Competencies are the skills and knowledge needed by early childhood professionals to effectively and successfully perform and grow in their jobs. Colorado Department of Early Childhood currently has competency sets for Early Childhood Educators and Professionals, Center-Based Directors and Related Administrators, Early Childhood Coaches, and Early Childhood Trainers.

Competencies are important because they increase a professional's ability to create the best possible environments and outcomes for Colorado's young children. In addition, proficiency in the skills and knowledge of a job can provide a sense of accomplishment, increase job satisfaction, and lead to greater well-being and career longevity.

There are many ways to gain the competencies. In-person or live virtual training events and online self-paced courses are some of the most common ways. College and university classes provide comprehensive coursework that can lead to permanent qualifications. Working regularly with a mentor or coach and participating in a community of practice or apprenticeship program can also significantly increase one’s confidence and abilities in the competencies while providing a reassuring system of support. Link to the professional development and resources pages on this site to become familiar with some options.

Just like in any profession, no one can know everything there is to know on day one of their job. Building competencies takes time and experience. The most successful early childhood professionals engage in continual learning throughout their careers. You are encouraged to enjoy your learning journey and embrace the process of your professional growth and development. Some day soon you may be teaching the competencies to others!

If you are just starting in the early childhood profession, you may begin with the first level of the competency set that most closely matches your job role. While all competencies are important, priority should be given to those that focus on health, safety, and nutrition and compliance with licensing and other regulatory agency rules. Move into the next level for any area where you'd like to further develop your skills. Interested in moving into a different role? Browse through the competency set aligned to the new role to get an idea of the job and see what new skills and knowledge you may need.

Need a little more guidance? The Colorado Shines Professional Development Information System (PDIS) has a self-assessment and a professional development planning feature. A self-assessment helps you to recognize where you may have a gap in skills or knowledge. Use the Taking the Self-Assessment in My Professional Development Plan how-to guide to learn how to take or update the self-assessment and to create goals in your professional development plan. Your program director, an early childhood coach, peer mentor, or an early childhood career navigator can help you with goals if you need assistance. There are a variety of resources available to help you achieve your goals. Link to the professional development and resources pages on this site to become familiar with what's available. The director competency set has resources connected to the first level if you would like to gain immediate knowledge on a topic. Future work will be done to connect all competency sets to resources, coursework, and training opportunities.

An effort has been made to emphasize cultural and linguistic responsivity and diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the competency sets.  Work will continue to further clarify expectations and help the early childhood state system and profession continuously improve in these areas.