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Growing Professionals: Kentucky's Guide to Early Childhood Development

Support your growth, elevate practice, and advance high-quality learning for young children across the Commonwealth

Level 5

​5.1

  • Master's Degree in a non-related field and 10 years of experience*

5.2

  • Master's Degree in Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education
    OR
  • Master's Degree with Alternative Certification (i.e. Option 6 or Proficiency Evaluation)
    OR
  • Master's Degree in a related field and 1 year of experience*
    OR
  • Master's Degree in a non-related field and 3 years of experience, or any Level 2 requirements
    OR
  • Master's Degree and Early Childhood Administrator Director Journey Worker Credential

5.3

  • Doctoral Degree in Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education
    OR
  • Doctoral Degree in a related field and 1 year of experience*

*Experience must be in a licensed child care program, Head Start program, after-school program, or state-funded preschool. You may be asked to have employment experience verified.

**The levels within the early childhood career pathway are designed to be flexible, allowing individuals to progress non-linearly based on experience, education, and demonstrated competencies.

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