RBPD Specialists

Relationship-based professional development (RBPD) is support focused on learning through one-on-one interactions between practitioners and coaches, specialists, and advisors. The goal of this type of individualized support is to improve outcomes for children by increasing the practitioner’s knowledge and skills. RBPD Specialists provide practitioners with competency-based expert guidance and customized support to foster professional growth and career achievement.

The Growing Futures Registry administers a statewide approval system for RBPD Specialists. Individuals interested in RBPD approval must be current members of the Registry with a complete professional profile that includes all education, certifications, and other professional qualifications, and employment verification. Training or preparation required for the endorsement must be verified on the Growing Futures Learning Record prior to approval. The application for RBPD Specialist approval is found on the summary tab of the individual Registry account. Approval is for a 12-month period, after which approval must be renewed.

RBPD Specialists are approved in a variety of endorsements, or areas of specialization. An RBPD Specialist must be authorized in one or more endorsement areas before they can be assigned to provide support to the Early Childhood workforce.

Types of RBPD Endorsements

Quality Coach

A Quality Coach is a professional who provides support, resources, and technical assistance to early childhood professionals - including caregivers, teachers, supervisors, directors, and administrators - to build capacity for continuous quality improvement.

CLASS Assessor 

The CLASS® Assessor is a professional who conducts onsite observations for early childhood programs participating in Bright & Early, North Dakota’s Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS).  The CLASS® Assessor must maintain certification and reliability in the Infant, Toddler, and/or PreK CLASS® observation tool.

ERS Assessor

The ERS® Assessor is a professional who conducts onsite observations for early childhood programs participating in Bright & Early, North Dakota’s Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS).  The ERS® Assessor must maintain reliability in the Infant Toddler Environment Rating Scale®, Third Edition (ITERS-3™), the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale®, Third Edition (ECERS-3™), and/or the Family Child Care Environment Rating Scale®, Third Edition (FCCERS-3™).

Child Care Health Consultant

The Child Care Health Consultant is a professional who provides support, resources, and technical assistance to early childhood professionals - including caregivers, teachers, supervisors, directors, and administrators - achieving and maintaining health and safety standards.

Inclusion Specialist

The Inclusion Specialist is a professional who provides support, resources, and technical assistance to early childhood professionals - including caregivers, teachers, supervisors, directors, and administrators - caring for children with unique needs.

Tools for RBPD Specialists