What Does My Career Pathways Placement Mean?

The Career Pathways are a great tool to help you plan the next steps in your career.

How is My Career Pathways Placement Determined?

Your Career Pathways placement is based on the Early Childhood education and career preparation you have documented in your Registry Account.

What Are the Career Pathways Categories?

Category A

Category A is considered the entry point and is based on completion of the 15-hour basic child care course, Getting Started, which is the minimal licensing requirement.

Categories B–D

Categories B–D can be achieved by completing Level 1 or 2 training or applicable higher education coursework in the designated core competency areas.

Categories E and Above

Categories E and above are determined by formal Early Childhood education and preparation (i.e. CDA, Associates Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, or beyond).

Why Don’t My Degrees in Other Areas Qualify?

The Career Pathways show your qualifications in the field of Early Childhood only. Degrees in other fields such as Elementary or Secondary Education, Social Work, Family Therapy, and so on are not designed to prepare you to work with very young children in licensed and regulated care settings and so are not factored into Career Pathways placement. Just as a degree in Early Childhood would not qualify you to teach the Elementary grades, a degree in Elementary Education does not prepare you to foster development and learning in infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.