Early Childhood Director Certificate

Administering an early childhood or school-age program is a complex job that requires extensive skills, competencies and knowledge of how children grow and learn; job-related experience; and an understanding of child development, program administration, personnel supervision and leadership. The expectation that directors and administrators of these programs be well educated and Credentialed is gathering momentum around the nation. In keeping with this growing national trend, Pennsylvania has developed the Director credential program offered through approved higher education institutions.

The three courses needed to complete the director certificate program at Delaware County Community College are now offered completely online in consecutive sessions that enable you to concentrate on one class at a time and complete course work around your busy schedule from the comfort of your home.

Classes

ECE 290 - Administration and Supervision of Early Care and Education Environments
Are you wearing too many hats? Not sure how to manage your time to be effective in your role as director? This course will prepare you to understand and navigate the diversity of “hats” worn by the typical child care director including managing staffing, program delivery and families.

ECE 291 - Current Issues and Trends in Early Care and Education
This course will prepare you to work with multiple systems of governance and how to be a leader in your program, community and the Early Childhood Education field. Also, learn how to advocate for children, families and communities.

ECE 293 - Financial Strategies for the Business of Early Care and Education
Are you budget phobic? Not sure how to make the bottom line profitable? This course will prepare you for the nuances of child care financing including creating budgets, writing grants and delivering a high quality early care and education program on a shoestring.

Pennsylvania Early Learning Keys to Success

Delaware County Community College is an approved higher education institution by the Pennsylvania Early Learning Keys to Success, which is commonly referred to as PA Keys. For more information, visit the Pennsylvania Keys website at www.pakeys.org.

Tuition Assistance

The PA Key's Rising Stars Tuition Assistance Program pays 95 percent of tuition costs for eligible college course work taken by early learning professionals, with a maximum benefit of $6,000 per individual each fiscal year (July 1 through June 30). The program covers tuition costs only, and does not include books, materials, or fees. Visit the PA Keys website for more information.

Cost

Tuition and Fees using Rising Stars:
Sponsoring $223 per course
Non-Sponsoring $239 per course

Tuition and Fees without Rising Stars:
Sponsoring $525 per course
Non-Sponsoring $843 per course

Students seeking this certificate must have an A.A.S. or A.S. in Early Childhood Education or a related field or higher OR have completed 45 hours toward an A.A.S. degree in Early Childhood Education.

Contact

Contact Jean Allison for more information about the program.
610-359-5160
Email