Youth Development Credential (YDC)

What is the YDC?

The Youth Development Credential (YDC) is a renewable, entry-level credential that provides an opportunity for adults working with Kindergarten through 12th-grade youth to gain professional recognition by demonstrating their competence and knowledge as they work in youth-serving programs.

Successful completion of the YDC shows that individuals have achieved Level 2 of the Core Competencies for Early Childhood and Youth Development Professionals (Kansas and Missouri).

Candidates receive one-on-one support from the YDC Support Specialist, who will guide and mentor them as they prepare a Professional Resource Portfolio and other required items.
Earn Your YDC in 3 Simple Steps:

1. Complete 120 clock hour of training (past training counts)
2. Compile a Portfolio
3. Pass final assessments.

Upon completion, the YDC is good for three years and can be renewed every three years thereafter. Pricing: $500 for the initial credential
                                                                                                                                                                                                        $150 for each renewal

YDC Scholarship Project

If you are passionate about providing children and youth with quality programming and care, let us assist you in turning your passion into a state credential in youth development at no financial cost to you. You provide the time to earn your YDC, and we will pay for it! The YDC Scholarship Project helps you through the YDC process, pays for your CypherWorx access and the associated assessment fees, and gives you $200 for earning your YDC.

Criteria 

To be eligible for the YDC Scholarship Project, a candidate must:  

  1. High School diploma or equivalent. 
  2. Work or volunteer with children or youth in an afterschool or summer enrichment program with a DVN (can be licensed, registered, and/or exempt from licensure).

Next Steps

The Missouri AfterSchool Network is with you all the way! We aim to ensure your success and empower you to further your career without the usual hurdles. We are excited to offer this unique opportunity for you to enhance your knowledge and support the vital work you do!

Cassie Hackett
Youth Development Credential Support Specialist
hackettc@missouri.edu

Ready to Register? Click the registration button below to start the process. 

Handbooks for more information:

YDC Scholarship Project Handbook 7.25.23

YDC Handbook 9.7.23 (for high school students and military personnel)

Sample YDC Completion Pathway