Childcare Director Training Certificate
The Iowa Childcare Director Training was developed to support newer directors or those aspiring to become a childcare director. The online training provides valuable information focusing on the needed topics every director should know. These topics include: Center Design, Finance and Fiscal Management, Policies and Procedures, Human Resources, Staff Management, Program Philosophy, Creating a Positive Climate, Managing the Food, Health, and Safety Programs, Curriculum and Assessment, Accessing Services and Community Resources, and Software Application of Quickbooks.
The training allows collaboration through a cohort of participants, 24/7 access through the online format, and an extended mentoring program after the training for further support.
Career Opportunities
This non-credit training counts toward required professional development training for individuals in a number positions including childcare director, early head start director, education coordinator, or preschool director.
Example Careers and Average Wages
| Entry | Average | Experienced |
| Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare | $30,600 | $45,600 | $53,100 |
Source: Iowa Wage Report, Iowa Workforce Development
Admission Requirements
- Must be 21 years of age or older
- Must possess a high school diploma or GED obtained from an accredited institution and recognized by U. S. Department of Education and submit documentation as proof.
- Must have access to a computer and printer
- Must have a valid email address
- Must have access to the Internet through a web browser ( Firefox, Google Chrome, etc.)
- Must be working in childcare and meet the minimum qualifications to be a director as defined by the department of Human Services or be a current director. See Iowa Child Care Resource & Referral's Center Director Requirements [pdf].
Completion Requirements
Students must complete the entire course to receive certification.
Class Information
The course has two phases:
- The first phase is completely online and self-paced, running from January 20 – April 4, 2025.
- The second phase consists of live Zoom sessions for QuickBooks training, held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:00–9:00pm, running from April 7 – 16, 2025. There will be a total of four session
Cost: $499
The NECPA Commission, Inc. has approved this educational program as meeting the criteria for continuing education for the National Administrator Credential.
Registration
Complete the online application and self-attestation form. A training coordinator will contact you once your form has been received. Call 319-296-4296 ext.3111 for more information.
Questions?
Absolutely! This course is an online course that lasts for 12 weeks. Upon completion of the course, students will earn 40 hours of continuing education credit and 45 hours of DHS approved training.
This course is geared toward individuals who have a passion to become a childcare director and manage a child care center. Individuals should have the necessary qualifications that meet DHS requirements to become a director before they take this course.
This course allows students to learn the necessary skills needed in order to begin their journey as a director.
We understand that participants taking this course will most likely already be working full time. This course has been designed over a 12 week period, with new topics explored each week. Readings and assignments will be open on Sundays and students will have a full week to complete these before the next week begins. Two weeks out of the twelve weeks, students will be attending an actual Zoom class twice a week in the evening. This evening portion of the course will be learning a specific skill that is essential as a director and is learned much easier through a Zoom format.
An instructor will be available throughout the course and will guide your learning process. The instructor will be available to you via email, web-chat, and phone throughout your entire course.
Yes, once the course begins, you will have access to an instructor for the course. Communication with the instructor will allow you to know when and how to contact them to support you.
To be successful in this course, individuals should:
- Be passionate about becoming a childcare director
- Have the necessary qualifications to become a director
- Be willing to put time into learning new material in an online format
- Have reliable access to a computer and internet
- Be self-motivated to complete readings and assignments independently
- Be willing to ask questions
Contact Us
We'd love to visit with you about your questions. Contact Kay Wenzel at 319-296-4296, ext. 3111 or complete the form below.