Career Ladder

Level I

Professionals enter Level I when they enter the field of early childhood education by beginning a new job without prior education related to early childhood education. These professionals may be career changers with experience in another field, or they may be just starting out in the working world with a high school diploma or GED.

For many of these professionals, such as teaching assistants employed by child care centers, the Licensing Department of the State of Vermont requires a 45-hour course for professional development within one year of hire. The Level I: Fundamentals for Early Childhood Professionals course is specifically designed to meet this requirement because it is designed to address all of the Level I core competencies for early childhood professionals. This course is accessible through resource development specialists at local resource and referral agencies. After the successful completion of this course, or its equivalent, plus at least one year of work experience, professionals fully complete Level I. Then they are ready for Level II and beyond.

For more information, see the Career Ladder