An Approved Sponsor Organization (ASO) is a training organization that has been approved by DECAL to provide training for early care and education professionals in Georgia. There are 3 pathways to becoming an Approved Sponsor Organization (ASO) in the Georgia Professional Development System (GaPDS).

1.  Government Agencies and Institutions of Higher Education

DECAL will issue Memorandums of Understanding to approved government agencies and institutions of higher education to provide BFTS approved training hours to early learning professionals. These agencies, colleges and universities must be based in Georgia and meet other criteria as described below. DECAL will also accept applications from organizations formally affiliated with governmental agencies or institutions of higher education as described below. Formal affiliation means that there is a written agreement between the agency or institution of higher education and the organization. For example, a government agency has contracted with an organization to provide training to early learning programs. Once approved, these agencies and organizations must adhere to the guidelines outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding.

Federal as well as Georgia state and local agencies are eligible to apply for ASO status. Organizations that are formally affiliated with a government agency may also apply for ASO status. The organization must be easily identifiable as a direct program or initiative of a federal, state or local agency. An endorsement letter from the governmental agency may be accepted if DECAL is unable to confidently verify direct affiliation between the organization and the agency. Georgia Training Approval and DECAL reserve the right to verify authenticity by contacting agencies directly and to make a determination regarding the acceptance of the affiliation under these guidelines.

Eligible Georgia-based colleges and universities are either governed by the University System of Georgia’s Board of Regents, the Technical College System of Georgia, or are a member of the Georgia Independent College Association. Organizations that are formally affiliated with a Georgia-based college or university (as defined above) may also apply for ASO status. The organization must be easily identifiable as a direct program or initiative of the college or university. An endorsement letter from the institution may be accepted if DECAL is unable to confidently verify direct affiliation between the organization and the agency. Georgia Training Approval and DECAL reserve the right to verify authenticity by contacting institutions directly and to make a determination regarding the acceptance of the affiliation under these guidelines.

If provided, an endorsement letter from the governmental agency or institution of higher learning must include:

1. A statement that the institution of higher education or governmental agency is directly affiliated with the organization that seeks approval as an Approved Sponsor Organization and describes the nature of the affiliation.
2. Links to any webpage(s) dedicated to the program or initiative related to the application.
3. A statement that the institution of higher education or governmental agency has reviewed the content of the professional learning to the extent that they are comfortable pledging their full support of the ASO application.
4. A dated signature of a person authorized to represent the administration of the institution of higher education or governmental agency.
5. Includes full contact information for the person signing the letter as well as contact information for the agency or institution.

2.  Accredited or Authorized Training Organizations:

Organizations which are accredited by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) or which are authorized to operate by the Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission (GNPEC) may apply for ASO status. Organizations must provide documentation of their accreditation or authorization. In addition, organizations accredited by IACET must be listed on IACET’s Accredited Providers List. Organizations authorized by GNPEC must be listed on GNPEC’s Directory of Institutions. Once approved, these organizations must adhere to the guidelines outlined in the Georgia Training Approval Policy.

3.  Other Training Organizations:

Organizations which provide training and do not fall under the definitions or criteria described above may also apply for ASO status. Applications for non-accredited, non-authorized training organizations must submit documentation as described below. Once approved, these organizations must adhere to the guidelines outlined in the Georgia Training Approval Policy. To be eligible to apply, training organizations must:

1. Be incorporated, chartered, or otherwise legally recognized as a business entity;
2. Be in business for at least one year;
3. Have a well-defined organizational structure that assigns authority and responsibility for administering professional learning programs and activities to a particular unit.

Organizations will be asked to provide the following additional information to support their application:

1. A mission statement or goals for the organization or unit which provides professional learning.
2. An organization chart which clearly indicates the individuals or unit responsible for professional learning within the organization.
3. A written description of the organization’s background and expertise in early childhood and/or school age care, as well as its history in providing professional learning to early learning and/or school age professionals.
4. A written description of how the organization supports learners from registration through program evaluation and follow up; including types of communication and any technical support provided to learners before they take a training or a course.
5. A written description of how content for professional learning events is determined.
6. Documentation of professional learning staff’s qualifications; if the organization uses contractors to write, develop or deliver trainings or courses, documentation of how contractors are selected (resumes of contractors are required).
7. A written description of how staff are prepared to deliver professional learning and how quality assurance is maintained.
8. A written description of the types of training documentation kept on file.
9. A sample trainer’s guide.