Training FAQ

We hope you find the answers you need here. If not, please feel free to contact us and we will respond promptly.

Is PCI credentialed through ICF, the International Coaching Federation, and if not, why not?

PCI is not affiliated with ICF for three major reasons:

1. PCI is solely for parent coaching credentialing. ICF was developed to meet the needs of life and business coaches. PCI candidates for Parent Coach Certification® are professionals in some aspect of family support. They seek a coaching process designed uniquely to help parents. PCI candidates for Parent Coach Certification® are not life or business coaches seeking life or business coaching certification nor are they seeking to add another type of coaching to their already existing coaching repertoire.
2. PCI is credentialed through two universities. PCI’s unique and innovative Parent Coach Certification® training process and curriculum materials were developed in collaboration with the Department of Education at Seattle Pacific University to meet the requirements for a graduate-level certification program. PCI distinguishes itself as the only one-year, graduate-level Parent Coach Certification® program that has been developed in collaboration with a university. In addition, PCI’s four courses are approved for 6 graduate-level quarter credits each, (total of 24 credits) from Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU). Receiving credits from SNHU for the PCI parent coach training is optional.
3. PCI holds the registered trademark nationally and internationally for Parent Coach Certification® which points exclusively to PCI’s year-long, graduate-level parent coach training program—its processes and curriculum materials. Please know that in order to obtain this registered trademark from the US patent office PCI went through a rigorous vetting process taking six years. This means that PCI has distinguished itself with its content, processes, and accountability for certifying parent coaches in order to use exclusively Parent Coach Certification®. This trademark for parent coach certification is renewed regularly in order to keep current, requiring relevant documentation.

Who can receive Parent Coach Certification®?

Teachers, parent educators, counselors, social workers, community health workers, nurses, family support professionals, or anyone who has an undergraduate degree and related experience working with parents, along with passion and purpose for helping families thrive.

How do I apply for admission?

The first step is to send your application form (downloadable here). If you have any questions, please e-mail info@thepci.org or call (425) 449-8877. After review of your application, you will hear from us about the status of your phone interview.

Do you accept everyone who applies?

We accept only qualified candidates who have successfully completed the application/interview process and who are recommended by the PCI Interview Team for entrance into the program.

Can you take the course from anywhere in the world?

Yes. Yes. We conduct cohort discussion twice monthly via Zoom, so anyone anywhere in the world can join. We accommodate various time zones as much as possible.

When do you accept applications?

You can submit your application anytime and go through the application process, receiving your course materials several months before you actually start the Course 1 cohort discussions. We highly encouraged you to do this to ensure your spot. But each quarter we have a specific application deadline. Please see the Application Page for current deadlines.

What is the duration of the program?

The Parent Coach Certification® Training Program is divided into four graduate-level courses. Each course takes three months to complete. The entire program takes at least one-year to complete.

What if it will take me longer than a year to complete the program?

The basic four courses are completed within one year. Students then have an extra three months, if they need them, to finish their practicum and their client case history, the final assignment in the program. Under special circumstance, students may extend for another three months if necessary without accruing additional fees.

Can I take two courses at one time and complete the program in six months instead of in one year?

No. The program is designed as a one-year program. Each course builds on the previous course/s. In addition, this gives students time to read, study, and absorb the concepts and also provides adequate time for the 100 required practice coaching hours that students begin after they complete Course 1.

Is there any short-term course someone with strong qualifications can take instead of spending a year in the program?

No. There is no short-term course for receiving Parent Coach Certification®. PCI offers the exclusive Parent Coach Certification® training which means participants who receive this certification have successfully completed four graduate-level courses and a practicum consisting of 100 practice coaching hours. PCI holds the highest standards for parent coach training in the industry. The candidates we accept into the program have strong qualifications and are well-educated professionals in their field. We offer training in coaching skills and a conceptual framework for catalyzing a positive change process for such individuals. This takes time.

How much time will I have to spend on the course work involved?

We estimate that if you spend 5-7 hours a week, each week, you can keep up with the readings and assignments. Some weeks may require a little more time; some a little less. When you begin your coaching practicum, you should plan for 3-5 hours a week for practice coaching in order to move forward in the program with ease and understanding.

How do I find parents to coach for my practice hours?

Most students entering the program have a network of friends, relatives, and colleagues they can draw upon to find practice clients. We advise that at least for the first 1-3 months, students practice with people they know. If you are already working with parents, then you certainly can practice with these individuals as well. But we advise that you first do 15-25 hours of coaching practice with people you know. That way you can concentrate on learning the model as you begin your practice. From time to time, PCI can help you find parents to coach. But ultimately it is the responsibility of the students to find parents for their practice coaching hours.

What if I can’t make all the conference calls for discussion with the instructor?

The schedule for the cohort discussions for each quarter are given to the students well in advance so they can plan for them. But we realize that at times, schedules may conflict. So we record all classes and make them available to the students on the Student Portal of our website. We ask students to let us know in advance if they can’t make a specific class. If students miss more than two or three classes in a quarter, their certification process may be in jeopardy because participating in the discussions with your instructor and cohort is an essential component of the program.

What do I have to do to receive Parent Coach Certification®?

You must successfully complete four graduate-level courses, participate in the 2x monthly content phone seminar classes. In addition, you must demonstrate competency through class participation, assignments, papers and assessments, and give evidence of at least 100 hours of successful parent coaching using the PCI Coaching Model™ through accountability with the coaching log entries and by working closely with your instructors and practicum supervisor throughout your entire practicum experience.

What types of materials do I receive?

For each course you receive a comprehensive syllabus and a Course Notebook of over 250 pages with detailed study materials. You are also required to buy several books for your studies. Courses also include a number of audio lectures and articles—all listed and provided for you on the Student Portal of our website.

I like working with people and I am not sure about distance learning and working alone. How can I feel supported when going through the program?

Our distance-learning training is unique and successful because it is so very personalized. You are paired with a coaching buddy in Course 1 whom you can work and collaborate with throughout the training year, in addition to working your other cohort members. PCI instructors are available to discuss your questions about content and coaching practice outside of the cohort discussions whenever you would like. PCI students are supported every step of the way!

Do you help students with the business side of working as a parent coach?

During Course 4, the last month of the training, Module 12 is devoted to basics in setting up your own business. Upon graduation we offer a 6 week-course taught by a successful PCI coach for those who wish to go into more depth. Most graduates put their bios on our website directory for referrals. PCI also will promote any of our graduates' workshops, news, updates (etc.) on our social media platforms as well as in our quarterly newsletter. In addition, PCI hosts quarterly “Grad Gatherings” on Zoom to discuss success stories and share marketing and business building ideas. PCI wants to see every one if its graduates a sought-after, successful parent coach and we do what we can to make that happen. However to be clear: We are not business coaches. Some PCI graduates have hired business coaches to help them launch their practice.

Why should I choose the Parent Coach Certification® training program over other coach training programs?

First of all, our training program is uniquely and exclusively designed for those seeking to work with parents to support them in their parenting challenges and enhance their family lives. We are not life or business coaches. Secondly, we are the first parent coach training program in the world. Gloria DeGaetano has pioneered the field of parent coaching. Now she is defining it with the highest standards in the industry, the most comprehensive curriculum, and the most clearly focused vision and mission.

What is the tuition fee?

The Tuition & Deadlines page has full information on term dates, tuition fees, and payment options.

Do you provide loans or scholarships?

Since we are not a college or university, we do not qualify to offer government loans. Nor do we offer scholarships or work-study programs.