Level III: Professional Credential
Professionals at this level should specialize in an area of study such as infant/toddler, preschool, school-age care, family child care, home visitor or program administration. Level III practitioners may have a CDA, or similar credential or may possess a vocational certificate from a Technical Institute. They may or may not be providing direct care and education to children.
Education and Training
- High school diploma or GED,
- Infant and child CPR certification (see glossary for definition) and First Aid training if working directly with children.
- Completion of a minimum of 120 hours of instruction and procedures required to obtain
a credential. (refer to glossary, Credential Subject Areas)
Professional Commitment
- Experience:
a) Work directly with two or more unrelated children in a state registered or licensed
child care, preschool, Head Start or school-age program
-or-
b) Provides leadership and/or instruction that contributes to the development of other
practitioners.
- Membership in a recognized professional organization.
- Attend a minimum of six hours at a regional, state or national professional
development conference.
- Demonstration of professional leadership is encouraged.
Renewal Requirements (every three years)
- Maintain infant and child CPR certification and First Aid training, if working directly with children.
- Completion of continuing education as required to retain the professional credential.
- Work directly with children in a state registered or licensed child care, preschool,
Head Start or school-age program; or provide leadership and/or instruction that
contribute to the development of other professionals (i.e. roles such as program
director, education coordinator, trainer, etc.).
- Maintain membership in a recognized professional organization.
- Attend at least six hours of training offered at a regional, state or national
professional development conference.
