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
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Certificate and Credential Opportunities
Infant/Toddler Certificate & Credential
Caring for infants and toddlers takes a special set of skills and knowledge. The Infant/Toddler Certificate offers an individual an opportunity to receive training specific to this age group which will allow them to gain a deeper understanding of the significant development which occurs in these early years of life. The certificate and credential step process can begin with a basic 20 hour infant/toddler course.
Early Childhood Management Training
The State of South Dakota Division of Child Care Services created the South Dakota Leadership Certificate and Credential Programs to provide child care providers the opportunity to develop and enhance their management and leadership skills. They recognize that these skills are necessary to operate a quality and successful child care program.
Child Development Associate Certificate Program
The Child Development Associate (CDA) credential is a nationally recognized early childhood professional credential awarded by the Council for Early Childhood Professional Recognition based in Washington DC. Child care providers who earn the CDA credential have attended 120 hours of training and have demonstrated their ability to nurture young children’s physical, social, emotional, and intellectual growth. CHILD Services offers classes weekly to provide child care providers the 120 hours of training needed to apply towards earning their CDA credential.
SD Out of School Time (OST) Certificate & Credential
In 2002, efforts began to encourage South Dakota’s OST programs to work towards higher quality standards, and started the “SD OST Move to Quality’ initiative. This effort intended to provide consistent, ongoing opportunities for programs to improve the quality of their programs and staff. To meet the needs of OST staff and directors, Child Care Services has built a training program in a ‘stair step’ approach, which fits into SD Pathways to Professional Development System.
To request information about these professional development programs Call CHILD Services (605) 333-0698 or email childsrv@sanfordhealth.org.
9/16/2008