Pathways to Professional Development
South Dakota Pathways to Professional Development is a statewide
project recognizing those who work in child care, preschool, Head Start,
Out-of-School Time and other programs serving the needs of children and
families and may include practitioners with entry-level education or advanced
degrees.
The goal of the Pathways project is to
support those who actively pursue ongoing educational opportunities and professional
commitments to the field. Participants can choose to participate by meeting the
requirements of Levels I through VII of the Career Lattice.
Requirements
Level 1- Introductory Informal Education
Level 2- Advanced Informal Education
Level 3- Professional Credential
Level 4- Apprenticeship or Higher Education
Coursework
Level 5- Early Childhood Associate’s Degree
Level 6- Baccalaureate Degree
Level 7- Master’s and Doctoral Degree
Professional
Training Areas
The following 15 categories represent professional training that all
practitioners should receive in order to provide for the unique developmental
needs of the children, youth and families they serve. Within each of
these broad categories, various topics can be addressed and easily tracked for
those enrolled in the Pathways to Professional Development Career Lattice.
- Child growth and development
- Child abuse and neglect
- Guidance and behavior management
- Observing children
- Identification and prevention of communicable
diseases
- Program health and safety
- Nutrition for children
- Program management and regulation
- Interpersonal communication and relationships
- Cultural diversity
- Learning environments
- Age-appropriate planning
- Professionalism
- Partnerships with parents
- Inclusion of all children