VT · STARS (Step Ahead Recognition System)
Vermont — CDA & ECE Workforce Credentials
Vermont places CDA at Career Ladder Level II and ties direct cash bonuses to each level achieved through Northern Lights' Professional Recognition Bonus.
Data current as of April 2026.
CDA acceptance & requirements
- Lead teacher requirements: Vermont Department for Children and Families (DCF) Child Development Division child care licensing accepts CDA among lead teacher qualifications. CDA meets the education requirement for a Level II certificate on the Vermont Early Childhood Career Ladder.
- Assistant teacher requirements: Minimum age 18, HS diploma/GED, plus orientation training (Fundamentals for Early Childhood Professionals) and 24 hours/year of in-service.
- Director requirements: Higher Career Ladder level (typically Level III+); education + administrative coursework + experience.
- QRIS: STARS (Step Ahead Recognition System) — Vermont's voluntary five-star QRIS administered by DCF. Career Ladder levels of staff are central scoring criteria; programs that participate go above and beyond state regulations.
- T.E.A.C.H. & apprenticeship: T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Vermont is administered by Vermont AEYC. Northern Lights at CCV offers professional recognition bonuses for each Career Ladder level achieved. ECE Registered Apprenticeships through Vermont Tech and partner CC.
State-specific ECE workforce credentials
- Vermont Early Childhood Career Ladder — Issuing agency: Northern Lights Career Development Center at Community College of Vermont (CCV), under contract from DCF. Six levels organizing coursework, credentials, degrees, and licensure.
- Level I: training-based entry
- Level II: includes CDA
- Levels III-VI: degree-based progression
- Northern Lights Level Certificates — Northern Lights issues the early childhood level certificates that recognize professionals on the Career Ladder.
- VT Agency of Education — Early Childhood Education / Early Childhood Special Education licensure — for public-school pre-K teachers; bachelor's + state-approved EPP. CDA does not satisfy this.
Notable state context
Vermont's Professional Recognition Bonus ties direct cash bonuses to each Career Ladder level achieved — one of the most direct compensation incentives for credential progression in the country. Northern Lights is one of the most established state CDA infrastructure organizations.