This new bonus system reflects current professional development resources, committee input and public comments and is effective October 1, 2009.

The Child Development Division (CDD) recognizes and encourages professional growth of the early childhood and afterschool workforce in Vermont. One strategy to do this is to provide financial incentives linked to specific markers of professional achievement.

Early Childhood Professional Recognition Bonus Application
Financial bonus for registered home providers and licensed center staff that work with young children in Vermont that have achieved certificates from the Vermont Early Childhood Professional Development System; Vermont early childhood and afterschool credentials, or Department of Education licensure. Information about the Vermont Early Childhood Professional Development System and how to develop a Individual Professional Development Plan are available on the Northern Lights Career Development Center website: www.northernlightscdc.org

Afterschool Professional Recognition Bonus Application
Financial bonus for staff of Vermont regulated afterschool programs that have achieved VT professional development certificates, credentials, or degrees.

CDA Renewal Bonus Application
Financial bonus for staff of Vermont regulated early childhood and afterschool programs that have achieved the national Child Development Associate (CDA) and renewed it for the first time.

Transition CDA/Apprenticeship Bonus Application
The CDD recognizes that this system of bonuses is a change, and has developed a “grand mothering” policy. This application is available from October 1, 2009 to February 28, 2010. This application is to provide a transition bonus for providers who are affected by changes in the bonus system:

• Provider who meets bonus eligibility requirements and received a Child Development Associate (CDA) or renewed a CDA through the Council for Professional Recognition in the past two years and have not yet received a CDD bonus; Or
• Provider who meets bonus eligibility requirements and have applied for a CDA or to renew a CDA through the Council for Professional Recognition by September 1, 2009 and receive the credential after October 1, 2009; Or
• Provider who meets bonus eligibility requirements and have received a Certificate of Completion from the Vermont Child Care Apprenticeship Program in the past two years and have not yet received a CDD bonus.