The CYP Career Roadmap provides a clear and structured pathway for CYP professionals, illustrating how their foundational, entry-level training and hands-on experience are the first steps toward meaningful career progression. This roadmap aims to outline specific milestones, required qualifications, and opportunities for professional development, to help individuals visualize their long-term potential within the field. Our goal is to transform an initial job into a deliberate journey, empowering professionals to see how current roles build the necessary skills for future leadership and specialized positions. 

Title - Entry Level CY1 (GSE-02) progression to Intermediate CY1 (GSE-03)

Official Appointment and Training

Comprehensive Orientation

• All newly hired CYP Professionals complete 40 hours of orientation training. Orientation training begins prior to working with children and the full 40 hours must be completed within the first 90 days of employment.

• New employee orientation for CYP Program Assistants provides a friendly introduction to the program and what it’s like to work in Child and Youth Programs. A big part of the orientation is the training you’ll receive from subject matter experts. Training will include professional development on safety practices, understanding child development, and supporting children in daily routines. It’s designed to help you feel prepared, supported, and confident as you begin your journey in the classroom.

Foundation Training

• Required Foundation Training is our beginning or baseline training and includes a comprehensive orientation along with child and youth competency courses, all of which must be completed within the first 18 months of employment. Once this training is finished, the CYP Professional has met all criteria for advancement and can be promoted from CY1 to CY2.

• CYP Professionals use the Virtual Lab School (VLS) as the competency base courses. VLS is an online learning platform that guides their growth and development. Each person completes a VLS track tailored to the age group they work with, giving them access to a wide range of supportive resources. These tracks include easy‑to‑follow written narratives, engaging videos, hands‑on skill‑building activities, and practical tools they can use directly in the classroom to strengthen their practice.

• Throughout your foundational training program, the Training and Curriculum Specialist (TCS) will be there to guide and support you. Your TCS will help you navigate, understand, and complete your VLS courses. Additionally, they will coach and mentor you throughout the process and evaluate your competency in each course through observations and assessments.

Virtual Lab School Courses

• Completion and demonstrated competency in the VLS child abuse courses, along with the successful completion of four additional VLS courses.

Required Experience

• Must obtain a minimum of 6 months of experience at the CY-1 Entry Level.

Congratulations! Your Entry Level Child and Youth Programs training and experience has been achieved. You can now be promoted from a CY1 (GSE-02) Entry Level Program Assistant to a CY1 (GSE-03) Intermediate Program Assistant

Career Progression from Intermediate Level (GSE-03) to Target Level (GSE-04)

Required Training

• All CYP Professionals must complete required annual training based on position requirements. Annual CYP training remains valid for 12 months from the date the training is completed.

Required Experience

• Minimum of 12 months of experience

Virtual Lab School Courses

• Completion and demonstrated competency in all VLS courses.

When you have accumulated 12 months of experience at the CY‑1 Intermediate level and have completed all required training and competencies, you become eligible to advance to the CY‑2 Target Level (GSE‑04) within the CYP career ladder.

Congratulations! Your Intermediate Level Child and Youth Programs training and experience has been achieved. You can now be promoted from a CY1 (GSE-03) Intermediate Level Program Assistant to a CY2 (GSE-04) Intermediate Program Assistant

Opportunities for career advancement in CYP

Your journey in Child and Youth Programs often begins in a hands‑on role, and with dedication, education, and support, it can grow into a meaningful leadership career.

• As a Program Assistant, you gain essential experience working directly with children, which prepares you to advance to Lead Teacher, where you take on more responsibility for curriculum and classroom management. From there, you can move into several leadership paths in CYP.
• If you enjoy guiding others, the Lead Educator role may be a great fit, allowing you to mentor a team of CYP Professionals and support consistent, high‑quality programming.
• If you prefer coaching and training, the Training and Curriculum Specialist (TCS) role lets you shape the educational framework and support staff development.
• For those drawn to administration, the Assistant Director position offers experience in operational management, which could eventually lead to the Director role, where you oversee the program’s vision, strategy, and overall leadership.

Hands‑on experience is a strong start, and adding early childhood education coursework deepens your understanding of child development, curriculum, and leadership. With both experience and continued learning, you’re well positioned to grow in CYP.