What is the Early Childhood Career Ladder?
The Northern Lights Early Childhood Career Ladder is a tool for tracking and planning professional growth that identifies the six levels of professional development in the field of early childhood care and education. There are many different paths to develop your career, and you may enter at any level that matches your education and experience. Each new Level Certificate recognizes your accumulated skills and knowledge.
How do I apply for a Level Certificate?
- Log in to your Northern Lights Account at Northern Lights Account
- Click “Select a Task”
- Select Early Childhood Career Ladder
- Click “Create Application”
- Begin your Northern Lights Career Ladder Level Certificate Application
Additional Information about the Career Ladder
Alternate Application 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.
If you need support navigating your career requirements, please contact your Resource Advisor for further assistance.
Early Childhood Career Ladder
Fundamentals for Early Childhood Professionals training series (45 hours)
OR
3 college credits in child development AND Introduction to Licensing training 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
Completed Vermont ECE Apprenticeship Program
OR
Completed CCV Childcare Certificate program
OR
21 related college credits in at least 3 Core Knowledge Areas AND two approved observations of the practitioner
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’s degree in early childhood education or related field
OR
Bachelor’s degree in any field with 30 related college credits in at least 3 Core Knowledge Areas
Vermont Agency of Education teaching license with initial endorsement in early childhood, early childhood special education, or elementary education
AND one of the following:
Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or related field
OR
Bachelor’s degree in any field with 30 related college credits in at least 3 Core Knowledge Areas
Master’s degree in early childhood education or related field
Master’s degree in early childhood education or related field with initial Vermont Agency of Education teaching license with endorsement in early childhood, early childhood special education, or elementary education
Level 6A
Doctoral degree in a related field.
Level 6B
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
