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Onsite Training
for the Florida Child Care Director Credential
Administering a childcare program is a complex job requiring
extensive skills and knowledge in both child development and
program administration. Directors are specialized professionals
providing a much-needed service to the communities and the
families they serve. Childcare center directors are required
to achieve the Florida Child Care and Education Program Administrator
Credential.
Who needs the credential?
The person primarily responsible for the daily operation and
supervision of a child care center.
Who awards the credential?
The state of Florida, based on proof of appropriate training
and experience submitted by the individual applicant.
Why choose the Mailman Segal Institute’s
child care director credential training course?
NSU’s Mailman Segal Institute, formerly known as the
Family Center, provides a range of programs designed to educate
and train early childhood practitioners. Training takes place
both in the classroom and through practical field experiences,
creating a learning environment grounded in experience as well
as theory.
The institute’s overview course in child care administration
is designed to meet the growing needs of professional center
directors. Directors compile a portfolio of items essential
to effective day-to-day program operation.
What course topics are covered?
- Organizational leadership
- Staff management
- Budgeting and accounting
- Cost analysis
- Insurance
- ADA and legal requirements
- Marketing
- Systems for safety and health
- Quality program standards
- Curriculum development and evaluation
- Child assessment
and readiness
- Alliances with families
The course meets Florida’s requirements for the foundation
overview course and can be used as one of the courses required
for the Advanced Director Credential. For additional information
on the state’s requirements, call 877-358-3224.
When do classes meet?
The course includes 32 hours of class meetings and a minimum
10 hours of practical application activities at the student’s
work site.
Classes meet at a variety of times including in the evenings
to accommodate the work schedule of busy professionals. Courses
begin in January, March, June, and September. Information regarding
specific dates and locations of upcoming classes is available
by request.
Will I receive academic credit?
The institute’s director credential course can be taken
for three undergraduate college credits or 4.5 continuing education
units (CEU’s).
To register for college credits, students apply to Nova Southeastern
University as non-degree seeking special students, and show
proof of high school completion or GED and any previous college
coursework.
This three-credit course is accepted at many colleges for
credit in early childhood or education degree programs and
is part of NSU’s Associate of Arts Program in Early Childhood
Education.
What are the requirements for applying to the program?
Students must have completed the Florida 20-hour Part 1 Child Care Training and have a Florida Childcare Professional Credential (formerly CDA equivalency) or other approved formal education or a work history exemption.
How is the course taught?
Directors reflect on the philosophy that fuels their work and
develop organizational strategies needed to build strong
programs for staff members, children, and families. Hands-on
active learning experiences bring theoretical ideas to life.
Students learn to use the respected program evaluation tool,
the Environment Rating Scales, for enhancing the quality
of their program.
The portfolio compiled has items necessary for effective program
management. These include philosophy-mission statement, personnel
policies including job descriptions, orientation, evaluation
and professional development procedures, budget formats, promotional
materials, and a parent handbook.
Is financial aid available?
Scholarships may
be available through the Florida TEACH Program. Call TEACH
toll free at (877) 358-3224 (877-FL TEACH).
How do I register for the director credential course?
For Hillsborough County: Click here to request an application packet or call (813) 393-4440.
For Broward County: Click here to request an application packet or call (954)262-7126.
After I complete the training, how do I apply for the Florida
Child Care Director Credential?
Submit documentation to the Department of Child and Families
(DCF) showing completion of:
- The institute’s director overview course
- The Florida
40-hour basic child care training and special needs training
- The
Child Care Personnel Professional Development Confirmation
Form (5206 Form), showing completion of the Child Development
Associate (CDA), or a degree with six credits in early
childhood education, or an employment history recognition exemption
- Proof of
work experience as a center director.
Additional Information
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