How ChildCareEd and Rasmussen University Can Help You Move Toward a Higher Credential Level - post

If you are working toward a higher credential level in early childhood education, you may already know that the path can look different depending on where you live. Some states use terms like career lattice, credential ladder, workforce registry, or career pathway instead of one shared national system.

That is why ChildCareEd’s partnership with #Rasmussen University can matter. It does not replace your state’s credential system, but it may help eligible students move forward by making college more affordable and, in some cases, awarding college credit. Through this partnership, #ChildCareEd training can support tuition-related benefits at Rasmussen University, and students who completed their full CDA may also qualify for 12 college credits.

What does a “higher credential level” mean?

There is no single nationwide definition. One state may call it Level 4+, another may use a registry step, and another may describe it as part of a career pathway or professional development ladder. What these systems usually have in common is that higher levels recognize stronger professional qualifications over time. Those qualifications may include:

• ongoing approved training
• credentials such as a CDA
• college coursework or degrees
• documented experience in the field

In simple terms, a higher credential level usually means you are moving beyond entry-level training and building a stronger professional profile.

Why does moving to a higher credential level matter?

A higher credential level can matter in several ways.

It may help strengthen your professional standing by showing that you have continued to build your knowledge and qualifications.

• States and quality systems often use workforce registries, career lattices, and professional pathways to recognize staff growth and qualifications over time.

It may also support career growth.

• Career pathways as efforts that help early educators advance through the profession over time, from entry into the field through additional specialization and advancement.

It can also support program quality.

• Ongoing training and continuing education help providers keep children healthy and safe, learn new teaching skills, and improve the quality of care and learning opportunities they offer.

How can ChildCareEd and Rasmussen University help?

This is where the partnership becomes useful.

The ChildCareEd + Rasmussen University partnership says that any ChildCareEd training may help a student qualify for partnership benefits as long as the student provides a ChildCareEd transcript to Rasmussen University. There is no minimum course requirement.

The partnership also includes these possible benefits:

• 35% tuition reduction on the Early Childhood Education bachelor’s degree
• 20% tuition reduction on many other eligible programs
• no-cost self-directed assessments for some general education courses
• possible access to a no-cost laptop in select programs
• benefits that may apply to both new and current Rasmussen students

For students who completed their full CDA Credential, Rasmussen University may award 12 college credits, equal to a three-course waiver.

See the official post at ChildCareEd partnership post.

Why does that matter for higher credential levels?

Because in many states, moving to a higher credential level often means building more formal education over time, not just collecting clock hours. Career lattices and pathways commonly recognize a mix of training, credentials, experience, and education.

That means this partnership can help in practical ways:

• it can lower the cost of college coursework
• it can help you turn existing training into partnership eligibility
• it can make a degree pathway feel more realistic
• if you have a full CDA, it may help you start with 12 credits already applied

So while the partnership does not award a state credential by itself, it can support the kind of education and progress that many higher credential systems value.

What kinds of “levels” might states recognize?

States may use different names, but higher professional levels are often recognized through systems such as:

• workforce registry levels
• career lattice levels
• credential ladder steps
• professional pathway tiers
• registry statuses tied to education or credentials

That is why a broad article like this should avoid saying that one exact level means the same thing everywhere. A “higher credential level” is the better phrase because it fits more readers and reflects how different states describe advancement.

How does the Rasmussen process work?

The process is simple.

1. Complete training with ChildCareEd.
2. Enroll at Rasmussen University.
3. Provide your ChildCareEd transcript.
4. Rasmussen reviews your eligibility and applies the available benefits.

If you completed your full CDA, Rasmussen may also apply the 12 college credits connected to that credential.

It is also important to note that Rasmussen applies the benefits, not ChildCareEd, and that discounts apply to tuition only, not necessarily to fees. Program eligibility may vary.

• Use referral code 482731 at checkout when you purchase a ChildCareEd course and begin building your transcript!

What should I do first?

If you want to use this partnership to help move toward a higher credential level, start with these simple steps:

Request your ChildCareEd transcript
This is the key document Rasmussen needs to review your eligibility.

Gather your CDA or other records
If you completed your full CDA, keep that ready too since it may connect to the 12-credit benefit.

Explore Rasmussen programs
Look for degree options that fit your long-term goals and your state’s credential system.

Check your own state’s system
Because names and requirements vary, confirm how your state defines higher levels and what kind of education counts toward advancement.

See the official post at ChildCareEd partnership post.

Common mistakes to avoid

Assuming every state uses the same credential names
They do not. States may use different terms and structures for advancement.

Assuming every ChildCareEd course becomes direct college credit
The partnership says any ChildCareEd training can help with eligibility, but the clearly named direct credit is the 12 credits for a full CDA.

Ignoring your state’s rules
A higher credential level depends on your own state or registry system.

Waiting too long to gather documents
Request your transcript early and keep your records organized.

Conclusion

A higher credential level can mean different things in different states, but the general goal is the same: to recognize stronger qualifications, deeper professional growth, and a more advanced place in the field. Across the country, states use systems like workforce registries, career lattices, and credential ladders to recognize progress based on training, credentials, education, and experience.

ChildCareEd’s partnership with Rasmussen University can support that journey by helping eligible students save on tuition, move closer to a degree, and, for some students with a full CDA, receive 12 college credits.

That makes the partnership useful not because it replaces your state’s credential system, but because it can help you build the kind of education and progress that many higher-level systems reward.

See the official post at ChildCareEd partnership post.