Becoming an Affiliate CLASS Trainer requires the following steps:

1. Successful completion of CLASS Observation Training.
2. Current Certified CLASS Observer status (a passing score within the past 10 months on either the CLASS Reliability Test or the CLASS Recertification Test).
3. Experience using the CLASS tool to collect data.
4. Successful completion of CLASS Train-the-Trainer.

Note: Because the Infant CLASS Train-the-Trainer is only offered as an add-on, you must also be an Affiliate CLASS Trainer on another age level before becoming an infant trainer.

A Certified CLASS Affiliate Trainer is qualified to lead the Introduction to the CLASS Tool program and to give the CLASS Observation Training to colleagues within his/her own organization.

Teachstone has two types of CLASS Affiliate Trainers, Authorized Trainers and Restricted Trainers. The majority of trainers are Restricted Trainers and can only train participants in their own organization. Teachstone defines an organization as the entity that employs an affiliate trainer. School districts, Head Start programs, other early education settings, and research groups are all examples of organizations that may apply to have someone become an affiliate trainer. Consultants may be granted an exception to this rule if they are contracted with one organization and train only within that organization. Permission is granted on a case-by-case basis after application in writing to Teachstone.

A small group of trainers have an Authorized Affiliate license that allows them to train in multiple organizations. Trainers must undergo a rigorous assessment process to be approved for the Authorized License and pay a $1000 annual fee to maintain their license.

Most CLASS Affiliate Trainers have a restricted license. Trainers with this license may conduct trainings only within their own organizations and may not charge for these trainings. A small group of CLASS Affiliate Trainers have an authorized license. Trainers with this license many train anyone and are permitted to charge participants to attend their trainings. 

Your training materials are included in the cost of the CLASS Train-the-Trainer Program. Participant materials will need to be purchased each time you deliver a training. Fees are $80.00 per person plus shipping cost for the Introduction to the CLASS Tool program and $275 per person plus shipping cost for the CLASS Observation Training. This fee is inclusive of all the materials that your trainees will need to engage in the training. Affiliate trainers can review the Affiliate Trainer Policy and Procedure Overview document in their trainer panels for specific steps for ordering participant materials.

No. In order to train on an age level of the CLASS, you must attend a Train-the-Trainer program specific to that age level.

As a Certified Affiliate CLASS Trainer, you are part of the Teachstone family. We want to support you on every step of your CLASS journey. Here are just a few of the supports we offer specifically for our Affiliate Trainers:

1. Affiliate Trainer Support Page
2. The Affiliate Trainer group in the CLASS Learning Community