Sanford Health

Pathways to Professional Development

The South Dakota Pathways to Professional Development program is a statewide initiative promoting the recognition of individuals who work in childcare, preschool, Head Start, school-age, and other programs who serve the needs of children and families.

The goal is to support those who actively pursue ongoing educational opportunities and professional commitment to the field.  All childcare providers, educators, trainers, directors, administrators and advocates of children - regardless of educational background - can participate in the program.

The quality of care and education children receive depends on the knowledge and skills of the individuals who care for and educate them.  With this philosophy in mind, the program provides professional support and public recognition of individuals who actively pursue continuing education and demonstrate commitment to working with children and families.

 

Career Lattice:

Participants can choose to participate by meeting the requirements of Levels I through VII of the Career Lattice.  Level I consists of introductory, informal education while Level VII consists of a Master's or Doctoral degree.

 

Trainer Registry:

South Dakota Pathways to Professional Development is based on the philosophy that all children are entitled to receive nurturing care provided by well-trained adults.  The Trainer Registry is a directory designed to enhance the availability of quality adult learning experiences for early childhood and school-age practitioners.

 

Click here for the South Dakota State Website

Click here for the South Dakota Pathways to Professional Development Website

 

Articles:

 

 Forms:

< Back to List | New Search Printable Version

Frequently Asked Questions About the Career Lattice

What are the components of the Pathways to Professional Development Program?

  1. The Career Lattice is a statewide computerized registry documenting the educational and professional accomplishments of practitioners. Practitioners can use the registery to accumulate an accurate record of their education and to receive recognition for their professional commitment. The Career Lattice also provides opportunities to increase recognition and compensation for professionals who work with children.
  2. The Trainer registry is a directory designed to support the development of a network of trainers.  This network is committed to providing adult learning experiences and promote quality care for children.

What is the purpose of the Career Lattice?

  • To recognize individuals who make a commitment to continued professional development related to their work with children and youth.
  • To increase the number of quality care and education programs by developing a knowledgeable and skilled workforce.
  • To develop awareness among parents, employers and other community members of the important roles that child care, early education and youth development practitioners play within communities across South Dakota.
  • To document a complete record of early childhood training and education in the Professional Training areas for each practitioner.

Who may participate in the Career Lattice?

The Career Lattice includes child care providers, early educators, youth development specialists, trainers, directors, administrators and advocates for young children and families. The Career Lattice provides professional recognition for those who work directly or indirectly with infants, toddlers, preschool children, school-age children and youth. It includes entry-level education and college and university degrees.

Practitioners are recognized for their work with children, youth and families in a variety of settings such as:

  • Family child care and group family child care homes
  • Child care centers
  • Preschools
  • Head Start programs
  • School-age programs
  • Public and private schools
  • Public and private universities and tribal colleges
  • Community agencies serving children and families (i.e. early intervention, family literacy, teen parent programs, etc.)
  • Private organizations and government agencies impacting child care and early education at local, state and regional levels How is the Career Lattice helpful?
  • Serves as a vehicle for practitioners to pursue continued growth in their profession.
  • Builds public appreciation of and respect for the child care, early education, and school-age professions.
  • Encourages employers to improve working conditions and employment opportunities for professionals who work with children.
  • Encourages increased recognition and compensation for knowledgeable and experienced practitioners.
  • Encourages parents to make informed choices about child care and early education and school-age care opportunities for their children.
  • Individuals or programs may publicize the education, training, and experience of practitioners so that parents and other community members know that the children are being cared for and educated by trained personnel.
  • Employers may recruit new employees based on their achievements (level) on the Career Lattice.

 

3/9/2010

< Back to List | New Search