Professional Development Points (PDPs) and Continuing Education Hours (CEs)

Professional Development Points (PDPs)

MASCA is an approved provider of PDPs from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) in the areas of Career & College Readiness and Safe & Supportive Learning Environments. Our PD Provider number is  S20200035.

PDPs can only be awarded to an educator for professional development that includes all the following: 

·     A minimum of 10 hours,

·     An assessment of learning (which may be an end-of-course assessment or an observable demonstration of learning), and

·      Evidence that a participant has met the provider's criteria for mastery.

Continuing Education (CEs)  

MASCA is approved by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) as an Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEP) ACEP Number 2096, and therefore may award NBCC continuing education credit (CE) for live professional development programs (in-person or online) that meet all of the requirements of the NBCC. Live Event Delivery Format is defined as real-time, interactive programs either delivered in person or by electronic devices that permit the participant to communicate and interact with the presenter(s). Recorded programs do not qualify. School counselors and school social worker/adjustment counselors who hold Licensed Mental Health Counselor or Licensed Social Worker (all levels) status in Massachusetts are required to earn CE credits in order to maintain their licensure.

Applying for MASCA Sponsored Continuing Education Credits

Because of the stringent requirements of NBCC, please allow ample time to pursue approval. An online application for CE approval must be submitted a minimum of two weeks prior to beginning any promotion of the proposed program.

After review of the information below, please email both Anne Thidemann French and Nyki Clark to inform them of your intent to apply. Anne and/or Nyki will assist you with any questions and help you navigate the approval process.

NBCC requires that the content and learning objectives of credited programs directly and primarily relate to a minimum of one of nine specific areas. Additionally, NBCC requires that presenters be expert in the content. In order to qualify as an NBCC Category 1 Presenter, the individual must: hold a graduate degree in a mental health field from an institutionally accredited educational institution; and be qualified by appropriate education, experience, and/or training to present the particular subject matter. If your proposed Presenter does not qualify for Category I, please consult pages 6-10 in the NBCC Continuing Education Provider Policy to determine if they may qualify in a different level of Category. 

Prior to beginning the online application, please preview and prepare the required program information using this form - Required Information for Online Application for MASCA Continuing Education Credits.

General Statements About Our Professional Development Programs

• All MASCA sponsored PD will be advertised on our website, via email to members and through our Wednesday MASCA Matters e-newsletter.
• All information about your registration will be kept confidential via the WildApricot (our Association Management Software).
• Registration will be conducted in WildApricot with the exception of our Spring Conference which is done through our vendor (NCYI) or in some cases, when we partner with other like minded organizations (i.e.: MSAA).
• The Professional Development Committee will be responsible for determining what PD we offer and which speaker(s) will deliver the curriculum.  Members of the Committee hold a graduate degree from an institutionally accredited education institution directly related to the subject matter.
• All MASCA PD programs will provide the opportunity for feedback and reflection in writing and via phone.  Should a participant wish to share specific complaints or disputes regarding the program, they can reach out to the PD Committee Chair and/or the Executive Director.
• All participants who complete the required actions for a PD event, including completing payment for the PD event, will be awarded a certificate of attendance and PDP certificate (if applicable) electronically.
• The cost of each PD program will be set by the PD Committee in consultation with the Executive Director.  The fee will be set based on speaker fees, location, food and other related expenses for the event.
• Refunds will not be provided unless cancelled four (4) days prior to the event.  Cancellation based upon weather and medical emergencies will be evaluated on a case by case basis.

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