What Does a Preschool Director Do?
Preschool directors are professionals who manage preschools or other childcare centers for very young children. Their duties include supervising teachers, planning budgets, hiring staff, developing instructional programs, and liaising with parents, guardians, and other childcare support workers in order to provide a safe and effective learning environment. They may also participate in some teaching activities, though this is not a primary part of preschool director jobs.
Preschool Director Qualifications
In order to become a preschool director, individuals typically complete a program in early childhood education. Programs are offered at the certificate, associate's, bachelor's, and graduate levels, and some certificate programs may have programs specifically for preschool directors. Some states, however, may require the completion of a bachelor's program to become a preschool director. Some employers may also require individuals to have national certification.
Preschool directors need a number of personal skills in order to be successful in their profession, including:
- Excellent organizational skills
- Excellent childcare skills
- Leadership and interpersonal skills
- An understanding of current pedagogical practices
- Excellent communication skills
Preschool Director Certification
The National Child Care Association (NCCA) and the Council for Professional Recognition offer the National Administration Credential (NAC) and the Child Development Associate (CDA) credentials for preschool director certification. Candidates must usually complete 120 hours of professional development along with a portfolio to earn certification. If students have completed an associate's or bachelor's degree, they will have usually fulfilled this requirement. If not, there are courses offered online that lead to certification. For instance, the Child Care Education Institute offers an online professional development training course that leads to CDA certification.
Some certifications must be maintained by completing continuing education hours. The CDA, for instance, needs to be renewed every three years and requires educational courses and additional training in order to keep directors up to date on new information and ready for the challenges of their jobs.
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Preschool Director Certificate Programs
Preschool director certificate programs provide a knowledge base and skill set necessary to become part of the youth education and care industry as well as formal certification. Students learn how to design, execute and manage a preschool center's daily operations, curriculum, staffing and finances. Usually three to six classes long, course topics are diverse and include childhood development, administration, methods in curriculum development, strategies in early childhood guidance and children in multicultural societies. There is often an examination at the end of the course. Direct experience is attained through mentorships on-site or at early education centers, which are likely to be supervised and required for graduation. Many certificate programs are offered online, though some may have classroom requirements.
Students in preschool director certificate programs get a thorough understanding of the physical, emotional, mental and learning needs of children. Course topics typically include:
- Principles of early childhood education
- Child health, development and growth
- Creative experiences for young children
- Child health, safety and nutrition
- Early childhood professions
- Administration of child care and education
Preschool Director Salary
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), education administrators of preschool and child care centers earned a median annual wage of $48,210 in May 2019. The estimated employment growth rate for this occupation is at 1% for the years 2019-2029, which is slower than the national average.
