The Childrens Program Administrator Credential of New York State

Developed by: The Career Development Initiative of New York State, Career Pathways Work Group

Funded by: The New York State Council on Children and Families, The New York State Office of Children and Family Services, and Wheelock College- The Center for Career Development

The term administrator represents a variety of titles used by early childhood and school-age programs to describe the role of director, including, but not limited to: program director, site supervisor, executive director, or administrator. Definition from Taking the Lead-Investing in Early Childhood Leadership for the 21st Century.

The credential is an 18-credit hour program currently offered at an undergraduate level. Graduate level coursework and alignment with the New York State School Administrator and Supervisor Certificate (SAS) is under development

In addition to this 18-credit hour program, candidates applying for the credential must also possess:

• A minimum of an Associate degree in Early Childhood Education, or a related degree,
  • or
• 60 credit hours of college coursework, as a matriculated student, with a minimum of 18 credit hours in early childhood education or related coursework.

Participation in a directors support group is encouraged.

Credential Coursework Content
The credential encompasses a comprehensive program consisting of five 3-credit hour courses and one 3-credit hour seminar

Course 1. Administering Childrens Programs

• Organizational Management: Principles and Practices
  
  
• Personnel Management
  
  
• Human Relations

Course 2. Financial Planning and Management for Childrens Programs

• Formulating a Financial Plan
  
  
• Budgets and Accounting
  
  
• Resources and Expenses

Course 3. Operations Management in Childrens Programs

• Management Systems for Quality Programs
  
  
• Technology and Communication
  
  
• Health and Safety

Course 4. External Environment and Childrens Programs

• Legal and Regulatory Requirements
  
  
• Marketing
  
  
• Ethical and Professional Standards

Course 5. Designing Programs That Are Good for Children and Families

• Programming for the Whole Child
  
  
• Programming for the Whole Family
  
  
• Programming for Children with Special Needs

Course 6. Seminar in Childrens Program Administration

Currently the Administrator Credential is being piloted in four areas of New York State: Buffalo, Rochester, Westchester, and Binghamton. Statewide coursework offerings anticipated in early 2000.

Some credential candidates will have acquired the knowledge on which the curriculum is based through their prior education and experience. These candidates will have the opportunity to demonstrate the extent and level of their knowledge through approved college assessment for prior learning or through direct review by the credential review panel.

The New York State Association for the Education of Young Children (NYSAEYC) will be the issuer of the Administrator Credential. The credentialing process is under development.

For additional information and location of course work in your area,