How to Become a Child Care Director: Step-by-Step Career Guide

Learn how to become a child care director. Research the education requirements, training information and experience required for starting a career in child care administration.

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Requirements for Child Care Directors

Child care directors are typically responsible for a day care center's administrative duties. This often includes managing staff, as well as handling and establishing the center's goals, curriculum and daily routine. They also meet with prospective students and their families, and make sure the day care center and its staff meet required licensing regulations and safety standards.

Day care centers may be part of a franchise or independently owned. Some even receive government funding, and the director is responsible for ensuring that the governmental standards are met. Educational requirements for this position vary, but postsecondary education is preferred. The following table contains the main qualifications and requirements needed to become a child care director, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Common Requirements
Degree LevelAssociate's or bachelor's
Degree FieldEarly childhood education
Licensure (Certification)Facilities are generally licensed through the state; some states require directors to have certification as well
ExperienceExperience in early childhood education may be required
Key SkillsCommunication, leadership, people skills

Step 1: Get an Postsecondary Education

Educational requirements for a child care director often depend on whether the day care center is a privately funded facility or a publicly funded preschool. Public preschool directors are usually required to hold a bachelor's degree, although that requirement may vary from state to state. Often, only a high school diploma is required for directors who oversee private day care programs; however, many states and employers require some postsecondary education in preschool education.

Success Tip:

  • Student teach. Many early childhood education degree programs require students to work with an experienced teacher in an elementary classroom. This gives students the chance to apply what they have learned in the classroom to real-life situations.

Step 2: Gain Work Experience

Many child care directors have previous work experience as preschool teachers. This experience prepares directors to determine curriculum standards, which often address a child's social, language and motor skill development. Preschool teaching experience also helps directors understand the emotional and physical needs of young children and the potential concerns of their parents. Credentialing organizations also typically require work experience before candidates can apply for credentials.

Step 3: Earn Professional Credentials

Most states require child care directors to earn professional credentials, such as the Child Development Associate credential (CDA) and the National Administration Credential (NAC), in order to earn a professional license. The Council for Professional Recognition offers the CDA credential for early child care professionals. Requirements include at least 480 hours of child care work experience and 120 hours of education in child care, both within the past five years. Credentials can be earned in preschool-aged or infant/toddler-aged care. The CDA designation is valid for three years and then can be renewed every five years with continuing education.

The NAC designation is offered by the National Child Care Association and is open to child care directors with all levels of experience. Directors can earn the NAC credential by completing a 5-day, 40-hour course. Topics in this program include community relations, facility and staff management and educational curriculum. NAC designations are valid for two years, during which time 20 hours of continuing education is required to maintain designation.

Success Tip:

  • Renew credentials. The CDA credentials must be renewed every three years, while the NAC credential must be renewed every two. The renewal process includes continuing education and proof of continuing work experience.

Step 4: Obtain a License

Most states require child care directors to be licensed. Requirements vary from state to state, but most include a certain amount of years working in child care and a specified amount of hours in child care-related coursework. Licensing is usually maintained by completing a specified number of continuing education hours, which is determined by the state.

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