Pennsylvania Director Credential
Program Description
The Pennsylvania Director Credential is designed as a standard to measure and validate the abilities and competencies of directors and administrators to manage high quality early childhood and school-age programs. Additionally, it represents the level of personal and professional accomplishments of directors and administrators, their professional contributions through demonstrated leadership, and active engagement in professional endeavors beyond the scope of the daily operation of a program.
This program specialization can be pursued as part of the attainment of the Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education, or as a standalone set of three courses for individuals who already have an associate, bachelor's, or master's degree in early childhood education. Additional requirements and the award of the Pennsylvania Director Credential are through the Pennsylvania Key. Check out the full requirements for the credential.
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What You'll Learn
Pennsylvania Director Credential
In interactive class sessions, students may be involved in learning experiences that include:
Active membership with early childhood advocacy organizations at the local, state, and/or national levels.
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Development of leadership styles.
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Creation of policy and procedures for effective childcare and school age program management.
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Creation of advisory and/or governing boards for programs.
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Business management practices including budgeting, accounting, marketing, fundraising, and grant writing.
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Development and presentation of a business plan.
Career Outlook in Education
Graduates are eligible to own and operate a home childcare program or serve as a lead teacher in certain settings.
Graduates who complete the Pennsylvania Director Credential specialization can serve at a childcare facility, preschool, or Head Start directors.
There are 5,100 projected job openings for childcare directors with a median wage of $54,290 annually. (O*Net OnLine)
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Students learn curriculum planning, approaches to learning assessment, and skill-building for communications between teachers, early learners, and families of young children. This program provides students with the ability to guide the social, emotional, physical, language, and cognitive development of children from birth to eight in a variety of educational settings.
Paraeducators Pathway Program
Major coursework in this program involves studying the background, theory, and current trends within education including instructional and classroom design; assessment of student learning; identifying the needs of typical and atypical students; and cognitive development. Additionally, communication strategies for teachers to engage in with children and their families are researched and practiced through the program coursework.
Pennsylvania Director Credential FAQ's
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Growing up in rural Potter County, Pennsylvania meant if I wanted good educational and employment opportunities, I would have to move. When NPRC started offering classes less than 30 minutes from my home (almost an hour closer than the next closest college), my future was no longer dependent on living in a more urban area. I received a quality education without spending the tens of thousands of dollars on room and board a traditional school would have required. And now, I feel incredibly blessed to be a part of the team making this story possible for so many other people in rural Pennsylvania. NPRC’s mission is a necessary one, helping serve a part of the population that has lacked affordable and quality higher education for decades. This school helped me avoid debt, find my path in life, and now, I have a job I love and opportunities I never expected.
- Brian, NPRC Graduate
While attending NPRC, I am enrolled in 16 credits and working toward a degree in business administration. This switch is already positively benefitting me as a student. I have been keeping up with classes and shifting out of bad habits that may hinder my success. As someone who is diagnosed with anxiety and ADHD, it sometimes gets hard to effectively communicate. However, NPRC continues to provide opportunities to not only challenge myself, but to help me grow as a student, and more importantly, as a person. NPRC was my second chance. My second chance to help me build myself better, and I feel like my future is already better than what it was before NPRC.
-Noah, Business Administration Student
My time at Northern Pennsylvania Regional College has been a great experience even through the COVID-19 pandemic. Never did I imagine doing a year of college in my own home and still be able to be on the Dean’s List and be extremely proud. I am 39 years of age, and it has taken me this long to attempt college. I have to say that starting college at this age was hard. However, everyone at NPRC has made it easy for me to understand what it means to be studious. You can feel the care that is given to you through the staff at NPRC. The instructors are always willing to help and they will always answer the questions that we have. This college is a great way to get started on your new path through life. There are so many options to pick from if you are undecided.
-Claudia, NPRC Graduate
I started with NPRC right after graduating high school in 2018. I was not sure what I wanted to do career-wise, but the criminal justice field had always piqued my interest. Before finishing my two-year degree with NPRC, I decided to transfer to a four-year university to further my education in both sociology and criminal justice. Without the affordability of NPRC and their knowledgeable staff, I would never have dreamed of being where I am today. I will be graduating from RIT in August of 2022 having majored in Sociology and Criminal Justice, as well as having minored in Criminal Justice. I am excited to start a career in the federal Criminal Justice system or within admissions/counseling in higher education. I plan to put myself through law school while working full time after graduating from RIT.
-Ally, Former NPRC Student
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