Professional RecognitionIn North Carolina, nearly 50,000 individuals compose the early care and education and school age workforce. This vibrant industry generates over $1.7 billion annually, creates jobs that stay in our state, enables families to work, seek employment and attain a college education. The availability of quality child care also enables employers to attract and retain employees and lays the foundation for children to succeed and our state’s economy to thrive. Two forms of professional recognition for the workforce, individual certification and teacher licensure, provide consumers, employers, regulators and others with information about the level of education of those working with children in out-of-home settings. Research has shown that teacher education levels impact child outcomes. As in many professions, education is the basis for certification and licensure. Education is defined as coursework taken at a regionally accredited college or university. Early Educator CertificationEarly Educator Certification (EEC) is North Carolina’s certification system for the field of Early Childhood. EEC is an acknowledgement of an individual’s verified level of educational achievement, based on a standardized scale. EEC does not replace teacher licensure and is designed to compliment that process. Research has shown that teacher education levels impact child outcomes. As in many professions, education is the basis for EEC. Education is defined as coursework taken at a regionally accredited college or university. All public community colleges and universities in North Carolina are regionally accredited. For a list of regionally accredited college and university programs go to the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. The NC Institute for Child Development Professionals is the certifying body for early care and education and school age professionals in North Carolina. Those eligible to be certified includes all those currently working directly with, working on the behalf of or intending to work with young children. Individuals who are teachers or teacher assistants in child care, pre-kindergarten and Head Start settings, school age group leaders and coordinators, family child care providers, administrators, faculty, specialists, education coordinators, trainers, consultants, researchers and more are eligible to be certified. Renewal requirements are based on the individual’s EEC level and mirror the amount of required training mandated for individuals working in a licensed child care program. Scholarships are available to support attaining college credits to meet EEC renewal requirements. Contact UsNC Early Educator Certification |
Teacher LicensureNC Birth to Kindergarten (BK) Licensure
NC Early Intervention Infant-Toddler Personnel CertificationNC Early Intervention Infant-Toddler Personnel Certification This certification is required for specified Children’s Developmental Services Agency (CDSA) personnel, public and private providers of special instruction services, and early intervention service coordination to children enrolled in the Infant-Toddler Program. Local oversight and supervision of contracted service personnel must be provided by the CDSA. Statewide administrative oversight is provided by the Early Intervention Branch, Women’s and Children’s Health Section, Division of Public Health. The classifications of certificates are Infant, Toddler and Family Associate (ITFA) and Infant, Toddler and Family Specialist (ITFS). IT certification remains valid until the individual is no longer employed by the IT Program or contracted provider agencies, or allows the certificate to lapse. Infant Toddler certification is not a pre-requisite for employment. All Individuals pursuing an initial certificate must earn all the required credits within a three (3) year period, including individuals working part-time. Applicants with valid and current NC Birth through Kindergarten (BK) licensure automatically meet competency requirements. However, applicants must submit the Observation of Applicant Practice (Page II-3) and a copy of their valid NC license and transcript with their application to the Reviewer. Registered Nurses with a valid and current NC nursing license, whether they have completed a two-, three-, or four-year educational program, are eligible for the ITFS Certificate. |
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