Career Ladder

Level III

Professionals enter Level III in a number of different ways when they begin college-level classes. Some professionals may have previously completed Levels I and II while simultaneously gaining at least 2 years of professional experience. On the other hand, those in Level III could be recent high school graduates, or career changers beginning their college coursework, who may have considerably less professional experience working with children and families.

There are two stages in Level III. In Level III A, professionals will be studying for one of three available professional certificates. These include the Child Care or Paraprofessional Certificate at the Community College of Vermont (24 or 26 credits), or they may be enrolled in the Vermont Child Care Apprenticeship program (18 credits). Enrolling in these certificate programs are excellent options for many early childhood professionals looking to continue their professional development from Levels I or II. However, while obtaining these certificate programs is not required for the associate degree, professionals may use these earned credits toward the associate degree. Depending on the college, these credits may also transfer toward the Bachelor's degree.

The goal in Level III B is to earn the associate degree in early childhood education (60 credits at CCV). With this associate degree and at least four years of work experience, professionals complete Level III. Then they proceed to Level IV.

For more information, see the Career Ladder