South Dakota Pathways to Professional Development
Discovering your Path to Success
Recognizing Educators who Provide Early Childhood and School-Age Care for South Dakota’s Children
What is Pathways?
Pathways to Professional Development (Pathways)
SD Pathways is aimed at enhancing the quality of care in early childhood and school-age settings by fostering professional growth among educators. It serves as a valuable resource for these professionals to explore their professional development journey, while also recognizing their dedication to continuing education in working with children from birth to age 12. Pathways targets educators in registered family child care, licensed child care centers, and licensed school-age programs, who work exclusively with children throughout their work hours.
Purpose of Pathways
To have an entry point for EVERY professional.
Pathways was created to help educators plan their training, education, and career development goals so they are prepared to educate, nurture, and meet the needs of infants, children, and youth.
To Recognize.
To recognize educators who make a commitment to continued professional growth and development related to their work with children and youth.
To Celebrate.
To celebrate and recognize educators. Pathways elevates awareness among parents, employers, and the community of the important roles that early childhood and school-age care educators play within communities across South Dakota.
To Develop.
To develop knowledgeable and well-trained educators who see professional development as the key to opportunity. These opportunities increase support for enhancing quality care and enriching children’s lives.
How to Apply?
“Are you an educator who provides care within a registered or licensed child care or school-age program? Then Pathways is designed for you!”
By applying to the South Dakota Pathways, you will be recognized for your dedication to children and your efforts towards your continuous growth within this vital profession. Pathways recognizes educators on their path to success and denotes achievement withing a nine-level career ladder. Showcasing your professional achievements is important to your program, community and the families you support. Apply today to join this professional initiative.
Please use the account you created for the South Dakota Orientation to Child Care training. In your course search for South Dakota Pathways to Professional Development.
