Examines the role of the child care administrator in directing successful early childhood centers in a diverse and democratic society, following developmentally-appropriate practices. Topics include: diversity, policy development, personnel management, ethical decision-making, safety, community resources, childcare licensing regulations, communication strategies, professionalism, and appropriate business practices. Students will focus on critical conditions affecting families and explore ways to utilize school and community resources to develop meaningful home-school-community partnerships. Child Development Associate (CDA) functional areas covered in this course are as follows: Safe, Healthy, Learning Environment, Professionalism, and Program Management. This course can be used to satisfy part of the 120 clock hours of instruction required by the CDA Council. It can also be used as a CDA renewal course.
The following NAEYC Associate Degree Standards are met by this course at the understanding or application level:
1. Promoting Child Development and Learning:
- 1a: Knowing and understanding young children's characteristics and needs.
- 1b: Knowing and understanding the multiple influences on early development and learning.
2. Building Family and Community Relationships:
- 2a: Knowing about and understanding diverse families and communities.
4. Using Effective Approaches to Connect with Children and Families:
- 4a: Knowing, understanding, and using positive relationships.
6. Becoming a Professional:
- 6a: Identifying and involving oneself with the early childhood field.
- 6b: Knowing about and upholding ethical standards and other early childhood professional guidelines.
- 6c: Engaging in continuous, collaborative learning to inform practice; using technology effectively with young children, with peers and as a professional resource.
- 6d: Integrating knowledgeable, reflective, and critical perspectives on early education.
Credit for Prior College-Level Learning
Transcripts from an accredited college verifying that s/he completed a course focusing on administration/management of early childhood programs. In addition, the student must have a minimum of 2 years experience working in the capacity of a child care center director. The student will be required to provide an official letter (on letter head) from his/her place of employment verifying work experience. All documentation should be sent to the attention of the Children and Families Program Director. The Children and Families Program Director will evaluate submitted documentation.