Educator Career Level Examples
Each early childhood educator can choose a pathway that best aligns with the goals they have for their career. Review our examples below for each level and see what best aligns with your career goals. If you’re ready to start advancing, visit the Career Hub to get started!
Entry | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3
Level 4 | Level 5 | Level 6 | Transition
Entry Level
Educators at the beginning of their careers enter the career pathway at the Entry Level, like Ani. They are a person who is a current high school student or has just moved here from another country, who loves working with young children, but isn’t employed yet at a center. They will graduate from high school with their diploma, verify their international transcripts, and/or complete a GED.
Level 1
Educators who are Level 1 on the career pathway may be like Granger. They have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent, and are interested in becoming an early childhood teacher or have been working in a home-based child care program in their neighborhood for several years.
Tip: Advance beyond Level 1 by completing the free Texas Core Competencies training on CLI Engage!
Level 2
Educators who are Level 2 on the career pathway may be like Linda. They have all the experience and criteria of Granger (Level 1) and work as an assistant teacher at a child care center. They earned the Texas Core Competency course badge this year, and they want to grow their knowledge of working with young children before enrolling in an early childhood certification program.
Level 3
Educators who are Level 3 on the career pathway may be like Kitti. After finishing her GED program and earning the Texas Core Competency course badge, they decided to pursue an early childhood education (ECE) certificate or degree. They like this idea because they can work full-time as they earn microcredentials through the TSR Comprehensive program or enroll at a community college and pursue a degree in Child Development.
Level 4
“Educators who are Level 4 on the career pathway may be like Talula. With their high school diploma and Texas Core Competency course badge, they enroll in a CDA program to advance their career. They now want to pursue the Texas Core Competency Teacher Certification, Level 1.
Level 5
Educators who are Level 5 on the career pathway may be like Joan. They earned their GED and Texas Core Competency course badge. Given their love of learning through college lectures, they are going to pursue an Associate’s Degree and have 9 credit hours in early childhood education courses.
Level 6
Educators who are Level 6 on the career pathway may be like Roberta. They earned their GED and Texas Core Competency Badge. They are using their experience from a registered apprenticeship program and an Associate’s Degree to succeed in coursework, earning a Bachelor’s Degree.
Transition
Educators ready to transition from the educator career pathway to other roles may be like Leona. They are currently at a level 6 and would like to use their progress toward becoming a coach, rather than a certified early childhood teacher. They realize they enjoy working with the adults who nurture children every day.