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4.7: Core Competencies for Early Childhood and Youth Development Professionals (Kansas and Missouri)

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    The Core Competencies for Early Childhood and Youth Development Professionals (Kansas and Missouri) defines and outlines expectations for those working with young children. The competencies help early professionals be able to include all children and youth in their programs regardless of ethnic, linguistic, abilities, and socio-economic backgrounds (Child Care Aware of Kansas et al., 2011).

    The competencies are divided into 8 content areas:

    1. Child and Youth Growth and Development
    2. Learning Environment and Curriculum
    3. Observation and Assessment
    4. Families and Communities
    5. Health & Safety
    6. Interactions with Children and Youth
    7. Program Planning and Development
    8. Professional Development and Leadership

    Each content area is divided into five levels of skills, each representing knowledge and skills deemed essential for providing quality early care and education. The levels progress from entry-level to advanced.

    • Level 1--entry-level knowledge and skills, specialized training or education required
    • Level 2--Level 1, plus knowledge and skills that are comparable to a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, or the equivalent training and education
    • Level 3--Levels 1 and 2, plus knowledge and skills equal to an associate’s degree in early childhood, child development, or related fields
    • Level 4--Levels 1, 2, and 3, plus knowledge and skills equal to a bachelor's degree in early childhood, child development, or related fields
    • Level 5--Levels 1, 2, 3, and 4, plus knowledge and skills equal to an advanced degree in early childhood, child development, or related fields

    References

    Child Care Aware of Kansas, OPEN Initiative, Missouri AfterSchool Network, & Kansas Enrichment Network. (2011). Core Competencies for Early Childhood and Youth Development Professionals.


    4.7: Core Competencies for Early Childhood and Youth Development Professionals (Kansas and Missouri) is shared under a CC BY-SA license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by LibreTexts.

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