TECTA Orientation 

What is a TECTA Orientation?

Eligibility for Orientations

Orientation Descriptions

Orientation Schedule

Register to attend a TECTA Orientation

Orientation Guidelines

What is the TECTA Orientation?

TECTA Orientation serves as the first step in your partnership with TECTA for professional development support. In the 30-hour free training hosted through our eight TECTA sites at public colleges and universities across the state, you will learn the core professional competencies for child care in several specialized categories related to the age group you service, your service location, or your professional role.

TECTA Orientations are designed to meet the training needs for Center-Based programs, Infant/Toddler programs, School-Age programs, Administrators, and Family Child Care programs. We also offer specialized orientations that focus on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Literacy. 

Who Can Take the TECTA Orientation?

If you are a child care professional employed in a DHS licensed program, you are eligible for training and support from TECTA.

Austin Peay State University accepts enrollments for childcare providers working in one of the following counties: Stewart, Montgomery, Houston, Dickson,Humphreys, Hickman, Perry, Lewis, Maury, Wayne, Lawrence. If you do not work in one of these counties, you can locate your local TECTA site using our TECTA map or by visiting our Statewide Website.  

Orientation Descriptions:

When enrolling, please choose the Orientation that best fits your role in childcare.

• Family Child Care Orientation is designed for early childhood professionals working with children in a family or group home.
• Infant/Toddler Orientation is designed for early childhood professionals working with children ages birth to two years in child care centers.
• Center-Based Orientation is designed for early childhood professionals working with children ages three to five in child care centers.
• Administrator Orientation is designed for directors, assistant directors, owners, program coordinators and other administrative staff.
• School Age Orientation is designed for early childhood professionals working with school-aged children in child care centers.

Specialized Orientations

The following orientations are open to childcare providers who have previously completed a TECTA orientation and/or have completed at least three hours of academic coursework.  A transcript may be requested at the time or registration.

• Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Orientation  In this advanced orientation you will learn about Adverse Childhood Experiences and their relationship to brain development, toxic stress, and physical/mental health.
• Literacy 30: Books & Beyond. In this online Orientation participants explore ways to enhance and increase literacy development.

Orientation Schedule

Download Orientation Schedule

Orientation Registration Guidelines:

1. Each orientation will have a limit of 35 applicants enrolled (may vary for online orientations). Orientation enrollment request forms will be placed in numerical order based upon the date of receipt. All other applicants will be placed on a waiting list, and will be contacted if a space becomes available.
2. All orientation participants must complete, sign and fax/mail their own TECTA Enrollment Request form. No more than three applicants from one agency may participate in an orientation.
3. Up to three applicants from a single qualified provider/single agency will be admitted to a TECTA orientation course. Additional applicants will be classified as alternates and may be admitted should space become available after registration deadline.
4. Registration Deadline: Orientation enrollment request forms must be received by the TECTA at APSU office by the deadline designated for each orientation. All applicants will be sent a confirmation via email no later than 3 business days after the registration deadline.
5. Confirmation of attendance.  Once enrolled, you will receive an email asking that you confirm your registration.  Confirmation can be done by phone or email.  If you do not confirm your seat, it may be given to another participant.
6. All applicants may take only one orientation at a time.
7. There is no charge for TECTA Orientation training.  Orientation is provided through a grant from the Tennessee Department of Human Services.
8. You must attend all modules (30 hours) to receive a TECTA Certificate. You may miss up to two modules, but these will need to be made up before receiving a certificate.  
9. For optimal learning, please enroll in the orientation most specific to the age-group in which you serve.