Are you passionate about early childhood education and ready to take the next step in your career? Becoming a child care director is a rewarding path that not only allows you to shape young lives but also offers stability and a solid income. In Texas, child care directors typically earn an average of around $45,000 to $55,000 per year, with potential for higher earnings based on experience and center size. If you are curious about the qualifications and licensing requirements needed to move into this impactful role, we will guide you through the essential steps and help you determine your eligibility for Texas’s director credential.
Qualifications and License Requirements
In Texas, Child Care Regulation Minimum Standards states to qualify as a child care center director, an individual must have a high-school diploma or its equivalent and meet a combination of education and experience. Those combinations include:
- Bachelor’s degree with 12 college credit hours in child development and six college credit hours in management and at least one year of experience in a licensed child care center; or
- Associate degree in child development or closely related field with six hours in child development and at least two years of experience in a licensed child care center; or
- Sixty college credit hours with nine college credit hours in child development and six hours in management and at least two years of experience in a licensed child care center; or
- Child care administrator’s certificate from a community college with at least 15 college credit hours in child development and three hours in management and at least two years of experience in a licensed child care center; or
- Six college credit hours in management with a Child Development Associate credential; or
- Certified Child Care Professional Credential and at least two years of experience in a licensed child care center; or
- Day-care administrator’s credential issued by a professional organization or educational institution and approved by Licensing and at least two years of experience in a licensed child care center; or
- Nine college credit hours in child development and nine college credit hours in management and at least three years of experience in a licensed child care center.
Child Care Director Credential Training Program
Looking through these options you may find yourself wondering if you qualify or how you could qualify to become a child care director.
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension’s Promoting Early Education Quality (PEEQ) program offers an approved daycare administrator’s credential (often referred to as a Director’s Credential) for early childhood professionals looking to advance their careers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Applying to the Training Program
Interested in learning more? Here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions.
Are there any initial requirements or qualifications that I should consider before I apply to the training program?
Yes, individuals must be at least 21 years of age when you submit their application. They also must have a high-school diploma or its equivalent and at least two years of experience in a licensed child care program.
Do I still need to apply if I meet the initial requirements or qualifications?
Yes, all interested applicants who meet the requirements or qualifications must apply.
What information is required to apply and be considered?
The application asks for information such as:
- Name
- Mailing address
- Age
- TECPDS number
- Current and most recent employment history
- Current first aid / CPR and background screening for employment
Is there a cost to apply?
There is no application fee.
What is the cost for approved applicants?
The total cost for the Child Care Director Credential training course bundle is $400.
Is it possible for each course in the bundle to be paid for individually?
No, approved applicants must pay for complete bundle. The bundle can not be separated by course.
Are all courses in the bundle required?
Yes, Texas Child Care Regulations has approved all elements of the Director Credential Course bundle. To earn a Director Credential from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, all elements of the program must be completed as approved. If you have completed similar courses outside this program, they will not be recognized for credit toward this Director Credential.
Once my application is approved, what happens next?
When an application is approved, the individual is notified via email of their acceptance into the training program. A link to the coursework is included with detailed instructions on how to purchase the online courses.
What does the program include?
There are ten – six-hour asynchronous courses covering the required child development, health and safety, and management content required by Texas Child Care Regulation. There are also two assignments that a candidate must submit for review.
How long does the coursework take to complete?
Each course should take approximately six hours to complete for a total of 60 clock hours.
How long does a candidate have to complete the coursework and submit the two required assignments?
Each candidate will have one calendar year to complete the coursework and submit their assignments for review.
How long is the credential valid?
Once a candidate has earned their child care director credential, it is valid for two years.
When do you have to renew an awarded credential and is there a cost?
It is recommended that credential holders begin the renewal process at least 2 months before the expiration date printed on their current credential. If you hold a Director Credential awarded by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension PEEQ program, the renewal fee is $60.00.
Is any support offered to candidates during the year they have access to the coursework?
Yes! There is a dedicated member of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension PEEQ team who will collaborate closely with each candidate to support any needs they have related to course content and submitted assignments. The AgriLife Learn Help Desk is also available for any technical questions related to the online course platform.
Getting Started
Ready to get started on the next step in your early childhood career?
Start by submitting your free application. Be sure you can access your current First Aid/CPR certificate and your most recent background screening to upload to your application. You will also need to have your Texas Early Childhood Professional Development System (TECPDS) number handy as well to add to your application.
Once you have completed your application, a member of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension PEEQ team will respond within two business days. It is helpful to let your current employer know someone may be contacting them to verify your employment. This will help to reduce the waiting time to complete and approve an application.
Do you have more questions?
Please contact Amy Foster Palmer:
- amy.foster-palmer@ag.tamu.edu
- 979-321-5252