All Things CLASS

I am a certified pre-k, infant and toddler observer. I was certified while working for another organization. However, I am now an independent consultant and do not know whether it is worth it to pay the recertification fees. I'm not even sure that I am in the directory.  Could I ever be hired to conduct CLASS observations?  I am in the central Texas area and not sure if the need is great enough to justify paying the costs for recertification. I would appreciate everyone's point of view.

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Janet Henry
3411 Arroyo Oak Drive TX
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Hi @Janet Henry,

Thanks so much for your question! Of course, it is absolutely up to you if you decide to continue maintaining your certifications, but I can absolutely share some information with you. ​If you decide to maintain your cert, you absolutely can be hired to conduct CLASS Observations! You can add yourself to the Observer Directory, using the email address associated with your account, and you are able to market yourself as a CLASS Observer as part of your services for your consulting. In terms of the need in your area, I am unsure if there is a significant need, but if you are willing to travel, we are always sharing opportunities for CLASS Observation work throughout the US. 

Hopefully, some other members can share their personal experience with their certification and consulting work as well. I hope this helps!

Best,
Allison

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Allison Bloomfield
Charlottesville VA
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Thank you, Allison.  I did not know how to be a part of the directory so I appreciate the link!  I am working toward recertification.

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Janet Henry
San Antonio TX
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Original Message:
Sent: 01-31-2022 10:31
From: Allison Bloomfield
Subject: Questioning reason to become recertified

Hi @Janet Henry,

Thanks so much for your question! Of course, it is absolutely up to you if you decide to continue maintaining your certifications, but I can absolutely share some information with you. ​If you decide to maintain your cert, you absolutely can be hired to conduct CLASS Observations! You can add yourself to the Observer Directory, using the email address associated with your account, and you are able to market yourself as a CLASS Observer as part of your services for your consulting. In terms of the need in your area, I am unsure if there is a significant need, but if you are willing to travel, we are always sharing opportunities for CLASS Observation work throughout the US.

Hopefully, some other members can share their personal experience with their certification and consulting work as well. I hope this helps!

Best,
Allison

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Allison Bloomfield
Charlottesville VA
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As CLASS is only expanding around the Country/World, I highly recommend remaining reliable. Think beyond Texas. Lots of "agencies" are doing remote observations, which you could do from home. Make sure you are in the Observer Directory, and check this Community for job postings. 

Unless you are going to retire completely, avoiding the world of early care and education, it/they are valuable tools. Consider the annual recertification(s) as an investment in your professionalism. They are a lot less expensive than sitting through the entire training again some day.  As a Consultant, the cost might be deductible from your taxes? And your internet etc.

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Andrea Zabel
Towson MD
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Thanks so much for your response. I did decide to become recertified and have added myself to the directory!

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Janet Henry
San Antonio TX
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Original Message:
Sent: 01-31-2022 11:15
From: Andrea Zabel
Subject: Questioning reason to become recertified

As CLASS is only expanding around the Country/World, I highly recommend remaining reliable. Think beyond Texas. Lots of "agencies" are doing remote observations, which you could do from home. Make sure you are in the Observer Directory, and check this Community for job postings.

Unless you are going to retire completely, avoiding the world of early care and education, it/they are valuable tools. Consider the annual recertification(s) as an investment in your professionalism. They are a lot less expensive than sitting through the entire training again some day.  As a Consultant, the cost might be deductible from your taxes? And your internet etc.

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Andrea Zabel
Towson MD
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If I was you I would, I just started at a new agency.  Many schools do pay outside people to come in and do their observations. Also, many of the Education Specialist or Coordinators positions I looked at wanted people already CLASS certified or able to do it quickly. Just my thoughts

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Mandi Compton
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Yes it is worth it your investing in yourself.

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Stephanie Williams
BALTIMORE MD
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Original Message:
Sent: 02-01-2022 11:31
From: Mandi Compton
Subject: Questioning reason to become recertified

If I was you I would, I just started at a new agency.  Many schools do pay outside people to come in and do their observations. Also, many of the Education Specialist or Coordinators positions I looked at wanted people already CLASS certified or able to do it quickly. Just my thoughts

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Mandi Compton
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Thanks so much for your information. I did add myself to the directory and will be working toward recertification.

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Janet Henry
San Antonio TX
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Original Message:
Sent: 02-01-2022 11:31
From: Mandi Compton
Subject: Questioning reason to become recertified

If I was you I would, I just started at a new agency.  Many schools do pay outside people to come in and do their observations. Also, many of the Education Specialist or Coordinators positions I looked at wanted people already CLASS certified or able to do it quickly. Just my thoughts

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Mandi Compton
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