Tennessee’s Professional Development System
Promoting High-Quality Training and Professional Development
Our ecosystem of companion technology products is designed for scalability and continuous improvement to meet the needs of the early care and education workforce.
System Users
- Early Childhood Professionals
- Approved Trainers and Organizations
- Quality Partners
- Lead Agency Staff
TrainTN
Recognition Clearinghouse & Catalog
Review and approval of training content and sources, and publication to Tennessee’s catalog of recognized learning.
TCCOTS
online learning platform
Learning management system offering free web-based learning to accomodate busy schedules of early childhood professionals.
TAM
centralized recording system
Collection of training, technical assistance, coaching, referrals, and other professional development activities record by approved trainers and organizations, quality partners, and regulatory staff.
TNPAL
workforce registry
System of record empowering early childhood professionals with one place to manage professional profiles, training history, development plans, and portable workforce records.
Systems Designed for Building Relationships
Support for Learning Across a Continuum of Sources
Our companion systems are built to accomodate and aggregate learning from sources large and small, empowering early childhood professionals.
The Benefits for Early Childhood Professionals
- One Statewide Record
All your training and TA in one place—accurate, secure, and accessible. - Multiple Pathways
Grow your skills and pursue your passion to discover what you want to learn next. - Less Administrative Burden
Less paperwork, more time for what matters most—children and families. - Workforce Recognition
Learning is documented, valued, and portable statewide.
Individual and Organizational Learning
Competency-based professional learning meeting Tennessee’s standards, including licensure and CCDBG requirements.
- Examples
- TrainTN Approved Trainings
- Quality Partner Trainings
- Lead Agency Trainings
National Learning
High-quality professional learning, including credentials and certifications, from national organizations and initiatives meeting Tennessee’s standards.
- Examples
- Federal and State Government (EEP, FEMA, etc.)
- National Organizations (NAEYC, NHSA, etc.)
- Council for Professional Recognition
Higher Education Courses
Academic and technical higher education ECEB coursework from accredited colleges and universities.
- Examples
- Community Colleges
- College of Applied Technology
- Universities
Tennessee Professional Development Framework
Building Knowledge. Strengthening Practice. Improving Outcomes.
Our framework defines what early childhood professionals need to know and be able to provide early childhood environments that are safe, healthy, and developmentally rich.
Knowledge Areas
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Child Development, Learning, and Well-Being
Understand how children develop and learn and support their health, well-being, and individual needs.
Family and Community Relationships and Engagement
Partner with families and communities to support children’s learning and well-being.
Child Observation, Documentation, and Assessment
Understand and use observation, documentation, and assessment to inform teaching, promote positive outcomes, and support each child’s growth.
Health, Safety, and Nutrition
Practice basic health and safety standards, promote health habits and safe environments for all children.
Building Meaningful Cirriculum and Learning Environments
Create engaging environments for all children to receive meaningful learning experiences.
Leadership, Professionalism, Organizational Development, and Administration
Lead with professionalism, collaborate effectively, and strengthen programs.
Aligned and Evidence-Informed
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Our framework is built on strong research and evidence-based standards to foster consistent, high-quality practice across Tennessee.
Built On Strong Standards
- Aligned to NAEYC Professional Standards and Competencies
- Aligned to CDA® Competency Standards
Guiding Principles
- Children are at the center of all we do.
- Relationships are the foundation for learning.
- Continuous growth strengthens our workforce.
- Collaboration drives quality and innovation.
Foundation for Future Innovation
- Introduce stackable micro-credentials and badging.
- Recognize prior learning and experience
- Opportunities to leverage emerging technologies.
Depth of Knowledge and Practice
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Professionals grow their knowledge and skills over time and apply them in meaningful ways.
Level 1: Foundational
Applies and adapts knowledge to lead, innovate, and mentor others.
Level 2: Applied
Applies knowledge in various situations and solves problems.
Level 3: Foundational
Builds essential knowledge and skills for effective practice.