How to Become a Licensed Day Care Director

Day care directors must pass a criminal background check.

Hiring and training staff, developing educational programs, disciplining children and creating budgets are some of the many duties of a day care director. While day care directors have knowledge of regulations, health and safety, and child development, there are no federal licensing requirements. According to the National Child Care Information and Technical Assistance Center (NCCIC), state regulatory departments determine the qualifications for a day care director's license. While requirements vary by state, standards for day care director licensing are beginning to emerge.

Instructions

1. Be at least 21 years of age. According to NCCIC, most states require day care directors to be 21 years old.

2. Pass a criminal background check. According to NCCIC, all states require child care workers to pass one. Child abuse, neglect or placement on a sex offender registry disqualifies individuals from working in day care centers.

3. Work at a licensed day care center. According to NCCIC, most states require at least one year of child care experience before you can become a day care director.

4. Get an associate's degree or enroll in an early childhood education program. While nine states don't have minimal education requirements for directors, several require an associate's degree in early childhood education or proof of enrollment before the date of hire.

5. Contact your state's Department of Child Welfare for additional licensing requirements. Florida, the District of Columbia and New Jersey have additional education and work requirements. For a list of state child care licensing agencies, check out the NCCIC's website (see References).

Tips & Warnings

• Complete the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. Through a combination of education and work experience, candidates receive national accreditation as a day care worker. According to the Council of Professional Recognition, an organization that promotes early education professionals, most day care centers require CDA credentialing for all staff.

• Lifting children, changing diapers and playing with children can be hard on the body. Many states, therefore, require a physical before an offer of employment is made.

References

• Council for Professional Recognition: An overview of the steps to obtain a CDA Credential
• National Child Care Information and Technical Assistance Center
• National Child Care and Information and Technical Assistance Center: State Requirements for Minimum Preservice Qualifications, Administrative Training, and Annual Ongoing Training Hours for Child Care Center Directors in 2007

Resources

• National Child Care Information and Technical Assistant Center: State Child Care Licensing Agency