I. Overview

The purpose of this model is to provide a common system for all Ohio early care and education professionals to document and quantify their professional growth and accomplishments, and by doing so to define and advance the profession.  The model uses one framework to integrate the pathways of formal education, training, experience, and specialized credentials and certifications.

Individuals accumulate "Points" along each of four pathways-- formal education, inservice training and continuing education, experience, and credentials and certifications.  Total points assign one of 6 professional designations.

II. Pathways

A. Formal Education

1. Degrees
   Points are awarded for the highest degree attained, regardless of major course of study.

HS or GED = 5 points;

AA or AS degree = 10 points;

Bachelors degree = 20 points;

Masters degree = 30 points;

PhD, Ed.D. = 40 points.

2. Credit Hours
   Points are awarded for all courses completed, including those completed for a degree.

Number points = 1 x # quarter hours; 1.5 x # semester hours.

3. Area of Study
   a. Points are awarded to a professional that has majored in Early Childhood Education, Child Development or Family Studies.  30 points should be awarded for each degree in those specific areas of study.
   b. 5 Points are awarded for the completion of the Career Technical Early Childhood Program. 

B. Inservice Training and Continuing Education Units (CEUs)

One point is awarded for every 20 hours of inservice training. 

One point is awarded for every 1.5 CEUs.

C. Experience

Experience awards three points for every year work in the field and three longevity points for every five years work in the field.

“Experience” for purposes of this model includes:

1) direct work* with young children (birth - 8) and families, includes field experiences;

2) supervision, leadership, or management;

3) program coordination, development, or regulation;

4) training, instruction, or technical assistance;

5) evaluation or research.

* must be 18 years of age or have senior standing in jvs program.

D. Credentials and Certifications

Add points for all credentials and certifications attained.

III. Early Childhood Professional Designations

“Points” are totaled across Formal Education, Inservice Training and Continuing Education Units, Experience, and Credentials and Certifications. 

Point ranges are determined for each of the following levels:

Early Childhood Professional  Level I: 1-49 points

Early Childhood Professional  Level II: 50-149 points

Early Childhood Professional  Level III: 150-249 points

Early Childhood Professional  Level IV: 250-349 points

Early Childhood Professional  Level V: 350-449 points

Early Childhood Professional  Level VI: 450+ points

IV. Advancement

Early childhood professionals will advance to higher levels as they obtain more education, training, experience, and credentials.  The two Early Childhood Level III professionals described below emphasize the options for designing one’s career advancement so that it meets individual goals:

Professional A) 23 years as a Professionally Certified Type B Home Provider, with National Accreditation. Taking at least 20 hours of in-service training each year, she has received both the Family Child Care and Preschool CDA credentials.

Professional B) Five years experience as a teacher, with AA in ECE, 45 hours in-service training, and a PreKindergarten Associate Teacher License.

Use the attached worksheet to find your place on the Career Pathway.

Career Pathways Overview