Vermont's Unified Core Knowledge Areas - CKA 3.6 - professional standards

Sep 4, 2026

Vermont's Unified Core Knowledge Areas outline how early childhood and afterschool professionals use program standards, professional standards, and learning standards to guide practice. Professional standards define the essential knowledge, skills, dispositions, and practices required when working with children and youth. The document explains Vermont's use of professional standards sets and how Northern Lights mapped them into shared language. It highlights key core knowledge areas including child development and learning, youth engagement, family partnerships, safety and wellness, and curriculum, observation, and assessment, with notes on scope for early childhood versus afterschool roles.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

Professional standards framework

Types of standards

Vermont’s selection of standards sets

Professional standards documents and usage

InTASC and early intervention

NAEYC and afterschool competencies

Unified Core Knowledge Areas

Core knowledge area categories

Scope notes for afterschool vs early childhood

Vermont's Unified Core Knowledge Areas Early childhood and afterschool professionals use three types of standards to guide their work: program standards, professional standards, and learning standards. Professional standards are the essential knowledge, skills, dispositions, and practices required of professionals who work with children and youth. Program Standards Professional Standards Learning Standards Professional Standards are the essential knowledge, skills, dispositions, and practices required of professionals who work with children and youth. There are several sets of professional standards used in Vermont. You should choose theset of professional standards that best aligns with your role in the field. Professional Standards Documents InTASC Core Teaching Standards Early Intervention / Early Childhood Special Education Standards NAEYC Professional Standards and Competencies for Early Childhood Educators NAA Core Knowledge, Skills, and Competencies for Afterschool and Youth Development Professionals Usage in Vermont Educators licensed by AOE Early Interventionists Early Childhood Special Educators Early Childhood Educators working in public or private settings Afterschool Professionals Northern Lights used the professional standards documents above to develop Vermont's Unified Core Knowledge Areas. They provide shared language that works across multiple sets of professional standards. | Child Development and Learning Youth Engagement, Voice, and Choice | | | --- | --- | |
Family and Community Partnerships

Developmentally Appropriate and
Inclusive Practices |
Safety and Wellness

Program Planning and Development | | Curriculum and Learning Environments Observation and Assessment
Professionalism and Ethical Practice

|
Core knowledge areas \#7, 8, and 9 are included in the
professional standards for afterschool professionals. These
knowledge areas are not included in the early childhood standards referenced above. | Learn more at the Northern Lights Website

FAQs

What are the three types of standards used to guide professionals in Vermont?

The document identifies program standards, professional standards, and learning standards to guide practice.

How does Vermont use professional standards sets for different roles?

Professionals in Vermont should select the professional standards set that best aligns with their role, such as early interventionists, early childhood educators, or afterschool professionals.

Which Unified Core Knowledge Areas are included for afterschool professionals but not for early childhood standards referenced?

Core knowledge areas #7, 8, and 9 are included for afterschool professionals, while they are not included in the early childhood standards referenced above.

Sep 4, 2026

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