Top 10 Preschool Director Certifications

Certifications are important for a preschool director in the job market because they demonstrate a mastery of best practices and regulations in early childhood education. Certification programs provide a comprehensive overview of the principles, techniques, and skills necessary to be an effective director. They also help to demonstrate that the director has met or exceeded industry standards set by governing bodies. Certifications show prospective employers that the director is knowledgeable about child development, safety procedures, health regulations, and other areas necessary for running a successful preschool program. In addition, certifications give directors an edge over other candidates who may not have taken the time to obtain them.

This article reviews the top certifications for Preschool Directors and explains how they can help to advance a preschool director's career.

What are Preschool Director Certifications?

Preschool director certification is a specialized credential that is designed to help individuals develop the skills and knowledge necessary to become effective leaders in the field of early childhood education. This certification provides an understanding of the principles and practices of preschool administration, including developing and implementing curriculum, personnel management, budgeting, and child safety. It also emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive learning environment for young children.

Having a preschool director certification can be beneficial in several ways. First, it can give potential employers confidence that you have the necessary qualifications to effectively manage their preschool. Additionally, depending on the state or district requirements for directors, having this certification may be required in order to qualify for certain positions. Finally, having this certification can demonstrate to parents that you have adequate training in best practices for early childhood education and are qualified to direct their children’s educational journey.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the different types of preschool director certification programs available in your state. Each state may have different requirements and standards for certification, so make sure you understand the regulations before enrolling in one. Additionally, be sure to check with your local childcare licensing agency to ensure that the program you are considering is approved and meets their criteria.

Related: What does a Preschool Director do?

Top 10 Preschool Director Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Preschool Directors today.

1. National Administrator Credential (NAC)

The National Administrator Credential (NAC) is a professional certification offered by the American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management (AAHAM). It is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of healthcare administrators. The NAC certification is intended to demonstrate that an individual has the necessary competencies to effectively manage healthcare organizations.

It typically takes 6-12 months to complete the NAC program. To get the credential, applicants must pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as healthcare operations management, financial management, human resources management, legal and regulatory compliance, and information technology. The exam is administered by AAHAM and consists of 150 multiple-choice questions.

The cost for the NAC program varies depending on whether or not an applicant chooses to take any additional courses or seminars offered by AAHAM in preparation for the exam. The cost of the exam itself is $250 for members of AAHAM and $350 for non-members.

2. National Early Childhood Program Director Credential (ECPDC)

The National Early Childhood Program Director Credential (ECPDC) is a professional credential offered by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). It is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of early childhood professionals who are responsible for leading, managing, and/or coordinating high-quality early childhood programs.

The ECPDC is a comprehensive program that requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge of best practices in early childhood program administration, including areas such as personnel management, fiscal management, curriculum development, family engagement strategies, and program evaluation. Applicants must also demonstrate their ability to apply these best practices in their own work.

To earn the ECPDC credential, applicants must complete an application form that includes information about their education and experience in early childhood program administration. They must then pass a written assessment that covers topics related to best practices in early childhood program administration. This assessment consists of multiple-choice questions and essay questions.

Once applicants have passed the assessment, they must submit documentation demonstrating their completion of at least 15 hours of professional development activities related to best practices in early childhood program administration within the last five years. The NAEYC Professional Development System can be used to track professional development activities for this purpose.

The entire process from application submission to credentialing usually takes between four and six months depending on when all required documents are submitted.

The cost for applying for the ECPDC credential is $150 USD plus applicable taxes.

3. Certified Director Credential for Early Childhood Education (CDCEE)

The Certified Director Credential for Early Childhood Education (CDCEE) is a credential offered by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of professional achievement in early childhood education. This credential demonstrates that an individual has met the highest standards of professional practice in the field.

The CDCEE requires a minimum of three years experience in early childhood education, as well as completion of at least 45 hours of approved coursework. The coursework must cover topics such as child development, curriculum, assessment and evaluation, family and community engagement, and leadership and management. Additionally, applicants must pass an exam administered by NAEYC.

The process to obtain the CDCEE can take up to two years to complete. Applicants must first submit an application packet with supporting documents such as transcripts and proof of experience. After submitting the application packet, applicants are required to complete 45 hours of approved coursework within two years. Once all requirements have been met, applicants may then take the exam administered by NAEYC.

The cost to apply for the CDCEE is $150 USD for NAEYC members or $200 USD for non-members. The cost for taking the exam is $100 USD for both members and non-members. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with completing coursework or obtaining transcripts or other supporting documents needed for application submission.

4. National Director Credential for Child Care Centers (NDCCC)

The National Director Credential for Child Care Centers (NDCCC) is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have achieved the highest level of professional and educational standards in the field of child care center administration. The NDCCC credential is awarded by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

To qualify for the NDCCC, applicants must have at least a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or a related field, plus five years of experience in child care center administration. Applicants must also demonstrate knowledge and understanding of NAEYC’s Code of Ethical Conduct and other professional standards.

The process to get the NDCCC credential involves completing an online application, providing evidence of qualifications and experience, passing an exam, and submitting letters of recommendation from colleagues. The entire process typically takes about four months to complete.

The cost to apply for the NDCCC credential is $225 USD. This fee covers the cost of processing applications, administering exams, and providing credentials upon successful completion.

5. Professional Administrator Credential in Early Childhood Education (PACE)

The Professional Administrator Credential in Early Childhood Education (PACE) is a credential that recognizes the knowledge and skills of early childhood administrators. It is designed to ensure that administrators have the necessary qualifications to lead and manage early childhood programs.

To get the PACE credential, applicants must first complete an approved program in early childhood administration. This program can be completed at a college or university, or through an online program. The program should include courses in topics such as child development, curriculum planning and implementation, family engagement, health and safety, financial management, leadership, and more. Once the program has been completed, applicants must pass a standardized exam administered by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

The cost of obtaining the PACE credential varies depending on where you choose to pursue your education. Generally speaking, it will cost between $2,000-$5,000 for tuition and fees associated with completing a program in early childhood administration. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with taking the NAEYC exam such as registration fees and study materials.

In total, it should take approximately 1-2 years to obtain the PACE credential depending on how quickly you complete your educational requirements.

6. National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Director Credential

The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Director Credential is a professional development program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated their commitment to high-quality early childhood education. The credential is designed to support directors in developing and maintaining an environment that meets the highest standards of excellence in early childhood education.

The NAEYC Director Credential is a two-year program that consists of four courses: Leadership and Management, Curriculum and Instruction, Professional Development, and Program Administration. Participants must complete all four courses within two years. In addition, participants must submit a portfolio demonstrating their knowledge and skills related to the course topics.

To get the NAEYC Director Credential, applicants must first complete an online application form and pay a fee of $175. Once accepted into the program, participants will be assigned an advisor who will guide them through the process of completing the four courses. Participants can choose to take the courses either online or in person at one of NAEYC’s regional offices.

Once all four courses have been completed and the portfolio has been submitted, participants will receive their credential from NAEYC. The total cost for completing this program typically ranges from $1,000-$2,000 depending on whether participants choose to take online or in-person classes.

7. Council for Professional Recognition’s Child Development Associate (CDA)

The Child Development Associate (CDA) is a credential issued by the Council for Professional Recognition (CPR) that recognizes individuals who demonstrate knowledge and competency in the field of early childhood education. The CDA is designed to provide a measure of professional achievement for those who work with young children from birth through age five.

To earn the CDA, applicants must complete a program of study that includes coursework, observation hours, and a professional portfolio. The program typically takes six to nine months to complete, but may be completed in as little as three months depending on the individual’s prior experience and education.

To get started, applicants must first submit an application to the Council for Professional Recognition. Once accepted into the program, they will receive access to online courses and resources that will help them understand child development theory and practice. Applicants must also complete 120 hours of training in an early childhood setting and compile a professional portfolio that documents their experience working with young children. After completing these requirements, applicants can then take an assessment exam to earn their CDA credential.

The cost of the CDA program varies depending on where you live and what type of support you need during your studies. Generally speaking, it costs between $500-$800 to apply for the CDA credential and around $1,500-$2,000 for tuition fees. Additional fees may be required if applicants need additional support or guidance during their studies.

8. National Association for Family Child Care’s Professional Development Program

The National Association for Family Child Care’s (NAFCC) Professional Development Program is designed to help family child care providers gain the knowledge and skills needed to provide quality care. The program consists of a series of online courses that cover topics such as health and safety, nutrition, business management, and more. Courses are self-paced and can be completed in as little as one hour or up to several weeks depending on the individual’s learning style.

To get started with the NAFCC Professional Development Program, individuals must first become a member of NAFCC. Membership costs $50 per year and includes access to all of the online courses in the program. After becoming a member, individuals can begin taking the online courses at their own pace. Each course includes an assessment at the end that must be passed in order to receive credit for completing the course. Upon completion of all required courses, individuals will receive a certificate from NAFCC verifying their completion of the program.

The cost of each course varies depending on whether or not you are a member of NAFCC; members pay $25 per course while non-members pay $35 per course. In addition, there is also an administrative fee of $5 per course for both members and non-members.

Overall, the NAFCC Professional Development Program is an excellent way for family child care providers to gain valuable knowledge and skills related to providing quality care for children in their homes.

9. International Association for Continuing Education and Training’s Certified Early Childhood Professional

The International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) Certified Early Childhood Professional (CECP) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have the knowledge, skills, and abilities to provide quality early childhood education. The CECP recognizes those who demonstrate the highest standards of professionalism in the field of early childhood education.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete all requirements for the CECP certification. To get certified, applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Have a minimum of two years of experience in an early childhood setting, either as a teacher or administrator;

2. Complete at least 80 hours of professional development related to early childhood education;

3. Pass an assessment that demonstrates their knowledge and understanding of best practices in the field;

4. Submit a portfolio demonstrating their experience and accomplishments in the field; and

5. Submit an application for review by IACET’s Certification Board.

The cost to apply for CECP certification is $195 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees.

10. National Center on Quality Teaching and Learning’s Quality Rated Director Certificate

The National Center on Quality Teaching and Learning's (NCQTL) Quality Rated Director Certificate is a professional development program designed to help early childhood directors become more effective leaders. It provides directors with the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to create high-quality learning environments for children.

The Quality Rated Director Certificate consists of five online modules that cover topics such as program management, health and safety, staff development, family engagement, and assessment. Each module includes an online assessment that must be completed in order to receive credit for the course. The entire program takes approximately 10 hours to complete.

In order to get the Quality Rated Director Certificate, you must first register for the course through NCQTL's website. After registering for the course, you will have access to all of the modules and assessments. The cost of the certificate is $95 USD per person.

Once you have completed all five modules and assessments, you will receive your Quality Rated Director Certificate from NCQTL via email within two weeks of completion.

Do You Really Need a Preschool Director Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual’s goals and needs. Generally, a preschool director certificate is not required by law in order to become a preschool director. However, having such certification may prove beneficial for those interested in pursuing a career in early childhood education.

Having a formal certification can provide potential employers with evidence that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to handle the responsibilities of being a preschool director. It also shows that you are committed to your job and willing to invest time and money into learning what it takes to be successful in the field. In addition, some states may require certain types of certification as part of their licensing requirements for individuals who wish to work as preschool directors.

In some cases, having such certification can lead to higher salaries or better job opportunities. A certificate can also demonstrate your knowledge of curriculum development, classroom management techniques, child development theories and practices, health and safety regulations—all important topics for any successful preschool director. Furthermore, having a certificate may give you an advantage over other applicants when applying for jobs or promotions within the field.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a preschool director certificate will depend on your own personal goals and objectives as well as the requirements of potential employers. If you want to pursue an advanced role in early childhood education or if you are looking for ways to stand out from other applicants for positions in this field, then obtaining a preschool director certificate may be worth considering.

Related: Preschool Director Resume Examples

FAQs About Preschool Director Certifications

1. What is a Preschool Director Certification?

Answer: A Preschool Director Certification is an official recognition of the knowledge and experience required to lead a successful preschool program. It demonstrates that the holder has achieved a certain level of professional development and competency in the field of early childhood education.

2. How do I become certified as a Preschool Director?

Answer: To become certified, you must complete a certification program offered by an accredited institution or organization that specializes in preschool director certifications. The program typically includes courses on child development, classroom management, curriculum design, and other topics related to early childhood education.

3. Are there any prerequisites for becoming certified as a Preschool Director?

Answer: Often times there are no prerequisites for becoming certified as a Preschool Director; however, some programs may require applicants to have prior work experience in the field of early childhood education or possess a degree in this field. Additionally, most certification programs require applicants to pass an exam before they can earn their certification.

4. How long does it take to receive my certification once I finish my program?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to receive your certification will vary depending on the program you have enrolled in; however, most programs take between 6-12 months to complete and will include both online and in-person components (if applicable). After successfully completing all requirements, you should expect to receive your certification within 4-6 weeks.

5. How much does it cost to become certified as a Preschool Director?

Answer: The cost of earning your certification as a Preschool Director will depend on which program you choose; however, most programs range from $500-$1000 depending on the length and complexity of the coursework involved.