Program Design & Management (PDM) Credential...

Being the best you can be!  Qualifications that exceed all others!

Credential Programs

Program Design & Management - Administrative  (15 units/12 weeks)

Outline: click here to view

• 
• Head Start agencies are faced with tight economic conditions, shifting priorities, and demand to deliver quality services. Program managers must not only manage multiple projects, but also ensure that those projects align with agency goals—all while maximizing performance and minimizing risk. You will learn best practices for effective program management, including making decisions that accomplish strategic objectives and managing change and risks. A hands-on experience will give you the tools and practice you need to build your expertise and realize program success. support and services. The Credential is a formal recognition of your professional development and commitment to continuous learning. Pursuing an PDM Credential allows you to further your knowledge and skills on a convenient, flexible schedule of your own design. Our professional credential programs run throughout the year and are typically twelve weeks to thirty-six weeks in duration. The credentials are offered in four areas of concentration, providing management with the opportunity to tailor their education plans to meet their own specific interests and program goals. To qualify for an PDM Credential, participants must complete one exam—within their chosen credential track—within a 12 week period. Our open enrollment, credential development programs are offered in four areas of concentration or tracks, which address the program needs and goals of agencies around the US: Program Governance, Strategy Planning & Data Management, Program Monitoring and Self-Assessment; and Management and Leadership (ML).

Upon successful completion of all program requirements, graduates will be able to:

1.	Increase effectiveness and efficiency as a program manager in a program environment
2.	Analyze program, project, and assignments within a program
3.	Explore the program life cycle and identify success factors at each step in the process
4.	Evaluate the relationship between program requirements and overall success criteria
5.	Implement various program management tools and techniques
6.	Apply effective leadership strategies for program management
7.	Maintain continuous alignment of program scope with strategic objectives
8.	Analyze differences between program and project risks

• A credential at HS University is an "educational process" of establishing the qualifications of professionals in Head Start, Early Head Start, Migrant Head Start, American Indian/Alaska Native and Early Childhood employees.  The process consists of the attainment of a specific skill level and knowledge of regulations and the assessing of the candidate's educational background and experience. A credential is then awarded to the professional who meets the standards set for the credential.  It signifies that a student has enrolled, attended and successfully completed the requirements of a specific mental health services plan of study within a Head Start program.  The administrator credential process usually takes about 12 weeks to complete and requires 15 units.

• The credential in Program Design & Management Credential provides a basic academic foundation and professional development for disabilities staff. An important professional credential and license offers Head Start management an opportunity to advance their careers and serve children and families more effectively. A license is a "collegiate diploma". It is a post-secondary academic process of establishing the qualifications of professionals working in Program Design & Management.

• Students are prepared to commuicate effectively, learn and use new technology, think critically and creatively and demonstrate sound disabilities policies.  The courses are designed for students who intend to pursue advanced study in Disabilities Services or a related discipline. 

• Students are required to complete the following:

  Complete 15 units or 5 credits

  Complete online examination and documentation process

  Complete a Prior Learning Assessment portfolio packet

  Pay fee ( fees are determined by state in which student resides)

  Complete award review process

  Admission Criteria

  Candidates for admission to the credential program must be employed in a Head Start program.

  Application Deadline

  The deadline for Fall session starts is September.  The next session starts 6 weeks after that date.

  The following list a suggested course of study. Students must complete 5 credits/15 units in order to earn a certificate. Please contact your advisor and student representative for an individual Professional Development Plan (Plans consist of a detailed program of study requirement and Proposal for Tuition payment).  Students must complete an application and pay application fee in order to receive Professional Development Plans of Study.

  Course of Study

  Course #	Description	Credits	Units
  PDM101	Program Monitoring & Self-Assessment	3	10
  20-101	PDM Administrative Exam	1	5
  PDM100	Program Design & Management Administrative Course	4	15

• Program Length

• All courses are 12 week in length, 15 credits unless specified otherwise. HS University students are Head Start working adults who can earn their certificate at their own pace and on their own schedule.  Most students attend part-time, and the normal time to complete this program is 12 weeks.

• Program Cost
• Cost information for HS University program is available at http://www.hsuniversity.org/cost_fees.html.  The tuition and fees for the entire program, at current tuition rates, are $1495.