Through Vermont’s Agency of Human Services, Child Development Division, those working with children and youth outside of school hours can tie into a statewide career development system that includes: core competencies for the afterschool professional, an afterschool professional credential, and an on-the-job training program.
The Foundations Certificate is designed to support and recognize the professional development of Vermont’s entry-level afterschool professionals during the first two years of employment. Applicants must show 16 hours of professional development connected to the Vermont Core Competencies for Afterschool and submit a current Individual Professional Development Plan with an application.
The Professional Credential is a way to formally recognize the professional competency and accomplishments of afterschool professionals who demonstrate a depth of experience, coursework, and training. In addition to submitting a thorough portfolio, the application process for the Professional Credential requires applicants to document 46 training hours across the five core competency knowledge areas. There is a $50 application fee for the Professional Credential with a $500 bonus for those who qualify.
For questions on either the Foundations Certificate or Professional Credential, please contact Tricia Pawlik by email or phone (802-448-3464).
Developed by a team of afterschool providers, partners, leaders, advocates, and directors, the Core Competencies for Afterschool Professionals were officially released in February 2007. A pdf version of the revised 2015 Afterschool Core Competencies is now available.
For more information about any of the above programs or for career development resources designed specifically for those working with school-age children (ages 5-12) in the afterschool hours, visit Northern Lights at CCV.
