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Serving Minnesota Counties of Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Roseau, Pennington, Polk, and Red Lake  

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Education

A Career Path That Grows With You 

Assistant Teacher 
Aide 
Support Staff 

Start Working

Required training 
Develop account 
Child Care Aware training 

Build Skills

CDA 
Certificate 
Diploma

Earn a Credential

Associate Degree 
Bachelor’s Degree

Complete a Degree

Lead Teacher 
Program Supervisor 
Center Director 
Licensed Teacher

Advance Your Career

Required training

Typical result

Meets initial employment or role requirements

Where it can lead

Aide, support staff, assistant roles

CDA

Certificate or diploma

Associate degree

Bachelor's Degree

Typical result

Nationally recognized competency credential

Where it can lead

Greater classroom responsibility, teacher positions

Typical result

Focused college training

Where it can lead

Assistant or teacher positions, possible college credit

Typical result

Two-year college credential

Where it can lead

Teacher, lead teacher or paraprofessional opportunities

Typical result

Four-year degree

Where it can lead

Licensed teaching and leadership opportunities, depending on program

There is no single path into an early childhood career. You may be able to begin working after completing required training, earn a short-term credential to build your skills, or pursue a college degree for additional career opportunities. Use the comparison below to find the option that best fits your goals, schedule, and starting point.

Compare Education
& Training Options

Minnesota Resources to Help You Get Started

  • Create an individual profile, search for approved training, and track your professional development.

  • Statewide child care resources, provider supports, grants, scholarships, and quality improvement information.

  • Scholarships to help early childhood and school-age care professionals earn college credits and degrees

  • The early childhood program at Northwest Tech will prepare you for a career with children from birth through age eight.

  • Northland’s Early Childhood Paraprofessional A.A.S. program prepares you for a rewarding career working with children in schools, childcare centers, and early learning programs.

  • UMC's Early Childhood Education program is a four-year, on campus program that focuses on primary education and program management for children from birth through third grade. Graduates will earn a B.S. degree and be eligible to apply for a Minnesota teacher's license.

  • State licensing information for child care centers and family child care.

Not sure where to begin?

Our Early Education Career Guide can help you explore options based on where you are now and where you want to go.

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