Early Childhood Education Career Pathways
Discover the roles and pathways to enter and advance in the ECE field
Empowering Success Together
Achieve Your Goals with Our Expert Guidance
If you are ready to begin your career in Early Childhood Education, we are here to help.
Click on Start Here to learn more.
Curious about a career in early childhood education?
Whether you’re just starting or looking to grow, this guide shows your options and the steps to advance
Imagine walking into a classroom filled with curious little faces, each child eager to explore, play, and learn. That’s the world of early childhood education—a place where your guidance, creativity, and care help shape a child’s first experiences of learning and discovery.
Whether you’re just starting out or hoping to grow in your career, this guide will help you see the paths you can take, the skills you can develop, and the meaningful impact you can make.
Why a career in early childhood education is so rewarding:
Every day matters: You help children build the skills and confidence they’ll carry for life
Build connections: Form lasting relationships with families and your community
Grow as a professional: Explore certifications, college programs, and leadership opportunities
Flexible career paths: Work in classrooms, family child care, or specialized roles
Be part of something bigger: Contribute to stronger communities and brighter futures
Roles you can step into:
Assistant Teacher: Supports the classroom team by helping with daily routines, supervision, and activities under direct guidance.
Associate Teacher: Takes on more instructional responsibility with foundational ECE coursework, supporting lesson implementation and child development goals.
Lead Teacher: Plans curriculum, manages the classroom environment, and guides staff with deeper ECE training and hands-on experience.
Director: Oversees the entire program—including staffing, licensing compliance, and family partnerships—to ensure high-quality operations and learning environments.
EXPLORE THE PATHWAYS THAT CAN LEAD YOU TO A SUCCESSFUL CAREER
Earning a CDA (Child Development Associate) credential is a practical way to build your skills, gain professional recognition, and advance in early childhood education. It’s ideal for those who want to strengthen their expertise while working in the field.
CDA Credential: Focuses on hands-on teaching skills, child development, and creating safe, engaging learning environments.
Specializations: Choose from Infant/Toddler, Preschool, or Family Child Care to match your experience and career goals.
Professional Growth: The CDA can help you move from assistant roles to lead teacher positions, and is recognized Nationally.
The CDA combines online learning, training, and practical experience, making it a flexible path for working educators or those just starting out. It’s a respected credential that opens doors to more opportunities and leadership roles in early childhood education.
Earning a college degree in early childhood education opens up many opportunities to grow your skills, take on new responsibilities, and advance your career. Depending on your goals, you can choose from several pathways:
Associate’s Degree (AA) in Early Childhood Education: Gain foundational knowledge and practical experience to become a lead teacher or work in a variety of early learning settings.
Bachelor’s Degree (BA/BS) in Early Childhood Education: Prepare for leadership roles, specialized positions, or teaching in public pre-K and elementary classrooms.
Specializations and Certificates: Focus on areas like infant/toddler care, special education, family engagement, or curriculum development to enhance your expertise.
College programs often combine classroom learning with hands-on experience, so you’ll be ready to apply what you learn in real early childhood settings. Whether you’re just starting your education journey or building on existing experience, a degree can open doors to new roles and professional growth.
Early Childhood Education Pathways Overview
CDA Path
A short-term, competency-based credential that prepares individuals from entry-level roles such as assistant teachers to associate and lead teacher roles in early childhood settings.
Associate’s Degree
A two-year college degree that provides foundational child development and teaching skills, qualifying someone for roles such as associate teacher, lead teacher, and in some cases assistant director.
Bachelor’s Degree
A four-year degree offering advanced knowledge in child development, curriculum, and leadership, preparing individuals for positions such as lead teacher, center director, early childhood specialist, or program coordinator.
Qualifications By State
Note: This is meant to be a guide only. We encourage you to refer to state licensing documents for more thorough and active information.
Vermont
VT Child Care Licensing Regulations- PDF
Assistant Teacher
At least 18 years old and high school diploma / GED (or equivalent). Plus one of the following:
• Vermont Early Childhood Career Ladder Level 1 or 2 certificate.
• A current Child Development Associate (CDA) credential + at least 12 months experience working with groups of children from birth to grade 3.
• A Human Services Program Certificate (approved by State Board of Education) emphasizing child/early childhood development + 12 months experience with young children.
• Completion of the state’s “Fundamentals for Early Childhood Professionals” course or “Vermont Afterschool Essentials Certificate” + 12 months relevant experience.
• A three-credit college course in child/human development (or school-age care) + 12 months relevant experience.
Associate Teacher
At least 20 years old, high school diploma / GED (or equivalent). Plus one of the following:
• Vermont Early Childhood Career Ladder Level 3 Certificate.
• An Associate Degree in Early Childhood, Child/Human Development, Elementary Education, Child & Family Services OR related field — with 12 months experience working with children up to grade 3.
• Certificate of Completion from the Registered Child Care Apprenticeship Program.
• Child Care Certificate from Community College of Vermont + 12 months relevant experience.
• 21 college credits with early childhood / school-age focus + 12 months experience with young children.
Lead Teacher
At least 20 years old. Plus one of the following:
• Vermont Early Childhood Career Ladder Level 4A or 4B Certificate.
• A Bachelor’s degree (or higher) from accredited college/university with major or concentration in Early Childhood, Child/Human Development, Elementary Education, Special Education (birth-to-8 focus), or Child & Family Services — plus 12 months experience working with children age birth to grade 3.
• A Bachelor’s degree (any field) + at least 30 college credits in early childhood / school-age focus + 12 months relevant experience.
• A current Vermont Agency of Education teaching license with endorsement in Early Childhood, Early Childhood Special Education, or Elementary Education.
Program Director
Must meet the staffing standard depending on licensed capacity of program. Some typical requirements:
• Be qualified at least as a Teacher Associate (depending on size or number of children).
• For larger centers: additional credentials — e.g. a state-issued Program Director Certificate (or higher), or completion of required college coursework (supervision/management, curriculum, program administration) to meet licensing requirements.
• If serving 60 or more children: need more extensive credentials (credential or advanced coursework + 24 months relevant experience) under certain regulations.
New Hampshire
NH Child Care Licensing Rules- PDF
Assistant Teacher
At least 16 years old; works only under direct supervision of a staff person who meets at least the Associate Teacher qualifications.
Associate Teacher
At least 18 years old AND high school diploma / GED (or equivalent). Plus one of the following:
• Minimum 9 college credits (child development / early childhood / related field), including at least 1 three-credit course in child growth & development.
• ~1,500 hours supervised child-care experience in licensed child care or public/private elementary school, plus at least 3 early-childhood-education credits, and a written plan to complete at least 6 additional credits — with completion within 12 months.
• 1,000 hours supervised child-care experience + successful completion of a 2-year vocational childcare course.
• Current Para II certificate (i.e. state-approved teaching aide credential).
• Or documented qualification in that role prior to rule-adoption date (grandfather clause).
Lead Teacher
Must be at least 18 years old and high school diploma / GED (or equivalent). Plus one of the following:
• Minimum 18 college credits in related coursework (child development / early childhood / elementary ed / related), including at least 3 credits in child growth & development — and at least 1,000 hours experience working with children in a licensed child-care program or public/private elementary school.
• Alternative path (for some centers): 12 college credits + 3,000 hours experience working with children in licensed child care or school.
• Valid Child Development Associate (CDA) (non-expired).
• Credential from a teacher-preparation program accredited by Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE).
• Five years as a licensed family child-care provider (with no enforcement actions).
• Completion of the state’s Early Childhood Apprenticeship Program.
• 1,000 hours supervised child-care + successful completion of a 2-year vocational course + additional 9 credits.
• Or grandfathered documentation showing qualification before rule change (pre-2017).
Program Director
(Note: the regulations for directors are more complex and depend on program type and size; the following are common qualification paths)
• High school diploma / GED (or equivalent).
• For some program sizes: CDA + relevant experience OR Associate or higher degree in early childhood / related field, plus coursework in supervision/management, curriculum, or administration per state rules.
• Also, the center must maintain documentation of staff qualifications on file.
