Statewide Initiatives

• The Vermont Early Childhood Educator Licensing Project (VECEL) is a collaborative venture that intends to provide advising and financial support for early childhood educators seeking a teacher's license in Vermont. http://www.vecel.org

• Vermont Higher Education Collaborative-The Higher Education Collaborative's Early Childhood and Early Childhood Special Education program offers educators a unique opportunity. It is the joint work of the Vermont Department of Education, the Vermont State Colleges and the University of Vermont. Under the advisement of a workforce development task force, VT-HEC offers opportunities for obtaining special education licensure, induction and mentoring support, and graduate studies. Participants can choose a specific course-work track (Early Childhood or Early Childhood Special Education) that can lead to a licensing endorsorsement in either area and potentially a Master's degree from the University of Vermont. You can contact Manuela Fonseca, manuelafonseca@education.state.vt.us, for more information.
  
• CCV Child Care Certificate- Prepares students for the work in the childcare industry and early education environment. Also excellent preparation for continued study in education and child development.
  Total credits: 21. http://www.ccv.edu/academics/certificate_programs/childcare_certificat

National Credentialing & Accreditation Programs

• Child Development Associate (CDA) A Child Development Associate is an individual who has successfully completed a CDA assessment and has been awarded the CDA Credential.
  http://www.cdacouncil.org

• National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) The NAEYC accredited programs have demonstrated a commitment to providing a high quality program for young children and their families.  On their Website you will find Search Tools, Validation Information, and Accreditation Updates.
  http://www.naeyc.org/accreditation/default.asp

• National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC) The NAFCC has promoted high-quality family child care through accreditation, leadership training, technical assistance, public education, and policy initiatives.
  http://www.nafcc.org/accred/accred.html