The New Jersey Early Childhood Career Lattice is a framework that illustrates the many professional pathways available in early childhood education and out-of-school time (OST). It shows how education, professional development and experience connect to progressive career levels, providing a clear roadmap for growth.

The Career Lattice:

  • Recognizes the diverse skills and accomplishments of New Jersey’s workforce.
  • Provides transparency about advancement opportunities.
  • Aligns with state and national professional standards.
  • Supports equity by honoring multiple entry points and career pathways.

Whether you are just beginning as an assistant teacher or advancing into leadership and research, the Career Lattice helps you understand your current placement and the next steps for your professional journey.
 


An Introduction to the NJ Career Lattice

 
A Deeper Look at the NJ Career Lattice Levels

 

How It Supports the Workforce

New Jersey’s early childhood workforce is made up of professionals with varied backgrounds and experiences—teachers, administrators, home-based providers, family child care educators, early interventionists, home visitors and specialists. The Career Lattice supports this diverse workforce by:

  • Acknowledging multiple starting points: Individuals can enter the field as apprentices, entry-level professionals, or with degrees and credentials.

  • Creating transparent growth opportunities: Professionals can see how their current qualifications align with a level and what is needed to advance.

  • Encouraging continuous learning: The lattice connects to scholarships, professional development and credential programs, as well as recognizes the value of learning on the job.

  • Strengthening quality for children and families: As professionals grow their knowledge, they gain valuable skills which help them support children’s development and learning.

What You Will See in the Career Lattice

When exploring the lattice, you will see seven progressive levels, each describing progressive qualifications, credentials and experience. These levels highlight how education and experience can lead to advancement within the field.

You will also notice:

  • Progressive Levels: From entry-level to advanced research and leadership roles. The Lattice has been designed to recognize professionals where they are professionally, as well as to provide a roadmap for those who wonder what options lie ahead for them.

  • Educational Pathways: Degrees, credentials and certifications align with each level. The Educational Pathway reflects early childhood specific concentrations as well as related and non-related degrees.

  • Experience Requirements: A recognition that work experience and time in the field matters and is the primary way professionals learn. As a result, years of experience have been incorporated into each role.

  • Roles Associated with Each Level: A list of examples of roles professionals may hold at each level is available in the appendix.

  • Common Language: Clear definitions of terms used throughout the Career Lattice to ensure consistency and understanding across the workforce.

Levels of the Career Lattice

  • Apprentice (Level A):

    • Entry into the field, learning through direct guidance and initial training.

  • Entry Level Professional (Level I):

    • Early professional experience with foundational responsibilities in child care settings.

  • Certified/Credentialed Professional (Level II):

    • Professionals with a CDA or other certifications who take on leadership within classrooms.

  • Degreed/Associate Professional (Level III):

    • Educators with an Associate’s degree in early childhood or a related field, prepared for supervisory roles.

  • Baccalaureate Professional (Level IV):

    • Professionals with a Bachelor’s degree who assume leadership, program oversight, or advanced teaching roles.

  • Certified/Master Professional (Level V):

    • Educators with advanced degrees or certifications, serving as mentors, trainers and leaders in the field.

  • Scholar Practitioner (Level VI):

    • Individuals engaged in research, policy, consulting or preparing the next generation of educators in higher education.

Resources to Help You Advance

Professionals in New Jersey can access a variety of supports to move through the lattice. Please find a series of resources to help you navigate the lattice below.

Career Lattice Resource Guide en español | English

Additional resources can be found by logging in to www.NJCCIS.com, selecting the Registry tab, and then selecting Career Lattice.

Additional resources include:

  • Scholarships & Financial Aid for CDA, Associate’s, Bachelor’s and graduate-level coursework.
  • Professional Development Opportunities aligned with Core Knowledge Areas and Competencies.
  • Mentoring & Coaching to support career growth and classroom practice.
  • Career Advising through the NJ Workforce Registry.
  • College & University Partnerships that align coursework with the lattice levels.
  • Recorded Webinar providing an orientation to the Career Lattice.
  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to address common concerns.
  • Career Lattice Guide with step-by-step instructions to help professionals identify and navigate their level.

These resources ensure that advancement is not only clear but also supported every step of the way.



Log into your NJCCIS to apply for a career level. Go to the Registry tab to get started.

 

12/2/25