Early Childhood Teacher Credential (ECTC)

The Connecticut legislature passed new language this session regarding qualified staff member requirements for programs funded with School Readiness, Child Day Care contracts, and State Head Start funding. The new language now includes degrees with 12-credit options that make the Early Childhood Teacher Credential (ECTC) Individual Review Route no longer needed for people that have a degree and 12 early childhood credits.

More guidance about all the qualification options will be released this summer. The ECTC Individual Review Route process will end December 31, 2024. No new applications will be accepted at this time and individuals currently in processes may complete their work by the end of this year.

For information about the Legislative Requirements for Staff Qualifications in State-Funded Programs in General Policy A-01 https://www.ctoec.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/GP-A-01-final-2019-09.pdf.)

For more information on the ECTC, please visit https://www.ctoec.org/early-childhood-teaching-credential-ectc/

ECTC IRR Awardees

Maria Jea Cardona

Having the ECTC will definitely boost my confidence as a teacher and will give me assurance that I am heading in the right direction as an early childhood educator. I had the opportunity to take a look at my own teaching practice and style. This process of reflection made me see areas on which I can improve as an educator. It was hard but it’s worth it! I can confidently say it helped me become a better educator. Thank you again!

Zane Carey

I feel more confident going into the classroom knowing I can justify my competency so thoroughly. This process made me grow as an educator.

Cherice Hernandez

This was a great opportunity to learn and grow.

Praveena Radha

This process has helped me gain a greater understanding of what I can do to improve my classroom atmosphere. I was able to reflect on my knowledge and practice by comparing what I already know to how I know it and why it is important.

Michael Vassello

The Individual Review Route to obtaining the Early Childhood Teaching Credential offered me a unique opportunity to reflect upon my practices as an early childhood educator in an engaging way. Throughout the entirety of the process, I felt confident in my understanding of the directions given to me and comfortable in knowing that I could reach out to Colleen with any questions I may have. When I did need some assistance, Colleen was able to thoroughly answer all of my questions in a timely manner.
Completing the ECTC IRR portfolio gives teachers the chance to examine themselves and their practices objectively through the lens of best practices in early childhood. Spending some time articulating why I do the things I do helped me realize the hard work I have put in to get where I am and increased my confidence in the classroom. The process was nothing short of a pleasure and I feel fortunate to have had the experience alongside the support of Colleen and everyone else at the CTAEYC.

April Winkowski

I look forward to learning more and to continuing supporting the growth of the children in my care and supporting the families during such an important time in a child's life. I want to be able to continue my education and knowledge in Early Childhood Education. This process has given me the confidence to continue my education. I really enjoyed working on my ECTC and seeing how much I have grown as an educator over the years and how much knowledge I already have. This was such a wonderful opportunity. I really thank the OEC for providing this route.

The Individual Review Route to obtaining the Early Childhood Teaching Credential offered me a unique opportunity to reflect upon my practices as an early childhood educator in an engaging way. Throughout the entirety of the process, I felt confident in my understanding of the directions given to me and comfortable in knowing that I could reach out to Colleen with any questions I may have. When I did need some assistance, Colleen was able to thoroughly answer all of my questions in a timely manner.

Completing the ECTC IRR portfolio gives teachers the chance to examine themselves and their practices objectively through the lens of best practices in early childhood. Spending some time articulating why I do the things I do helped me realize the hard work I have put in to get where I am and increased my confidence in the classroom. The process was nothing short of a pleasure and I feel fortunate to have had the experience alongside the support of Colleen and everyone else at the CTAEYC. ~Mike Vassello

There are 2 ways to earn your ECTC:

1. Approved college route:

Graduate from one of CT’s ECTC approved colleges with a degree in an ECTC path that includes student teaching.
Before you can be considered for review, you must be a member in the Connecticut Early Childhood Registry and submit all of your documentation through the Registry.

Contact Deb Adams, Workforce Specialist, CT Office of Early Childhood at

Deborah.Adams@ct.gov

2. Individual review route:

Apply for the ECTC Individual Review Route (IRR) to see if you are eligible for the credential based on a combination of your non-early childhood education degree and your work experience.
To qualify for getting the ECTC through the individual review process, you must:
- Currently be working in the early childhood education field or have at least one year of experience;
- Have a degree from a regionally accredited college in a concentration that’s not related to early childhood, child development, or child studies;
- Have completed 12 credits in early childhood or child development,
Before you can be considered for review, you need to be a member in the Connecticut Early Childhood Registry and submit all of your documentation through the Registry.

Contact Colleen Brower at the CT Association for the Education of Young Children (CTAEYC) at cbrower@ctaeyc.org for information about applying for the ECTC IRR.

CTAEYC coordinates the ECTC IRR process on behalf of the OEC. OEC is funding the work of CTAEYC in this area.