Vermont Northern Lights Career Development Center Level One Consistent Curriculum

Level II Curriculum

Level II refers to the second level on the Northern Lights Early Childhood Career Ladder and the core competencies that are their foundations. Individuals who meet the Level II requirements, which may include those with a current Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, receive a Level II certificate. The seven Level II training modules were specifically designed for individuals pursuing a CDA, or a Level II certificate. The modules build on entry level knowledge and skills, and are offered by regional Resource Development Specialists. Each module can also help seasoned professionals gain more knowledge in a particular content area.

What is Level II and how do you get a Level II certificate?
Level II Core Competencies
Go to the BFIS Course Calendar to find when and where these modules are being offered
Other curricula that also may be used to meet the required training hours for a Level II certificate

The Level II curricula include seven modules, each with multiple sessions.
Together they total 80 hours of training. Modules may be offered in any order.

Interested instructors need to contact a regional Resource Development Specialist or Northern Lights Career Development Center before offering these Level II Modules.

Module*	Description	Details objectives, topics, assignments, resources
Safe Healthy Learning Environments 6 hours	This module is presented by nurse consultants on regulations, policies and practices related to healthy environments for staff and children in group care. Content includes preventing infectious diseases, injury prevention, creating healthy environments, physical activity and nutrition. This material is adapted from the National Training Institute for Child Care Health Consultants, North Carolina, Chapel Hill	DETAILS Health and safety of staff and children, nutrition and physical activity Modules Related Articles 1 Related Articles 2
Professionalism and Program Management 7 + 3 hours (see also What is the CDA below)	This module focuses on professional development, personal wellness and topics related to child care program operation. This module also includes the three hour: What is the CDA? Module described below. Participants will also be informed about the Vermont Early Childhood Career Ladder, technical assistance and resources.	DETAILS Guidance for Instructor Related Articles
What is the Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential? 3 hours Part of the Professionalism and Program Management module above	This training informs both early childhood professionals interested in earning a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and professionals who support, train and advise the early childhood workforce. As a result of this training, participants will have a full understanding of the components, process and available resources related to achieving a CDA Credential.	DETAILS Also, see Notebook Section below
Promoting Social and Emotional Development* 15 hours	This mental health series is aligned with the teaching pyramid model for supporting social competence and preventing challenging behavior in young children. This series is based on training and tools provided by the Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning (CSEFEL) Preschool Modules 1 and 2. This research-based series creates a strong foundation to support all children.	DETAILS CSEFEL website
Principles of Child Development and Learning* 12 hours One requirement of this Module is that students are observed working with children	This module focuses on the relationship between child development and the learning environment. Creating an inclusive environment is also addressed.	DETAILS Child Development Theories Identifying and Supporting Children with Special Needs Introduction to Open ended materials Observation of practitioner-guidance Observation of practitioner form Thinking Guide to Inclusive Child Care
Productive Relationships with Families* 12 hours	Using the Zero to Three: Preventing Child Abuse and Neglect Curriculum, this module focuses on supporting all families and creating a family centered program.	DETAILS
Observing and Recording Children’s Behavior 9 hours	This module introduces early education professionals to the importance and value of purposeful observation in a group setting. It also examines observation techniques and how they can be used to support individual children and improve the overall quality of the learning environment.	DETAILS Observing and Recording II (6 hour workshop outline Pre-K Observation Workshop Related Handouts
Physical and Intellectual Development 16 hours One requirement of this Module is that students are observed working with children	This module incorporates the Vermont Early Learning Standards (VELS) trainings developed by the Vermont Department of Education. These include: Approaches to Learning; Language, Literacy and Communication; Mathematics; Science; Social Studies; Creative Expression; and Physical Development.	DETAILS VELS trainers manual and Instructor’s Guide (scroll down DOE page) Observation of practitioner-guidance Observation of practitioner form
Documentation Notebook	This notebook helps organize professional development documents. When the documents are collected under each section, it can be used to prepare for a CDA application or alternatively, a Level II portfolio review.	Cover Table of Contents Level II Information: Level II Certificate Level II Factsheet What is CDA? CDA Training Log Level II Portfolio Review Sections 1-4
* These modules may meet requirements for Advanced Specialized Care Training hours. Advanced Specialized Care training is a required of those practitioners who have completed Basic Specialized Care and want to maintain their status as specialized service providers. Advanced Specialized Care includes 6 hours of training that is above and beyond the hours required to maintain program licensure or registration. The training relates to caring for children at risk or those who have special needs.