in a family child care or group home program

Additional TECTA Orientation Courses:

Building Strong Brains/ACEs Orientation
This advanced Orientation is a deeper dive into Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and their relationship to brain development, toxic stress, and physical/mental health. To enroll, you must complete a TECTA Orientation and 2 or more hours of academic coursework.

Literacy 30: Books and Beyond
The 3-hour Introduction to Literacy: Early Literacy Matters TCCOTS training was expanded into this 30 hour Literacy Orientation. This online Orientation includes curriculum and guided instruction on ways to enhance and increase literacy development in young children

How to enroll in TECTA Orientation
To be eligible for enrollment in a TECTA Orientation course, applicants must be currently employed or volunteer on a consistent basis at a state-regulated early care and education program in Tennessee. To enroll in a TECTA Orientation course, contact your local TECTA site to complete the TECTA Orientation Enrollment Request Form (OER) and return it prior to the first course meeting. Eligible students will be admitted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Visit TECTA Sites to see upcoming schedules and for more information about TECTA’s services.