Program Director Credential

Program Director Credential for early childhood and afterschool professionals

The Program Director credential  recognizes early childhood and afterschool professionals who have gained the Competencies for Program Directors of Early Childhood and Afterschool Programs.  Achievement of this credential is a sign of quality and leadership in the field.  The credential is for:

  • Current directors working in center-based or family child care settings in either childhood or afterschool programs
  • Experienced staff who want to gain the Program Director Competencies and become a director in an early childhood or afterschool program

There are three steps to attain the Credential. The Portfolio can be begun at Step One.

Step One: Complete 3 College Courses
  • Child Development ( or Infant Toddler Development , or Development of the Young Child  Ages 3-8)
  • Curriculum Development in Early Childhood Education
  • Program Management in Early Childhood and Afterschool Programs
Step Two: Complete 3 Additional College Courses
  • Human Resources Management
  • Leadership, Mentoring and Supervision in Early Childhood and Afterschool Programs
  • Legal and Financial Issues in the early childhood and afterschool
Step Three
  • Culminating Seminar in Early Childhood and Afterschool Programs
  • Completed portfolio
Benefits of the Credential include:
  • Recognition of your current knowledge and skills, while learning new skills you can apply; develop colleagueship with peers across the state.
  • For NAEYC Early Childhood Program Accreditation, Credential holders qualify for the maximum number of points for relevant training and credentials, one of three categories included in the alternative pathways to achieving educational qualifications of a program administrator.
  • There is no time limit to complete the required coursework; you can build from the coursework you have already completed.  You can complete it in stages.  There are financial supports available to cover the cost of much of the coursework.
  • The Child Development Division awards a Recognition Bonus for completing this credential, and it is recognized in the STARS (Step Ahead Recognition system) staff qualifications arena.

Contact the Northern Lights Career Development Center at 802-885-8374 as soon as you’ve decided to begin the credentialing process. We will provide resources and individual support along the way!