C A
G
for
Early Childhood Professionals
A guide to help you with your professional
development and career advancement
Vermont Northern Lights
Career Development Center
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
About this Career Advising Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
The Vermont Early Childhood Career Lattice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Core Competencies for Early Childhood Professionals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Description of the Career Levels and Opportunities to Advance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Credentials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Using the Bright Futures Information System to Guide Your Professional Development . . . .16
Career Planning and Advising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Financial Assistance for Professional Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Program Quality Recognition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Instructor Registry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
You are the Future of the Field . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Local Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Please visit the Vermont Northern Lights Career Development Center website for updates and to
download copies of this document: http://northernlightscdc.org
Produced in February 2007. Originally prepared in 1998 by the Professional Preparation and Development
Committee of the Vermont Early Childhood Work Group.
Revised June 2006 by Vermont Northern Lights Career Development Center for Early Childhood and
Afterschool Professionals of the Community College of Vermont and the Vermont Child Care Industry and
Careers Council.
Funded by the Child Development Division, Vermont Agency of Human Services.
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Career Advising Guide
February 2007
It is a pleasure to write this introduction. Since its inception in 2003, the Vermont Northern
Lights Career Development Center has dramatically moved Vermont’s professional
development system forward. It has done this through leadership in developing a statewide
coordinated system that includes competency-based learning and clearly defined stages of
professional development. This guide will help us all see this progress and to understand it. A
great deal has been accomplished and diligent work in the future will continue to benefit
Vermonters.
We hope that all those who care about children will find this an informative and inspiring
guide and will become involved in the system in ways that help the profession and children
thrive.
Kim Keiser
Deputy Commissioner
Child Development Division
Jan Walker
Director, Workforce Development and Quality Enhancement Unit
Child Development Division
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ABOUT THIS CAREER ADVISING GUIDE
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What is the Career Advising Guide?
The Career Advising Guide is a collection of brief
explanations of the different options for professional
development in the early childhood field in Vermont. It
also includes information for afterschool professionals,
some of whom work in the early childhood field. The
Career Advising Guide includes some of the newer
options for professional development, and also the
options that have been available for some time. It is
important to read the web sites included that describe
the options that interest you.
Who is this Career Advising Guide for?
Professionals in all aspects of the field of early childhood
education, as well as their advisors and mentors, will
benefit from the information in this Career Advising
Guide. The information supports the professional
development and career advancement of those
professionals who are relatively new to the field, as well as
those with years of experience. It is for individuals
seeking to grow their own professional skills, as well as
for those who advise others.
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Who are early childhood and
afterschool professionals?
Early childhood professionals work with young children
(birth through age six) and their families. They work in
a variety of settings, and many of these are pictured in
the Career Lattice included on page 4. In different
settings, early childhood professionals may be called
teachers, child care providers, interventionist, or many
other titles.
Afterschool professionals work with school age children
and/or youth in any context. An afterschool
professional may be just entering the field, or may have
years of experience working with children and youth.
They may work with children and youth one day per
week or full-time.
We use the title professionals because we recognize that
the work demands skilled, experienced, well-educated,
dedicated workers: true professionals.
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Why do we need the
Career Advising Guide?
How can you use the Career Advising
Guide?
The Vermont Guide to Early Childhood Careers was
originally published in 1998 through a joint effort of
leaders in the field of early childhood in Vermont.
There have been many changes since then that have
influenced professional development, including the
launch of the Vermont Northern Lights Career
Development Center. Early childhood professionals
need a guide that explains these updates in an easy-tounderstand way.
Early childhood professionals can read it on
their own to find out more about professional
development and career advancement
opportunities. They can locate themselves in
the career levels and learn about the options for
going to the next level by taking advantage of
existing opportunities. They can turn to the
Career Lattice and compare job settings.
Afterschool professionals likewise will benefit from a
future document, as the focus in this particular Career
Advising Guide is early childhood. Expect revisions and
new documents in the future as the afterschool
education field continues to create pathways for
professional advancement.
Advisors, mentors, and supervisors may use it as
a tool to help other early childhood
professionals identify their pathways to career
advancement.
What is professional development?
Many people immediately associate professional
development with training. It is this and more. The
current Vermont Early Childhood Program Licensing
Regulations (2001) define professional development
activities as “interactive developmental activities…[that]
include but are not limited to workshop training
sessions, course work, site visits to other programs,
mentoring sessions, lectures, presentations, or acting as
a member of an assessment team for compliance to
regulations.”
Professional development is also an approach to our
work that values learning and that continually
challenges us to become more skilled as professionals.
This is a commitment that lasts as long as we work in
the field of early childhood education.
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THE VERMONT EARLY CHILDHOOD CAREER LATTICE
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The Career Lattice includes the six Career Levels of early childhood professional development. A career lattice or pathway for
afterschool professionals is being developed and will be available in the near future. Each Career Level combines education and
experience, increasing from Career Level I (entry level) up to Career Level VI. Individuals may enter the profession at
different Career Levels. For example, someone with a year of experience who graduates from a four year college with a
Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education enters at Career Level IV.
The Career Lattice expands the Career Levels with examples of types of employment associated with that Career Level.
Specific position requirements can vary, so check with any organization offering a position. Many people have a higher level of
education than their job requires; the Career Lattice is a frame of reference for informational purposes.
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CORE COMPETENCIES FOR
EARLY CHILDHOOD PROFESSIONALS
The foundation of Vermont’s professional development system is the core competencies for early
childhood professionals. The core competencies describe what professionals know, understand, and do
at different stages in their careers. They are organized into five core knowledge areas that are related.
Early childhood professional development opportunities in Vermont are aligned to these core
competencies.
Currently in Vermont, the core competencies are organized into Levels I, II, and III to associate with
these different career stages. As the levels increase, the core competencies also build in complexity.
• Level I core competencies describe the skills, knowledge, and abilities for entry-level professionals.
• Level II core competencies describe the skills, knowledge, and abilities for professionals who have
completed some college coursework, are working on obtaining a Child Development Associate
credential, or have other professional development experiences beyond Career Level I.
• Level III core competencies describe the skills, knowledge, and abilities for professionals obtaining
associate degrees or other credentials at the college level.
The Core Competencies for Early Childhood Professionals are further explained and are available for
download at http://northernlightscdc.org.
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DESCRIPTION OF THE CAREER LEVELS
AND OPPORTUNITIES TO ADVANCE
In this section, each of the Career Levels is described one-by-one, with details about the professional
development opportunities currently available at that level, links to relevant organizations where you
can find more information, and a sample comment from a hypothetical professional to help illustrate
the experiences that are possible at this Career Level.
As you complete each Career Level, you can request a certificate from Vermont Northern Lights
Career Development Center. Directions for doing so are available on the website,
http://northernlightscdc.org.
CAREER LEVEL I
Professionals begin Level I when they enter the field of early childhood education without prior
education related to early childhood education. These professionals may have experience and
education in another field, or they may be just starting out in the working world with some college, a
high school diploma, or GED.
For many of these professionals, such as teaching
assistants employed by child care centers, the Early
Childhood Program Licensing Regulations of the State
of Vermont require the successful completion of a
course for professional development within one year of
hire called the Level I: Fundamentals for Early
Childhood Professionals course, or an equivalent. It
addresses all of the Level I core competencies for early
childhood professionals. The Fundamentals course is
offered through Resource Development Specialists at
community child care support agencies, and listed in
the Bright Futures Information System Course Calendar. The Level I: Fundamentals course can be
taken for 3 college credits. After the successful completion of this course, or its equivalent, plus at least
one year of work experience, professionals fully complete Level I.
Additionally, professionals at all levels benefit from joining the Bright Futures Information System
(BFIS), the free online resource for information about child care, early education, school age care, and
services available to help ensure high quality child care. Please refer to the BFIS section included later
in this Career Advising Guide on page 16.
I signed up for the Fundamentals course because of a requirement for my job. I ended up
learning about a lot of different things that help me do my job, as well as meeting other new child
care providers in my area.
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CAREER LEVEL II
Professionals enter Level II with some experience or education in early childhood topics beyond entry
level. They may have completed the Level I: Fundamentals for Early Childhood Professionals course
or its equivalent, such as another college-level course in early childhood education. Professionals may
be working toward the Child Development Associate (CDA) national credential.
Northern Lights Level II professional development opportunities total 90 hours and include choices in
electives. This option helps professionals develop the core competencies of Level II. These and other
quality professional development offerings in early childhood education are available through
Resource Development Specialists at community child care support agencies. Participants also can
locate these different opportunities online through the Bright Futures Information System Course
Calendar (see page 16).
The Child Development Associate (CDA) credential also fits into Level II. This is a national
credential. CDA candidates obtain 120 hours of training in different topics and then complete a
multi-part assessment process through the CDA Council for Professional Recognition. After the
completion of the Level I: Fundamentals class and Level II courses, participants may consider taking
the next step, the assessment process, to become candidates for the CDA credential as they have
already accumulated sufficient training hours. There are many other options for working toward a
CDA in Vermont. Contact your Resource Development Specialist for more information about
opportunities in your area, and see page 12 for more
information on CDA.
After the successful completion of Level II courses or
obtaining a CDA, plus a total of at least two years of work
experience, professionals complete Level II and receive a
certificate. Then they are ready for Level III or IV.
I realized that I had a good start on Level II when I thought of all the classes I’ve taken in the
past few years to meet my annual professional development requirement. Now I know what else to
take to complete Level II and to receive a certificate. I feel more confident and knowledgeable
when I speak to the parents of children in my care.
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CAREER LEVEL III
Professionals beginning Level III are enrolled in college courses. Some professionals may have
previously completed Levels I and II and have a lot of experience. Those in Level III could be recent
high school graduates, or professionals starting a new career in early childhood and beginning their
college coursework who may have less professional experience working with children and families.
There are two stages in Level III. In Level III A, professionals study for one of three available
professional certificates. These include the Child Care Certificate or the Paraprofessional Certificate,
both at the Community College of Vermont (CCV) (21 or 26 credits) or the Vermont Child Care
Apprenticeship Program (18 credits). Participating in one of these three certificate programs is an
option for many early childhood professionals continuing their professional development from Levels
I or II. Alternatively, some professionals begin their professional development in these certificate
programs. Completing a certificate program is not required for an associate degree, but professionals
may use the credits they have earned in the certificate programs toward this degree. Depending on the
college, these credits can also transfer toward a Bachelor’s degree.
Many college credits can also be earned for life and work experience through Assessment of Prior
Learning (APL) at the Vermont State Colleges Office of External Programs. APL is a course that
guides students through the process of building a portfolio to present to a panel of experts. Based on
this portfolio, a significant undertaking, this panel can award many college credits, granting students
advanced standing for the cost of just one 3-credit APL course
taken at CCV.
The goal in Level III B is to earn the associate degree in early
childhood education. Currently CCV and Champlain College
offer this program of study in Vermont. With this associate
degree and at least four years of accumulated work experience,
professionals receive the Level III certificate. Then they may move
on to Level IV.
It was challenging and rewarding to learn and grow as a registered child care apprentice. I took
the 6 apprenticeship courses at CCV which helped me to earn my associate degree. The
Assessment of Prior Learning course helped me earn many additional college credits for what I
already know. It took a few years, but I can see how far I’ve come. Now, I’m ready to continue
toward my Bachelor’s degree.
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CAREER LEVEL IV
There are two stages in Level IV. Professionals enter Level IV A when they begin coursework for a
Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, or a closely related field. Some professionals have
passed through the previous career levels to arrive in Level IV. Some are changing careers, and have
degrees and experience in unrelated fields. Others may be applying their experiences and training in
related fields to early childhood education. Still others will begin their coursework immediately after
graduating from high school.
There are several options for study for a Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or related fields
in Vermont. These options include traditional 4-year degrees at institutions of higher education,
programs designed around periods of intensive study, as well as online and distance learning. Some
higher education institutions in Vermont have a “2+2” agreement with CCV. This means that college
credits earned at CCV, an institution which only can award an associate degree, transfer seamlessly to
certain four-year institutions, including all of the Vermont State Colleges and some other institutions
that award a Bachelor’s degree. Your college advisor is a good source of further information.
Level IV A is a Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or a related field, without licensure from
the Vermont Department of Education, plus a year of experience.
In Level IV B, professionals seek a Bachelor’s degree with teacher licensure from the Vermont
Department of Education. Graduating from an approved teacher preparation program with
recommendation for teacher licensure is one way that many professionals become licensed by the
Vermont Department of Education. Higher education institutions offering a Bachelor’s degree with
teacher licensure in early childhood education in Vermont currently include Champlain College,
Goddard College, Lyndon State College, University of Vermont, and Union Institute and University.
Teacher licensure is required to teach in public schools.
For those professionals with four-year degrees in the liberal arts and no teacher licensure, some postbaccalaureate programs are available at colleges and universities to complete education courses in order
to obtain teacher licensure. In Vermont, post-baccalaureate programs currently exist at the University
of Vermont and Union Institute and University.
Other routes to teacher licensure are also available to professionals with Bachelor’s degrees and
professional experience as early childhood educators through Peer Review and other special initiatives
designed to increase the number of licensed early childhood professionals.
• The Higher Education Collaborative offers coursework and student-teacher experiences to those
seeking teacher licensure and endorsement in early childhood education or early childhood special
education in Vermont.
• Peer Review is a process guided by the Vermont Department of Education for individuals who
have acquired the knowledge and skills needed to meet the 16 Principles for Vermont Educators
and the competencies and requirements for the endorsements they seek through coursework and
experiences, rather than through a preparation program. Peer Review is not an alternative
preparation program, and acceptance into the Peer Review process requires a Bachelor’s degree.
• The Vermont Early Childhood Educator Licensing Project (VECEL) helps students through
the Peer Review process to obtain teacher licensure and endorsement in early childhood education
through support in documenting prior learning and experience, advising, and professional
development in a cohort model.
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With this Bachelor’s degree, teacher licensure, and a year
of practice in the field, professionals complete Level IV B,
receive the certificate, and may proceed to Level V or VI.
Additionally, professionals are highly encouraged to begin
or maintain participation in a professional organization or
statewide committee, such as the Vermont Association
for the Education of Young Children (VAEYC), or
another (see page 23 for more ideas).
I have a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and the
VECEL Project helped me earn teacher licensure in
early childhood education. Now I have the
qualifications to pursue a teaching job in the school
where I have always wanted to work.
CAREER LEVEL V
Professionals enter Level V by enrolling in graduate courses in early childhood education or related fields
toward a Master’s degree. Higher education institutions offering a Master’s degree with teacher
licensure in early childhood education in Vermont currently include Goddard College, University of
Vermont, and Union Institute and University. Additionally, the Higher Education Collaborative in
Early Education through the Vermont Department of Education offers graduate-level professional
development and teacher licensure for early childhood educators. Obtaining teacher licensure means
that professionals can practice in public school systems.
After completing the Master’s program and three years of work
experience, professionals receive the Level V certificate. This is
recognition of the significant investment made by early
childhood professionals, who are considered leaders in the field
at this level. Professionals at Level V with a Master’s degree
may also consider teaching college-level courses.
I earned my Bachelor’s degree years ago, and while I was ready for more professional
development, I didn’t think that graduate school could fit in my busy life. The Higher Education
Collaborative helped me connect to other busy, seasoned professionals and complete graduate-level
courses near where I live and within my schedule.
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CAREER LEVEL VI
Professionals enter Level VI by enrolling in a doctoral program related to early childhood education.
At this time, doctoral programs are available at the University of Vermont and the Union Institute and
University. After completing the doctoral program, and three years of work experience, professionals
receive the Level VI certificate. This is recognition of the significant investment made by these early
childhood professionals, leaders in the field who can conduct research and teach at the college level.
Obtaining teacher licensure is a way to expand the kinds of settings in which professionals at this level
can practice. Professionals should begin or maintain participation in a professional organization or
statewide committee.
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CREDENTIALS
A credential is a form of professional recognition for the individual early childhood professional. A
credential indicates that the early childhood professional has participated in some focused, sustained
study of certain aspects of the field, and validates the achievement and expertise of professionals.
Credentials also can be seen as another stepping stone in professional development toward a college
degree.
Vermont recognizes several credential programs for individual early childhood and afterschool
professionals, including those individuals who operate family child care businesses in their homes,
those who work in licensed child care settings, and home visitors. The different credentials are
described below.
CERTIFICATES OF PROFICIENCY
Certificates of Proficiency are awarded to students in technical education programs. Certificates
describe skills and knowledge needed to conduct activities that are the daily responsibilities of
educators, such as engaging a child in conversation, engaging a
child in dramatic play, and hand washing. The Vermont Child
Care Industry and Careers Council (VCCICC) has developed
the procedures for students to achieve their Certificates of
Proficiency in early childhood education based on its Early
Childhood Educator Daily Activity Assessment Tools. These tools
can also be used as on-the-job assessment instruments.
CERTIFIED CHILDCARE PROFESSIONAL
The National Child Care Association awards this credential to
early childhood professionals who demonstrate their knowledge of
early childhood development and their skills in working with
young children in center-based care. The process includes
obtaining hours of training and experience with children, and
completing the assessment process that is described on their web
site. The CCP fits into Career Level II.
CHILD DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATE (CDA)
The CDA is a national credential that can be earned in Vermont
through training and submitting a satisfactory, comprehensive
assessment package to the CDA Council for Professional
Recognition. The CDA is available for family child care providers,
home visitors, as well as infant-toddler and preschool staff working
in licensed early childhood programs. At this time, it is a
requirement for staff working with families in a Head Start
program who do not have a degree in early childhood education or
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a related field. The CDA is a popular option in Vermont that fits into Career Level II. Oftentimes,
courses for the CDA are offered for college credit. For Vermont’s early childhood professionals, the
CDA is both a worthy accomplishment and a stepping stone to further professional development at
the college level. Talk to your Resource Development Specialist for more information about local
programs to assist you in earning a CDA.
As I was getting my materials organized to apply for the CDA, I realized how much I already
know, and how much more there is to learn about early childhood education! It is great to know
that I can apply for a Quality Bonus from the Child Development Division after I earn the CDA,
and already I am getting ready to take more college-level courses.
The following credentials fit into Career Levels III and IV. These credentials involve the successful
completion of a series of specific college courses. These credentials may be either stepping stones
toward a degree, or a way to build on a degree already earned by gaining a specialized knowledge base.
Some college courses can be used to earn more than one credential. For example, some courses are part
of the Vermont Child Care Apprenticeship Program, the Vermont Early Childhood and Afterschool
Program Director Credential, and of course, the college degree—only take each course once to fulfill
many purposes. It is important for professionals to work with an advisor to determine how to best
meet their goals.
REGISTERED CHILD CARE APPRENTICESHIP
The Vermont Child Care Apprenticeship Program awards
a nationally-recognized child care specialist credential to
individuals who successfully complete 4000 hours of on-thejob training with a mentor and 297 hours of related
instruction. This Certificate of Completion and the six
college courses included in the related instruction fits in to
Career Level IIIA.
I graduated from a human services program at my technical center before becoming a registered
apprentice. It was hard and a lot of extra work, but I made the commitment for two years of on-the-job
responsibilities and to the courses. My mentor—and the children I work with—helped me reach my
goal of completing the Apprenticeship program. I believe I really know what it takes to be a college
student now, and I am considering going on for my associate degree because I am so close already.
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VERMONT EARLY CHILDHOOD AND AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM DIRECTOR CREDENTIAL
A director or administrator of an early childhood or afterschool program has complex responsibilities
that require a wide range of knowledge and skills. While many skills can be gained from experience and
prior knowledge, ongoing professional development supports a director's ability to adapt to the everchanging field.
The Vermont Early Childhood and Afterschool Program Director Credential is intended for both
center-based and family child care settings. The credential offers a three-step sequence of college
courses for directors or administrators in the field, and for those aspiring to these roles. Participants
have the opportunity to implement new learning in their professional settings and to develop
colleagueship with peers from across the state. For NAEYC Early Childhood Program Accreditation,
individuals who hold this Credential will qualify for the maximum number of points for relevant
training and credentials, one of three categories included in the alternative pathways to achieving
educational qualifications of a program administrator. The Vermont Northern Lights Career
Development Center awards certificates for candidates who complete specific courses, or their close
equivalents, for the Program Director Credential. See the web site for current information about
course offerings and special opportunities.
One of my professional goals is to become a child care center director. I can enroll in courses in
the Program Director Credential to help me gain the knowledge and skills to achieve my goal.
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New credentials coming soon:
VERMONT INFANT-TODDLER CREDENTIAL
This credential will offer a specialized sequence of professional development opportunities to those
early childhood professionals working with infants and toddlers. The purpose of the Infant-Toddler
Credential is to formalize the knowledge of those working with children under three, improve the
quality of services, increase positive outcomes experienced by infants and toddlers, and increase the
availability of infant-toddler course work and training. For the most current information on the
Vermont Infant-Toddler Credential, please see the Vermont Northern Lights Career Development
Center web site.
EARLY CHILDHOOD AND FAMILY MENTAL HEALTH CREDENTIAL
The Early Childhood and Family Mental Health Competencies describe the expertise needed by
qualified personnel who provide services to young children and their families. The competencies are
organized by categories that are highly interrelated:
• Philosophy and Professional Orientation
• Child Development
• Family Systems
• Assessment
• Addressing Challenges
• Systems Resources
The competencies are further organized by levels: Foundational, Intermediate, Advanced, and
Specialist. These competencies are closely aligned with many of the Core Competencies for Early
Childhood Professionals. They also can be embedded in the personnel preparation, development and
licensing systems for other professionals. In addition, it is anticipated that a special endorsement or
certificate will be created to help professionals gain competencies that are beyond current licensing and
certification systems to reflect more specialized knowledge and skills in early childhood and family
mental health. These competencies can be found on the Vermont Northern Lights Career
Development Center web site.
AFTERSCHOOL CREDENTIAL
Core competencies for afterschool education professionals are also on the Vermont Northern Lights
Career Development Center web site. New coursework and credentials specifically for afterschool
professionals are currently being developed by the Afterschool Professional Development Framework
Committee. The Afterschool Credential will consist of courses that correspond to the afterschool core
competencies. It is anticipated that courses will be offered in different formats and at several sites
around the state.
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USING THE BRIGHT FUTURES INFORMATION SYSTEM TO
GUIDE YOUR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
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BFIS is the place online for parents and child care providers to get answers to questions about child
care, early education, school age care, and the services available to help ensure that high quality child
care is available to every child in Vermont who needs it. BFIS is comprised of several components
including licensing, subsidy, grants, and professional development. The professional development
component of BFIS is of primary importance in this Career Advising Guide. This section explains the
BFIS Course Calendar, joining BFIS, and the Resume tool.
Go to http://brightfuturesinfo.org
Course Calendar
The Bright Futures Information System course calendar is the place to search a statewide, online list of
professional development opportunities. Use the online Course Calendar to find a session or a course.
This list will provide good options for meeting the required annual training hours, and also for going
beyond the basic annual requirement.
Go to http://brightfuturesinfo.org
Click on “Resources” and then click on “Course Calendar”.
This is what you will see:
You can search the Course Calendar by any of the categories
listed, including Core Knowledge Area and location.
If you would like to list a professional development
opportunity in the Course Calendar, please see the Vermont
Northern Lights Career Development Center web site for
instructions.
Joining BFIS
If you have not already, join the Bright Futures Information System to take full advantage of this free,
statewide system.
Go to http://bfishelp.org and you will see the
screen to the left.
Then, click on “How do I sign up?” and
submit the form online. Later, you will
receive a card in the mail with your BFIS
Quality/Credentialing Case ID. You can
bring this card with you to sign in to
trainings, so that your attendance appears
more quickly in your Resume.
Contact the Bright Futures Information
System Help Desk (800-649-2642,
[email protected]) if you need
further assistance with joining.
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Resume tool in BFIS
The Bright Futures Information System is also the place to find your personal, online
resume of professional development. Once you have joined BFIS, your attendance in
professional development sessions can be tracked in your online resume by the Vermont
Northern Lights Career Development Center.
To see your online resume in BFIS:
I can look
up my personal
resume to see a
list of all of the
professional
development
that I have
completed. It’s
all organized in
one place. I
can see that I
have completed
a number of
sessions on
Child
Development,
but not as
much in Health
and Safety. I
can use the
BFIS Course
Calendar to
locate courses
and other
trainings on
this topic in my
town.
1.Go to http://brightfuturesinfo.org.
2.Click “Child Care Worker/Credential User Login” and login to see your personal
profile.
3.Click on “Resume” to see your menu options.
4.Click on “Professional Development” to see the list of experiences that has been
recorded for you.
Below is an example of one professional’s resume. Yours will look something like it.
In summary, BFIS is a free system to help track your professional development. You can
locate professional development opportunities in the BFIS Course Calendar, and when
you attend, sign the attendance sheet. It is beneficial to you because information from the
attendance sheet updates your Resume in BFIS. This Resume is available to you online at
any time.
For assistance in joining BFIS, please contact the Bright Futures Information System Help
Desk (800-649-2642, [email protected]).
For questions related to your resume, the Course Calendar, or the Instructor Registry,
please contact the Vermont Northern Lights Career Development Center.
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Career Advising Guide
CAREER PLANNING AND ADVISING
ADVISING
Seeking career advising is an important part of planning your professional development. Career advising
provides the opportunity to discuss your professional goals with an advisor. An advisor is a person who
is knowledgeable about resources that exist for supporting your professional development. For early
childhood and afterschool professionals seeking career advising and assistance with career planning, there
are a number of resources. Here are some places to find answers to your questions and other support for
planning your professional development:
• Supervisors at your workplace
• Mentors who support your professional development plans through an on-going professional
relationship with you
• Instructors of professional development opportunities
• Resource Development Specialists located in each region of Vermont have resources and expertise to
support all professionals, especially those at the early stages of the career levels
• For those professionals who are enrolled in institutions of higher education, faculty and advisors are
important sources of information about progressing in the field
• The Vermont Northern Lights Career Development Center has staff to assist with career planning
and advising for professionals at all career levels
• Vermont Child Care Industry and Careers Council (VCCICC) provides advising to early childhood
professionals who are interested in participating in the Vermont Child Care Apprenticeship
Program (http://www.vtchildcareindustry.org).
INDIVIDUALIZED PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN (IPDP)
Every professional is encouraged to have an IPDP in writing. The IPDP is a thoughtfully developed plan
designed by you to increase your knowledge, skills, and expertise for working with young children and
their families; it is a plan for your professional growth.
By first assessing your current interests, knowledge, and skills, the IPDP helps you to…
• identify and prioritize your specific areas for growth,
• develop and clarify strategies to support your professional growth,
• and document and reflect upon your professional growth.
A guide to writing the IPDP, Planning Your Professional Growth, is available through the Vermont
Northern Lights Career Development Center. This guide contains more information and forms for
tracking and reflecting on your learning experiences. Additionally, presentations and workshops on the
IPDP are available throughout Vermont and are listed in the Bright Futures Information System’s
Course Calendar (http://brightfuturesinfo.org).
When I talk to my advisor in person, on the phone, or through e-mail, I tell her about my
ideas for my professional development. At times, I haven’t had new ideas, but my advisor
asks me questions and reminds me of the resources that exist to support me. This helps me
choose the right option for myself.
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Career Advising Guide
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Many professional development experiences in Vermont are free or low-cost, including some college
courses.
• Vermont Child Care Apprenticeship Program for courses at the associate/undergraduate level
(http://www.vtchildcareindustry.org).
• Vermont Early Childhood Educator Licensing Project for courses and support to get your teacher
licensure if you have a Bachelor’s degree (http://www.vecel.org).
• Higher Education Collaborative for courses to help you get your teacher licensure and Master’s
degree if you have a Bachelor’s degree (http://www.vthec.org).
• Northern Lights Career Development Center for various opportunities
• Your local Resource Development Specialist
Additionally, you may be eligible for a professional development grant. Visit BFIS at
http://brightfuturesinfo.org and click on “Resources” and then “Grants” for full information and
specific application forms. You may be eligible for a specific type of “Quality Enhancement Grant”
through the Child Development Division to help you with:
• $1,000 bonus when you complete or renew certain credentials and degrees such as a CDA,
associate degree, Bachelor’s degree, and Master’s degree. This is called the “Achieved Credential or
Degree Bonus Grant.”
• A grant to help you obtain a credential or teacher licensure and endorsement. Refer to the “CDA
Assessment Fee Grant” if you are applying for a CDA, or the “Peer Review Assessment Fee Grant”
if you are taking this route to teacher licensure.
• A scholarship for college tuition sponsored by the Child Development Division and available
through Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC). This is called the “College Tuition:
Individual Grant.”
There are other sources of financial support for professional development, including but not limited to
the following:
• There may be local sources of funding available to you through your employer.
• A Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC) Non-Degree Grant and other grants for
college coursework. Visit http://www.vsac.org.
• Federal student loans and other financial aid by contacting your college’s financial aid office
directly, if you are enrolled in a college degree program.
• “Program Quality Grants” to assist with expenses associated with achieving program accreditation.
Applications are available through the BFIS web site (http://www.brigthfuturesinfo.org).
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PROGRAM QUALITY RECOGNITION
Accreditation is a form of recognition of a child care or early education program. One element of
quality programs is the education of the individuals who work there. The award of accreditation is
based on a program’s self-assessment completed by staff within a facility, improvements made to the
program based on a self-study, and validation visits made by an independent agency.
Vermont’s Graduated Recognition System:
VERMONT STEP AHEAD RECOGNITION SYSTEM (STARS)
STARS is a rating system in Vermont that recognizes and rewards early childhood
programs for program quality. Achieving STARS recognition says that an early
care, education or school age program has gone above and beyond Vermont’s basic
regulatory standards. For more information on STARS, to receive an application to
become a STARS recognized provider, or to find a STARS provider in your area,
visit http://www.STARSstepahead.org.
National Program Accreditation
FOR LICENSED CHILD CARE CENTERS
• National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Accreditation
NAEYC accreditation helps raise the quality of all types of preschools, kindergartens, and child
care centers. Currently there are more than 10,000 NAEYC-accredited programs, serving nearly
one million children and their families. Since the system began in 1985, NAEYC accreditation has
provided a powerful tool through which early childhood professionals, families, and others
concerned about the quality of early childhood education can evaluate programs, compare them
with professional standards, strengthen the program, and commit to ongoing evaluation and
improvement.
Phone: 800-424-2460 or 202-328-2601
http://www.naeyc.org
• The Vermont Accreditation Project
The Vermont Accreditation Project increases the number of early childhood programs in Vermont
accredited by NAEYC by informing early childhood professionals of the benefits of accreditation
and providing them with support as they pursue accreditation.
Phone: 802-482-2002
http://www.vaeyc.org
• National Early Childhood Program Accreditation (NECPA)
National Child Care Association affiliate
The NECPA has several components. The first is a thorough self-assessment of the program by
management, staff, and parents to determine how closely the NECPA standards are being met.
The second component is an action plan to address weaknesses. The third component is an on-site
visit by a trained NECPA verifier. The fourth component is a review by the NECPA National
Accreditation Council. The process is self-paced.
Phone: 800-505-9878
http://www.necpa.net
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• National AfterSchool Association (NAA)
An accreditation process specifically for school age care and afterschool based on NAA’s standards
that promotes quality in afterschool programs serving children and youth, five to fourteen years.
To date, more than 550 programs around the world have received and maintain NAA
accreditation.
Phone: 800-617-8242
http://www.nsaca.org
FOR REGISTERED FAMILY CHILD CARE PROVIDERS
• National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC)
NAFCC is the only national accreditation system for family child care providers. Each family
child care program goes through the in-depth accreditation process requiring training, health
assessments, criminal background checks, as well as an observation verifying compliance with the
quality standards for NAFCC accreditation. Decisions are made individually based on
information gathered from an observer, the provider, and the parents of the children in the
program.
Phone: 800-359-3817
http://www.nafcc.org
• The Vermont Child Care Providers Association (VCCPA) Accreditation Project
VCCPA supports family child care providers as they pursue NAFCC accreditation.
13 Academy Street
Alburgh, Vermont 05440
Email: [email protected] (no website)
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INSTRUCTOR REGISTRY
Some early childhood professionals further their own professional development by instructing other
adults in courses, single sessions, and conference presentations. In Vermont, there is support for
instructors through the Instructor Qualifications System and the Instructor Registry.
The Instructor Registry is an online list of instructors who have been approved based on their
education and experience. According to their education and experience, instructors apply online to
join the Instructor Registry as one of five categories of instructor. Instructors list information about
themselves including their content expertise and contact information. Instructors use the Instructor
Registry to tell the early childhood community about their qualifications as instructors and the variety
of instruction that they provide. People who organize professional development opportunities use the
Instructor Registry to find and hire instructors.
Visit http://brightfuturesinfo.org to view the online Instructor Registry, and to apply online to
participate as an instructor in the Instructor Registry.
As a new instructor, the Instructor Registry helped me
to get the word out about my qualifications. Also it helped
me find another experienced instructor who helped me to
learn a lot about how to work with other early childhood
professionals as adult learners.
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YOU ARE THE FUTURE OF THE FIELD
The field of early childhood education is evolving in exciting ways. There are many opportunities to
make a difference for young children and their families and for the future of this profession. Groups
across the state are discussing and taking action on important issues in this profession, including wages,
program and teacher quality, integrating services for families, educating the public about the
importance of the early years, and many other issues. Consider joining with other early childhood
professionals and participating in a membership organization such as:
• Your local Early Childhood Council
Each region of the state hosts a group of professionals and parents interested in how services to
young children and their families are being offered and organized in their region. Councils are a
place to learn about local resources, give your perspective about what is needed, and make
connections. (See page 25.)
• VAEYC, Vermont’s affiliate of the National Association for the Education of Young Children
This professional organization has a newsletter, annual conference, and links you to resources
across the country and the world that benefit professionals in the field of early childhood
education.
http://www.vaeyc.org
• Kids Are Priority One
This grassroots organization has a listserve that will help you stay on top of the issues and trends in
the Vermont legislature specifically affecting young children, their families, and the people who
care for them. Their web page offers information for families and professionals, organizing tools,
and help to connect to your legislators and other advocates in your region.
http://kidsarepriorityone.org/kap1
• The Vermont Children’s Forum
The mission of the Vermont Children's Forum is to promote public policy that enhances the lives
of children and youth in Vermont through information, research, organizing and advocacy.
http://www.childrensforum.org
• Vermont Child Care Providers Association
VCCPA is a statewide, non-profit, professional organization offering peer support as well as access
to information and resources. They advocate on the state and national levels to assure that the
needs of child care professionals are met. They believe that meeting providers’ needs will lead to a
more stable child care system and higher quality care for children.
13 Academy Street, Alburgh, Vermont 05440
Email: [email protected]
And others…
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REFERENCES
This document is a snapshot in time and follows other publications in the early childhood field in
Vermont, such as:
• The Vermont Guide to Early Childhood Careers, 1998.
• Planning Your Professional Growth, 2000, revised in 2007.
Find this and other information published on the Vermont Northern Lights Career Development
Center website:
• This Career Advising Guide
• A full list of local, state, and national organizations and resources
• A comprehensive list of the professions in early childhood education
• Other current documents pertaining to career advising.
Remember that it is important to read the websites included that describe the options that interest
you. If you have any questions about any of the other information presented in this document, please
contact the Vermont Northern Lights Career Development Center for Early Childhood and
Afterschool Professionals.
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LOCAL RESOURCES
County/ Region
Addison
Bennington
Caledonia/ Essex
Community Child Care Support Agency
with Resource Development Specialist
Mary Johnson’s Children Center
388-4304
388-4304
[email protected]
Bennington Child Care Association
442-1515
447-6485
[email protected]
Kingdom Child Care Connection at
Umbrella
751-8408
748-1992
Chittenden
Franklin/ Grand
Isle
Lamoille Valley
Orleans/Essex
Rutland
Springfield
Washington Area
Windham County
Windsor/Orange
Regional Building Bright Futures
Council, also known as the Early
Childhood Council
[email protected]
Child Care Resource
652-5138
863-3367
[email protected]
The Family Center of Northwestern
Vermont
527-5426
524-6574
[email protected]
Lamoille Family Center
888-1400
888-5229
[email protected]
Northeast Kingdom Community Action
766-5331
334-4072
[email protected]
Vermont Achievement Center
438-4424
747-0033
[email protected]
Springfield Area Parent Child Center
885-8707
886-5242
[email protected]
The Family Center of Washington County
476-2135
828-8765
[email protected]
Windham Child Care Association
258-2273
254-5332
[email protected]
Child Care Project
295-4126
603-646-3233
[email protected]
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