Professional Development for staff working in Afterschool programs includes:
- Core knowledge areas: defines what afterschool staff should know and do. The Afterschool core competencies detail the 5 Core knowledge areas.
- Courses, trainings and other learning opportunities: based on the core competencies
- Career pathways: for all staff from entry level to program directors
- Certificates and Credentials: recognize professional achievement; some are awarded a Professional Recogntion Bonus from the Child Development Division
The Afterschool Career diagram shows how the Afterschool Competencies and the Afterschool Phases fit together.
Phases of the Afterschool Career Pathway and steps in each
Awareness Phase: usually within the first two years of work in an afterschool program; a formal start to becoming an afterschool professional
- Vermont Afterschool Foundations certificate and Afterschool Essentials Curricula
- On-the-Job Training for Afterschool Professionals (from Vermont Child Care Industry and Careers Council)
- Program Director Credential - Step 1
- Highly Qualified Paraprofessional Certificate (awarded by a school system)
Developing Phase: extends basic skills and practices. College course work specific to the Afterschool setting is part of this phase.
- On-the-Job Training for Afterschool Professionals (from Vermont Child Care Industry and Careers Council)
- Vermont Afterschool Professional Credential
- Highly Qualified Paraprofessional Certificate (awarded by a school system)
- Program Director Credential - Step 2 Certificate
- Educator License (from VT Department of Education)
Achievement Phase: expanding knowledge, developing leadership, and teaching others
- Vermont Afterschool Professional Credential
- Highly Qualified Paraprofessional Certificate (awarded by a school system)
- Program Director Credential Achieved (Step3)
- Educator License (from VT Department of Education)
Other Related Opportunities
- Instructor Registry
- Coaching: Vermont Center for Afterschool Excellence (VCAE)
- Mentors for Quality: afterschool program mentors through the VCAE
The Vermont Northern Lights Career Development Center works with many partners to unify and enhance the professional development system for early childhood and afterschool professionals in Vermont. It is funded by a grant from the Child Development Division of the Vermont Agency of Human Services. The Community College of Vermont (CCV) and the Vermont Child Care Industry and Careers Council (VCCICC) are co-grantees.
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