The Early Childhood Career Ladder is an essential tool for planning and tracking your professional growth that organizes coursework, credentials, degrees, and licensure. Each level of the Career Ladder combines education and experience.
Apply for a Level Certificate
- Level Certificate Application (fillable Word document)
- Level Certificate Application (PDF)
- Guidance Document for Level Certificate Application
Find Your Path and Stay on Track
There are many different pathways to reaching a new Level on the Early Childhood Career Ladder – and you may start at any Level and complete it at your own pace. Your Level Certificate will recognize your accumulated skills and knowledge through courses, trainings, and experience. Use the resources on this page to get familiar with your career pathway:
- The Career Ladder Fact Sheet further explains the Career Ladder, its various requirements and related information in greater detail.
- The Core Knowledge Areas lists the core knowledge areas for professionals who work with children birth to grade three in group settings.
If you need support navigating your career requirements, please contact us for further assistance.
Early Childhood Career Ladder
Fundamentals for Early Childhood Professionals course (45 hours)
OR
3 college credits in child development AND Basic Specialized Care + Introduction to Licensing trainings AND one approved observation of the practitioner
OR
Northern Lights-approved Level I portfolio and one approved observation of the practitioner
Please Note: If you wish to meet this level by completing a portfolio, you must contact Northern Lights for permission before beginning this process.
Current Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential
OR
12 related college credits in at least 2 Core Knowledge Areas AND two approved observations of the practitioner
OR
Northern Lights-approved Level II portfolio and two approved observations of the practitioner
Please Note: If you wish to meet this level by completing a portfolio, you must contact Northern Lights for permission before beginning this process.
Level III A
Completed Vermont Child Care Registered Apprentice Program
OR
Completed CCV Child Care Certificate program
OR
21 related college credits in at least 3 Core Knowledge Areas AND two approved observations of the practitioner
Level III B
At least an Associate Degree in early childhood education or related field
OR
Associate Degree in any field with 21 related college credits in at least 3 Core Knowledge Areas
Bachelor Degree in early childhood education or related field
OR
Bachelor Degree in any field with 30 related college credits in at least 3 Core Knowledge Areas
Level IV B
Above with Vermont Agency of Education teaching license with endorsement in early childhood, early childhood special education, or elementary education
LEVEL V
Level V A
Master Degree in early childhood education or related field
Level V B
Master Degree in early childhood education or related field with Vermont Agency of Education teaching license with endorsement in early childhood, early childhood special education, or elementary education
LEVEL VI
Level VI A
Doctoral Degree in a related field.
Level VI B
Doctoral Degree in early childhood education or related field with Vermont Agency of Education teaching license with endorsement in early childhood, early childhood special education, or elementary education
