Each of the following descriptions has a “Read More” on the DEL website for more information. See http://www.del.wa.gov/requirements/professional/Default.aspx  

Resource / tool	Description / Information	How you will use the resource / tool
MERIT: Managed Education and Registry Information Tool	MERIT is Washington’s online tool for early learning professionals to find trainings, access information on career pathways, and track their individual career progress.	May be used to track your own pathway if applicable.
Plan your career	The Washington state career lattice for early care and education professionals and school-age professionals provides a clear pathway for professional development. There are 15 steps on the Lattice which represent increased training and education for early learning professionals.	Used to help research possible careers in Child Development.
Training requirements for child care providers	State training requirements for child care providers, called STARS, have been in place since 1999 for all family child care providers, directors, supervisors, coordinators, lead staff in child care centers and school age children. Need 30 hours STARS training etc. See website above for more information	Will help to prepare child care providers for working in the field. Also to keep staff current with knowledge and requirements in caring for children.
Training library for early learning professionals	The professional development training library connects early learning professionals to resources, best practices, research and online training opportunities.	Could use as a research resource and reference for information in working with children
Core competencies for early learning and school-age professionals	Core competencies help define what professionals need to know and be able to do to provide quality education and care to young children.	Competencies will help to clarify the needs of children and the staff that work with children
Financial support for early learning professionals	There are resources to help early learning professionals further their training and education.	Will help to locate sources of financial aid for oneself or others to be able to further their training and education

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