Chapter 1 Quality Child Care: Today’s Growing Need
21
administration becomes more complex. The administrative work may become a full-
time position. You may have no direct responsibilities with the children.
Characteristics of a successful director include
• having good interpersonal skills that include a basic respect for all
• being knowledgeable about both child development programming and
administrative responsibilities
• possessing leadership, problem-solving, and team building skills
• having the self-confidence to be an independent decision maker
• having the ability to organize
• being willing to take on responsibility
• being willing to work hard, even beyond actual working hours when
necessary
• being flexible in adjusting to necessary, but unexpected, interruptions
The director has a unique role within the center. While working comfortably with
staff, families, and outside agencies, the director must also be comfortable working
independently, 1-8. As the “boss” of the center, you will find it necessary to develop
personal friendships and relationships with people who are not involved with the
program.
Educational Requirements
Many young people start their education for
child care administration in high school voca-
tional and/or technical programs. There is a
trend for these programs to provide supervised
work experience in child care settings as a part
of their program curriculum.
The competencies attained and the comple-
tion of coursework may support entrance into a
junior or community college or a four-year col-
lege degree program. Strong knowledge of core
early childhood competencies along with the
work experience may prepare students to apply
for the Child Development Associate credential.
This credential is approved as acceptable prepa-
ration for a variety of early childhood related
jobs according to state-mandated regulations.
The qualifications for being a child care
program director vary from state to state. They
are determined by the licensing regulations. The
number of children enrolled in the center may
1-8 A child care center director has many
administrative responsibilities.