Classification for Child Care Staff
Under the new Day Care Act and Regulations trained staff working directly with children in a licensed child care facility must have a Level 1, 2 or 3 Classification or School-Age Training Approval by May 1, 2012.
Effective January 1, 2013 untrained staff employed in a licensed child care facility for more than a year, and working directly with children, must have Entry Level Classification.
Classification is the process for reviewing training and determining eligibility towards one of four designations for employment in a licensed child care facility. School age approval is the process for reviewing training and determining eligibility for work in a licensed school age program.
Classification Levels / School Age Approval
- Entry Level – completion of Orientation for Staff Working in Licensed Child Care Facilities
- Level 1 Classification – completion of orientation for child care staff and Level 1 course work and guided workplace experience (Learn more about Level 1.)
- Level 2 Classification – completion of an approved college program in early childhood education
- Level 3 Classification - completion of a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or completion of Level 2 requirements and a bachelor’s degree
- School Age Approval – completion of orientation for child care staff and a bachelor’s degree in early or elementary education
For more information on Classification and School Age Approval go to Child Care Staff Classification Services: A Guide to Classification and School Age Approval (PDF)
Forms
- Form to provide information to recognize a Level 1 Director (ECDS-821) (PDF)
- Form to provide information to recognize classification (ECDS-816) (PDF)
- Form to change personal information (ECDS-817) (PDF)
- Form to apply for a classification or school age approval if you do not currently work in licensed child care (ECDS-818) (PDF)
