- What are the system requirements for the online learning program?
To access the course, your computer will need to meet the following minimum criteria. (If you cannot meet these criteria then the course will likely not run on your computer.)
- Web browser: Firefox 1.0 or higher, Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher, or Safari 5+
- Flash player: Version 7.0 or higher
- Screen resolution: 1024x768, or bigger
Updates are available as follows:
- Pop-ups: You will need to set your pop-up blocker to allow pop-ups from this course.
- Flash: You will need to enable your Flash player, and make sure that you have installed Flash 7.0 or higher. Update your Flash player.
- You will need access to high-speed internet.
- You will need head-phones or speakers so that you can listen to the audio portions of the training.
- Acrobat Reader: You will need a PDF reader in order to open some of the teaching tools and resources and to open your certificate when you complete the training.
Download Adobe Reader for free. - Network Administrators: Sometimes course delivery can be affected by firewalls and proxy servers operating on your network.
It is the learner's responsibility to make sure all these system requirements are met in order to access the course.
Technical Support
- Do you have technical support available?
Talaris does not provide technical support. If you are accessing the course from a work computer we encourage you to contact your internal technical support.
However we are happy to assist you with any of the following: program registration, product orders, course content or instruction, or any other program resources you might need. It is important to us that you are satisfied with your experience.
Customer Service is available Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm, Eastern Time. Contact us at (800) 637-3652, or by email to parentingcounts [DOT] cs [AT] teachingstrategies [DOT] com.
- I am having trouble accessing the course. What do I do next?
Please contact us at (800) 637-3652 and we will assist you with your user log-in and password.
- The program is not keeping track of my progress. Or, the computer is not saving, or keeps losing my progress. Or, I keep getting kicked out of the course.
The program will track your progress with red check marks next to lessons completed and will remember the last topic visited. If you are having difficulty with this, please contact us.
- The course keeps freezing my computer. OR The screens take a very long time to load.
- These problems generally occur when your computer does not have enough available RAM (the memory that your computer uses to run programs) to run the Flash program. The most common solution to this problem is to clear out your browser's cache (or temporary internet files.)
- Here are some links to instructions on how to clear your temporary internet files:
- Another solution is to close some of the programs that you have running on your computer while the course is open. If you have several programs running at the same time, they may be using your computer's processor time and may be contributing to the delay.
- Please also refer to the System Requirements (Question 1) to make sure that your computer meets the minimum requirements to run this program.
- If you are trying to access the course from a networked system (like in an office), you may want to check with your IT department to see if your connection to the internet is affected by a proxy server.
- What is a portal?
There are two parts to the Parenting Counts Training: the Parenting Counts Portal and the Parenting Counts Program. The portal is like a table of contents and is the link to access the course. You will need to be in the portal to begin the course and to take assessments and evaluations. The Parenting Counts Program is the training itself.
You will need to move back and forth between the portal and the program. For example, as you finish each Pillar in the Program, you will need to go back to the portal and click on the corresponding assessment.
- Glossary of Terms:
- Portal: Access point to the course (says "Parenting Counts Portal" on the screen)
- Pillar: The four sections of the Parenting Counts Program
- Get Started / Wrap Up: The "bookends of the program." These are the introduction and conclusion modules of the program.
- Modules: Core content of the program. There are 25 modules.
- Assessments: These are the four learning checks in the program. Each has 15-20 questions. These are required to obtain certification and continuing education credit.
- Pre/Post-Evaluation Survey: This is a voluntary survey to complete before/after the program. It is intended to demonstrate learning and confidence changes as a result of taking the Parenting Counts Training.
General questions about the online training
- How much time can I expect to spend on the Program?
The Parenting Counts Professional Program is divided into 25 individual modules and is designed so that you can learn at your own pace. The Program typically takes 18-25 hours to complete.
- How long will I have access to the program after I register?
You will have 6 months from your date of purchase to complete the full Program.
- Who can take the Parenting Counts Professional Training?
The Parenting Counts Training is open to everyone. It is intended for professionals from a variety of settings (childcare, medical, community based, etc), who work with children from birth to five years of age. Currently, the training is only available in English.
- Will I receive any additional materials with my Online Learning Course?
Yes. When you register for the course, you will also be mailed a free Facilitator Guide. The guide will be sent to the address you provide at log-in. Standard shipping in the United States is included. In addition, you will find many useful materials throughout the course in the Teaching Tools and Resources sections. These materials can be personalized and printed. Visit www.parentingcounts.org for free parent handouts that can be printed and given to parents and families.
- Do I need to wait for the Facilitator's Guide to arrive before I start the Program?
No. The Facilitator's Guide is intended to be an additional learning resource and is not required to begin the online program.
- Do you accept Purchase Orders?
Yes, we do. To pay by P.O., please follow these steps:
- Enter your P.O. number in the space provided.
- Print the Order Confirmation Page when finished with checkout.
- Fax or mail a copy of your organization's signed purchase order (must include a valid email address on P.O.) and a copy of the Order Confirmation Page to Teaching Strategies, Inc. Fax: (301) 634-0826, Attn: Teaching Strategies, Inc. 7101 Wisconsin Ave Suite 700, Bethesda, MD 20814 .
Once we receive payment or a signed purchase order (P.O.), we will process your order. Due to system limitations, we are only able to hold open orders in our system for 30 days, after which time open orders will be deleted. To protect your personal information, we do not accept payment information over email.
Order by Phone
If you prefer not to shop online, you may order by phone. If you would like to place an order by phone, please call us at: (800) 637-3652.
- How much does the Training cost?
$299
- My employer paid for me to take the course. I am leaving the organization. Can I take the program information with me?
- This is a decision between you and your employer.
- Due to Continuing Education regulations, if you have already started the course, then the log in and password cannot be transferred.
- If you have not logged in to the course, your employer can contact Talaris to request that the program be transferred to a different employee.
- If you have completed the course and want to take the Facilitator Guide and teaching tools, please discuss
- What is your refund policy?
We believe that you will be completely satisfied with this program. If a refund is necessary, the online training course may be refunded in full to the original form of payment within the first 24 hours after initial purchase. Costs associated with continuing education credits are non-refundable.
Materials and Program Use Information
- Can I use these materials to teach a class to parents in my organization?
- Yes! That is exactly how they are intended to be used.
- Can I use these materials to teach the information to my co-workers?
- Because the content is intended to be taught to parents and caregivers, we would prefer that you encourage your co-workers to take the training too. Contact us for group pricing.
- Can I put these materials on my website?
- No?
- Can I continue to access the course once I have completed it?
Yes, you will have access for six months from your purchase date. You will be able to access the content from the time of completion until the end of the six months.
- Can several people in my organization share one log in and password?
No. The program is set up for individual users as reflected by the pricing model and our commitment to providing one Facilitator Guide per user. The Learning Management System will only track the progress and completion of one person. Allowing multiple users affects our ability to offer certification and CE credits.
- After I buy the course, how soon can I start?
Immediately. After registration at www.parentingcounts.org, you will receive a log in and password via a separate email. You can begin the course right away. Your log in and password will expire six months after the date you receive them.
- What if I can't complete the course in six months?
You will need to apply for an extension. 90 day extensions are granted on a case by case basis for a fee of $100. Please contact info@parentingcounts.org to request an extension.
- How do I purchase the Parenting Counts Program for a group?
Please contact us to do so.
Questions about Continuing Education
- Are Continuing Education Units (CEU) offered? What is the cost?
Yes, the cost of CE credits is $50 and can be purchased in the Parenting Counts Marketplace.
This program has been approved for Continuing Education Credits as follows:
Social Workers
This program is approved by the National Association of Social Workers (provider #886573643-8845) for 18.5 continuing education contact hours.
Certified Family Life Educator
Approved for Continuing Education Credits for the Certified Family Life Educator program through the National Council on Family Relations.
Professional and National Certified Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists
Amedco is an NBCC-Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEP™) and a co-sponsor of this event/program. Amedco may award NBCC-approved clock hours for events or programs that meet NBCC requirements. The ACEP maintains responsibility for the content of this event. 18.5 hours. NBCC-ACEP Provider #5633.
Washington State STARS Continuing Education Credit
Approved for a total of 20 hours of STARS continuing education credit in each of the following core competencies:
- Child Growth, Development and Learning = 10 hours
- Child Guidance = 5 hours
- Communication = 5 hours
Note: The core competency areas are not offered individually; the Parenting Counts Professional Training is a comprehensive program that is approved for 20 hours of STARS continuing education credits.
You must be registered in the MERIT system and provide your STARS ID upon initial registration for the program in order to receive STARS credit for the training.
- Are college credits offered? What is the cost?
We do not have college credits available at this time. However, please check back as we are working on getting courses approved.
- After I complete the course, how long will it take to get my CEUs?
Continuing education certificates are available for those who purchase continuing education units and who successfully complete all four assessments in the program with an 80% or greater passing rate.
For NASW, NBCC, and NFCR, you can print your certificate as soon as you have completed the course content and assessments. You will click on a link to our continuing education provider, complete a course evaluation and print your certificate. Continuing education credits for NASW, NBCC and NFRC are coordinated by Smith Bucklin.
For STARS credit in Washington State, your name and STARS ID will be entered in the MERIT database within one week of your successful completion of the program. Successful completion includes completing the program within 6 months of signing up and completing all four assessments in the program with an 80% or greater passing rate. You will also receive an email confirming your completion of the program as well as your entry into the MERIT database. You must be registered in the MERIT system and provide your STARS ID upon initial registration for the program in order to receive STARS credit for the training.
- I don't need Continuing Education credits, but can I get a Certificate of Completion?
Yes, after successful completion of the program, you can print a certificate of completion. This is proof you took the program and can be shown to your employer or used as you need.
- I need CEUs for a board that isn't listed here. Can you print a certificate for me?
No. Talaris can only provide continuing education credits to those organizations from which we have been granted CE approval. You can however, turn your certificate of completion into the organization for which you are seeking continuing education credit and request individual approval.
Complete details on CE credits.
General Questions:
- How can I become a Certified Parenting Counts Educator?
To become a Certified Parenting Counts Educator, you need to complete all of the modules in the Parenting Counts Professional Training.
- What does it mean to be a Certified Parenting Counts Educator?
Becoming a certified Parenting Counts Educator means you have completed the requirements of the online Parenting Counts Professional Training program, and you are authorized to:
- Independently teach and facilitate the complete curriculum of the Parenting Counts Program for parents through workshops, home visits, seminars, etc.
- Incorporate portions of the Parenting Counts Program into workshops, seminars, or other educational offerings for parents and caregivers of children as long as you cite the Parenting Counts Program.
- Use the Parenting Counts Educator title.
- When I teach Parenting Counts to parents, can I:
- Change the order of the content or material presented to parents from that presented in the training.
- YES
- Set my own timelines for the workshop
- YES
- Set my own fees for the workshop
- YES
- Include additional information suggested or required by my organization as long as said material is stated to be separate from the Parenting Counts curriculum and has separate teaching tools.
- YES
- Do I owe Talaris Institute any portion of my registration fees or payments for teaching the content to parents and families?
NO
- Can I make photocopies of the materials.
No. The materials are copyrighted. However, educators can print the tools for Parents available on the Parenting Counts website.
Copyright guidelines:
- The teaching tools of the Parenting Counts Professional Training are under copyright to the Talaris Institute.
- All products and resources for Parenting Counts Educators to use with parents are under copyright to the Talaris Institute.
- The materials purchased or received from Talaris Institute may not be copied or reproduced in any way, including but not limited to, distribution of materials to parents, professionals, trainers, or any other person or organizations.
- All materials to be used in workshops facilitated by Parenting Counts Instructors must be purchased from the Talaris Institute. Materials can be ordered by visiting www.parentingcounts.org or by calling (800) 637-3652.
- Any requests to copy materials must be submitted to the Talaris Institute.
- Can I put any of the content or materials used in the Parenting Counts Program or Professional Training into an electronic format or offer materials online to parents, educators, professionals or the general public.
NO
- My name is Lisa Smith. I am starting my own business. Can I call it Lisa Smith Parenting Counts?
No. The Parenting Counts Program is not a franchise business. Talaris is the only organization that can use the Parenting Counts name and logo as a business name. However, you can teach the Parenting Counts Program to parents and use the name Parenting Counts in your marketing of the class.
- Can I put the Parenting Counts logo on business cards?
No. That would make it appear as if you were an employee, agent or other representative of the Parenting Counts Program or Talaris Institute.
- Can I offer my own independent training or licensure on behalf of the Parenting Counts Program or Talaris Institute?
No.
- Can I offer my own independent Parenting Counts training program for other professionals or train-the-trainer seminars, workshops, or events?
No.
- Can I collect a fee for certification of other professionals.
No. However, it is permissible and encouraged for Parenting Counts Educators to give informational seminars or informal talks in your community as a means of marketing or publicizing your Parenting Counts workshops.