Defining Registries
Registries are a tool of the early childhood and school-age/after-school profession. They stand ready to do the following.
• Do the exacting work of data collection
• Bring recognition and professionalism to the field
• Inform policymakers about the early childhood and school-age/after-school workforce
History of Registry Systems
The first state registry was created in 1990. States began recognizing the need for registry systems in the early nineties as they were identifying the key components of state career development systems. Most often state registries result from strategic planning processes for state career development systems, grass roots efforts, or are started by a state department. Currently, over twenty-five states have an active registry system.
The National Registry Alliance
Recognizing a need for an interactive forum for registry staff to network and exchange information and strategies, the Wisconsin Registry formed the National Registry Alliance in 2003. The National Registry Alliance envisions “high-quality, coordinated, documented, and accessible state career development systems for a well-trained, supported, and adequately compensated workforce.” By utilizing and maximizing the data and strengths of each state’s registry system, the National Registry Alliance provides a unified voice for professional development recognition processes to impact state and national policy.
Current Programs/Services
Annual Conference: The National Registry Alliance began hosting an annual conference in 2003. The conference is a joint effort between the Alliance and the hosting state. This three-day conference is designed to address issues related to administering a registry while maintaining a focus on state and federal policy issues. Typically, this conference attracts staff members from over 25 states.
Listserv: The National Registry Alliance hosts an interactive listserv for interested parties to discuss issues related to implementation of registry systems. The listserv discussion topics range from the nuts-and-bolts of registry maintenance to innovative and complex professional development system issues. To join the listserv contact registry@the-registry.org .
For more information about participating in the annual conference, listserv, or committees, please contact the National Registry Alliance.
Jere Wallden
jwallden@the-registry.org
