This webinar introduces professional development pathways for early childhood educators in Pennsylvania. Participants will explore how the Pennsylvania Career Lattice supports career advancement in child care and early learning settings, including the relationship between education, experience, and professional growth. The session will also explain the purpose and requirements of the Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential and the Pennsylvania Director Credential, including how each credential supports quality improvement, leadership development, and compliance in early learning centers. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of credentialing pathways, available supports, and practical next steps for advancing their careers in the early childhood field.
Learning Objectives:
- Describe the purpose and structure of the Pennsylvania Career Lattice and explain how it supports professional growth in early childhood education.
- Identify the requirements and benefits of earning a CDA Credential, including training, portfolio, observation, and competency standards.
- Explain the role and expectations of the Pennsylvania Director Credential for administrators and leaders in child care and early learning programs.
- Differentiate between the CDA and Director Credential pathways and determine which pathway aligns with individual career goals and current roles.
- Locate professional development resources and supports available in Pennsylvania, including scholarship opportunities, registry systems, and continuing education options for early childhood professionals.
Registration Policies:
Registration and Fees: Payment for event fees may be made by check, cash or credit card. Payment must be received to guarantee your space in an event. For events that are free to attend, no payment will be required to register.
Refund Policy: All requests for refunds must be received 72 hours prior to the date of the event. Please contact the event organizer to request a refund. You may also elect to send a substitute in your place. If the event is cancelled, all fees will be returned.
Special Accommodations: In accordance with the American Disabilities Act and state law, you may request accommodations due to a disability by contacting the event organizer listed above. Advance notice may be necessary for some accommodations. Registration must be paid prior to accommodation requests.
Acknowledgments
Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers are funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania through the Department of Community & Economic Development, through support from Service Center host institutions, and by other sources of state and federal funding. All opinions, conclusions, and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA.
This training event is supported by federal taxpayer funds. By registering, I recognize that services are provided in a nondiscriminatory way to all legal residents and citizens in the U.S. and I understand that Small Business Development Centers are prohibited from providing services funded by taxpayer dollars to individuals not lawfully present in the United States.
Date and Time
Tuesday Jun 30, 2026
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM EDT
Location
Online Meeting (Live)
Fees/Admission
free
Contact Information
Shippensburg University SBDC (717) 477-1935
