Getting Started: Your Required 8 Hours of Pre-Service Training (CLI Core Competencies)

Before you can begin working in Texas early childhood centers, state law requires you to complete at least 8 hours of pre-service training.

We’ve made this simple for you: complete the “Core Competencies for Practitioners” training series on CLI Engage. It’s 10 short courses, totaling 9.5 hours. This exceeds the minimum 8 hours, so you’ll already be ahead on your training requirements.

🖥 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Create Your Free CLI Engage Account

1. Go to:
   CLI Engage Public Access

2. Click Signup.

3. Select Public Access account type.

4. Fill in your name, email, password or use single-signon

5. Verify your account via email.

Step 2: Log Into the Learning Portal

• From the dashboard, expand the online learning section.

• Select full course catalog

Step 3: Enroll in the Core Competencies for Practitioners

1. Search for “Texas Core Competencies for Practitioners.”

2. Enroll in the series (10 courses total).

Step 4: Complete All 10 Courses (9.5 Hours Total)

Each course is about 30–90 minutes. Topics include:

• Supervision & safety practices

• Guidance and discipline

• Health, safety & nutrition

• Child development

• Observation & assessment

• Developmentally effective approaches to learning

• Family relationships

• Professionalism

Step 5: Download Your Certificates

1. After finishing each module, download your certificate of completion.

2. Save all 10 certificates as PDFs.

3. Upload them to your HelloSubs onboarding portal. 

⏱ How Long Will It Take?

• Total time: 9.5 hours

• You can complete it over several sessions.

• Progress saves automatically—pick up where you left off.

🎉 Next Steps

Your placement consultant will verify the certificates and notify you if anything else is required.