Assessing the Feasibility of a National Lead Teacher Certification for Early Childhood Educators

This mixed-methods study, conducted in partnership with the Council for Professional Recognition, will assess the feasibility of a national, competency-based lead teacher certification system for educators in all types of early childhood programs serving children from birth to eight years old. The study will focus on potential benefits, challenges, and equity concerns. RFA will conduct over 100 interviews and a national survey to garner the perspectives of stakeholders from across the field of early childhood education. Stakeholders include lead teachers, other early childhood educators, early childhood program leadership, parents/families, policymakers, program staff from institutions of higher education, leaders from accreditation organizations, and labor union leaders.