How Do I Become a Certified Childcare Director in Massachusetts?
Child care directors are responsible for the day-to-day operations of child care centers. Their responsibilities include hiring staff, such as teachers, and making sure that the center adheres to educational standards according to the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics. In Massachusetts, prospective child care directors must earn a professional credential awarded by the Commonwealth's Department of Early Education and Care. Two levels of director qualification can be awarded to a prospective administrator.
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Instructions
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Instructions
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Review the certification application. Familiarize yourself with the qualifications for child care director certification and begin to gather the required documentation. The Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care reports that you must be working in an early education program in Massachusetts or actively seeking employment in a Massachusetts early education program to be considered for certification.
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Complete the required coursework for child care directors. In Massachusetts, a candidate for level one child care director certification must meet education requirements for a lead teacher. This means earning 12 early childhood education credits. In addition, a level one candidate must earn two additional credits in early childhood education plus two credits in child care administration. Candidates for level two child care director certification must meet the educational requirements for a level one director candidate, and earn two additional credits in child care administration topics, such as child care policy, or families and communities.
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Obtain verification of work experience. To be certified as a level one or level two childcare director in Massachusetts, you must meet the experience requirements for a lead teacher. The exact amount of experience needed will vary depending on your educational background. If you have a bachelor's degree, 9 months of experience are required. With a high school diploma, you will need 36 months of experience. In addition to meeting the lead teacher requirements, you must complete 6 more months of work experience. A verification form must be signed by you and by a supervisor.
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Submit your application. You can apply online or download an application, but you must submit official copies of college transcripts and the signed verification of work experience via mail. Once your application is reviewed and verified, you will receive a certificate in the mail.
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