Introduction
Research Questions
- What competency frameworks have been developed for I/T teachers and caregivers?
- Who are the target audiences for the competency frameworks?
- What content is included in the competency frameworks (e.g., types of competencies, proficiency levels, domains, etc.)?
The Infant and Toddler Teacher and Caregiver Competencies (ITTCC) project conducted a scan of competency frameworks relevant to teaching and caregiving of infants and toddlers (I/T) in group (center-based and family child care) settings.
The scan identified 58 frameworks relevant to I/T teachers and caregivers.
Purpose
Identifying the competencies essential to I/T teaching and caregiving may offer a common language and lens for assessing job performance and provide a clear structure for professional growth and development.
Key Findings and Highlights
- 29 frameworks include competencies specific to I/T care and education and another 29 frameworks include competencies more broadly for the care and education of children from birth to age 5.
- 51 frameworks were developed by state agencies or organizations for use in a particular state.
- 29 frameworks describe alignment with other frameworks or standards. Most commonly:
- The National Association of the Education of Young Children Standards for Initial and Advanced Early Childhood Professional Preparation Programs
- The Child Development Associate Competency Standards
- The Division for Early Childhood Recommended Practices in Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education
- 41 frameworks include competencies for different levels of advancement or career stages.
Methods
An Internet search identified competency frameworks relevant to I/T teaching and caregiving in group (center-based and family child care) settings. Identified competency frameworks and associated documentation were reviewed and coded.
Citation
Caronongan, P.K., K. Niland, M. Manley, S. Atkins-Burnett, and E. Moiduddin (2019). Competency frameworks for infant and toddler teachers and caregivers. OPRE Report # 2019-95, Washington, DC: Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Glossary
- Competency:
- a piece of knowledge, a skill, or an attribute essential to the practice of teaching and caring for infants and toddlers.
- Competency framework:
- a compilation of competencies intended to convey the range of knowledge, skills, and attributes essential to a particular area of practice, job, or profession.
- Competency domain:
- competency frameworks often group competencies (that is, KSAs) by domain. That is, individual KSAs focused on a similar topic may be clustered within a framework by competency domain. Examples of a competency domains include “support for language and literacy,” “support for social-emotional development,” “health and safety,” “working with families,” or “arts and creativity.”
- Proficiency levels:
- Some competency frameworks identify competencies (that is, KSAs) that are essential for practice at various career stages (for example, entry, mid-career, advanced).