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 director training?
The person primarily responsible for the daily operation and
supervision of a child care center.
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.
When does the program meet?
The online course consists of three modules, each one organized
into three sessions. The course takes nine weeks to complete.
Courses begin in January, March, June, and September. Information
regarding specific dates of upcoming classes is available
by request.
What are the computer requirements to take the course?
Students need regular access to a computer with Windows 95
or Macintosh 7.1 operating system or higher, disk and CD-ROM
drives, a printer, a modem or DSL connection, and an Internet
service provider (ISP).
Will I receive academic credit?
The institute’s online 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 need foundational training in early childhood development.
Florida directors must have completed the Florida 30-hour
Part 1 child care training and have a CDA equivalency, other
approved formal education, or a work history exemption.
How is the course taught?
Learning is at the time and pace of the student. Students connect
with the institute’s online Web site, which features:
- Profiles and photos of the instructor and classmates
- Information and assignments for the course
- Bulletin board activities and chat sessions providing opportunities
for classmate interaction
- Links to Internet sites for information useful for
completion of assignments
What
additional benefits does the institute’s
online program offer?
- Instructors work with small groups of students
- Students can contact their instructor via email at all
times
- Students enjoy full access to NSU’s electronic library
Is financial aid available?
Students may be eligible for scholarships through the Florida
TEACH Program, (877) 358-3224 (877-FL TEACH). For TEACH
information in other states, contact Child Care Services
in your state;
for TEACH nationwide, visit the Web site at www.childcareservices.org.
Additionally, many employers provide tuition assistance.
How do I register for the director credential course?
Click here to request an application packet or call (813) 393-4440. Click
here for a schedule of upcoming classes.
Additional Information:
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