What Is A Microcredential?
Front row: Students who are employees of the Center for Disability Services and recently completed their Direct Support Professional (DSP) Microcredential at SUNY Schenectady: Holly Radice, Katrina Braun, Kelsey Daverin, Janet Harris and Emma Riehl-Robinson Back row: Adrienne Mazeau, Deputy Commissioner for Administration, New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD); Gregory Sorrentino, President and CEO, Center for Disability Services; Lauren Lankau, Assistant Vice President of Workforce Development and Community Education, SUNY Schenectady; Barbara Pettengil, Director of Learning and Organizational Development, Center for Disability Services; Willow Baer, Commissioner, NYS OPWDD; Tricia Terleckey, Assistant Director of Workforce Development and Community Education, SUNY Schenectady; Cynthia Proctor, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Credential Innovation, SUNY System Administration; Rosemary Lorello, Chief Program Office, Center for Disability Services; and Ben Bliss, Success Coach, SUNY Schenectady They are shown during a celebration at the Center for Disability Services recognizing the students who completed the DSP Microcredential at SUNY Schenectady.
What Is A Microcredential?
SUNY Schenectady now offers nine Microcredentials which are short, focused credentials designed to provide in-demand skills, know-how, and experience. Stackable micro credentials can also provide a pathway to a certificate or to an initial or advanced degree.
New this spring, the Direct Support Professional (DSP) III Microcredential builds upon the DSP I and II Microcredentials, helping current DSP students with skills, education, and training for work with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. These courses meet the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) education accreditation requirements and prepares students to achieve the NADSP DSP Certification and college credits.
Amy Dziedzic, Kirstina Mowers, Shannon Fox, and Amber Ferdula, who are Wildwood Programs employees, recently completed the DSP I and II Microcredential.
The Office of Workforce Development and Community Education oversees this grant program through the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) and SUNY System Administration, in partnership with the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP). Through this grant, The Center for Disability Services and Wildwood Programs (provider partners), offer this program to their employees to support career advancement and professional development.
The College offers Microcredentials in:
Direct Support Professional I, II & III
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