Are you passionate about coaching and supporting professionals in the early childhood and school-age education fields? If you have a knack for building strong, supportive relationships and want to help others thrive in their careers, becoming an Alaska Relationship-Based Professional Development (RBPD) Specialist may be a rewarding path for you. Visit the Alaska SEED RBPD webpage for more information.
What is Relationship-Based Professional Development (RBPD)?
Relationship-Based Professional Development (RBPD) is a term first introduced by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). It refers to professionals who provide technical assistance, consultation, and coaching to those working in early childhood and school-age education. The goal is to improve the quality of care and learning experiences by offering guidance, encouragement, and tailored support to educators.
Several states are now formalizing the role of RBPD specialists by developing credentialing and competency frameworks. These frameworks define the specialized role of the RBPD specialist and highlight the value of this career path, recognizing the importance of relationship-based support in the professional growth of educators.
Alaska’s New Four-Tiered RBPD Credential System
Alaska has introduced a four-tiered RBPD Credential System, designed to help individuals progress in their careers while strengthening the overall quality of early childhood and school-age education across the state. The four tiers are progressive, meaning applicants must complete the first before moving to the next. The new system includes the following levels:
- RBPD I: Technical Assistant Specialist
Entry-level role focusing on providing technical assistance to early childhood and school-age educators.
- RBPD II: Consultation Specialist
A higher level that involves offering in-depth consultation services, helping professionals improve their practice through feedback and advice.
- RBPD III A: Practitioner/Teacher Coach
This role involves hands-on coaching and mentoring to support teachers in the classroom, promote best practices, and improve teaching effectiveness.
- RBPD III B: Program/Administration Coach
The highest level focused on working with programs and organizations to improve overall systems, strategies, and structures to support teachers and staff.
Visit the Alaska SEED RBPD webpage for more information.
Resources Available for RBPD Specialists
Alaska SEED will begin accepting RBPD I – III applications in September 2025. Get started now with one-time funding and support to help you pursue the RBPD Specialist Credential. These supports are available from November 2024 to November 2025 and include several key opportunities to help professionals navigate the process, including:
- RBPD Framework
- RBPD Competencies (Self-assessment)
- RBPD Coaching and EC Content Training Requirements Guidance Document
- Applications for each RBPD tier (I, II, III A, III B)
- Coaching Provided Log
- Mentor Coaching or Reflective Supervision Log
- RBPD Manual (Coming Soon!)
These resources are designed to support you through each stage of the RBPD credentialing process and provide you with the tools you need to succeed.
One-Time Funding and Supports to Jump-Start Your RBPD Credentialing Efforts
If you’re considering pursuing an RBPD credential, you’ll be pleased to know that Alaska is offering one-time funding and support to help you get started! These supports are available from November 2024 to November 2025 and include several key opportunities:
1. Monthly Peer-to-Peer Group
This is a recurring opportunity to connect with fellow RBPD professionals, share case presentations, and engage in reflective facilitation to support your coaching skills and competencies. You’ll also have the chance to earn mentor coaching hours.
When: First Tuesday of each month, starting November 5, 2024
Time: 12 – 1 pm Alaska Time
Register in advance here
2. Monthly RBPD Credential Open Office Hours
This is an opportunity to receive personalized assistance with assessing your progress toward meeting RBPD criteria and understanding the credentialing process.
When: Third Friday of each month, starting February 2025
Time: 12 – 1 pm Alaska Time
Join here
Meeting ID: 853 7027 4604
Passcode: 394589
3. Free Training
Various training opportunities will be available to support your RBPD coaching skills and early childhood content knowledge. Be sure to check the RBPD Coaching and EC Content Training Description Document for more information.
Timeline for One-Time Funding and Supports:
- September 2025: RBPD specialists will submit their RBPD credential applications.
- November 2025: Alaska SEED will evaluate applications and assign RBPD credentials.
- November 15 – December 15, 2025: Alaska SEED will issue RBPD stipends, ranging from $500 to $1,500 based on your RBPD level and the number of non-thread employee applicants.
After December 2025, the RBPD credentialing process will remain available, but funding and monthly peer-to-peer groups will depend on securing individual funding.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re ready to become a certified RBPD specialist in Alaska and support the growth of educators across the state, the time to start is now. The RBPD credentialing system offers a clear path for professional development, with opportunities for ongoing training and support. Visit the Alaska SEED RBPD webpage for more information.
For more information, or if you have questions about the RBPD credentialing process, don’t hesitate to reach out to Meghan Johnson at mjohnson@threadalaska.org or call 265-3104.
Embrace the opportunity to play a critical role in Alaska’s early childhood and school-age education community while advancing your career as an RBPD specialist.