Support for Program Administrators
CCAC Accreditation Facilitation Project (AFP) offers college-credit coursework and other professional development opportunities to improve the qualifications of Connecticut’s early care and education program administrators. These opportunities assist administrators in meeting the education qualifications criteria established by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), as well as the requirements of the Connecticut Director Credential (CDC), which is often used to meet NAEYC’s requirements for program administrators. After taking a CCAC AFP course, you will receive announcements for more professional development opportunities specifically designed for administrators.
Information about NAEYC Program Administrator Education Qualifications
NAEYC allows 3 options for program administrators to meet education qualifications:
Option A
- At least a baccalaureate degree, and
- At least 9-credit-bearing hours of specialized college-level course work in administration, leadership, and/or management, and
- At least 24-credit-bearing hours of specialized college-level course work that addresses child development and learning from birth through kindergarten in early childhood education (ECE), child development (CD), elementary education, or early childhood special education; OR
Option B
- A specified combination of degree, experience and relevant training; OR
Option C
- A five year plan to achieve Option A.
For more detailed information regarding NAEYC’s education qualifications, go to
http://www.naeyc.org/academy/pursuing/candreq.
Information about the Connecticut Director Credential
The Connecticut Director’s Credential (CDC) provides individuals with a voluntary system of credentialing. The renewable credential, offered at different levels of proficiency and
issued by Charter Oak State College, is earned by successfully meeting the education requirements and demonstrating leadership capabilities necessary to run a high quality early care and education program. Administrators must earn at least three college credits in each of the five competency areas:
Competency 1. Initial Comprehensive Course in Administration and Supervision, required for all levels of the Credential.
Competency 2. Personnel Management and Staff Development.
Competency 3. Budget/Fiscal Management.
Competency 4. Leadership Skills.
Competency 5. Child/Family/School and Community Relations
The Connecticut Director’s Credential is a collaboration between Charter Oak State College, Connecticut Charts-A-Course, the Department of Social Services and the Hartford Area Child Care Collaborative.
For detailed information regarding the CDC, go to:
http://www.charteroak.edu/Current/Programs/Credentials/DirectorCredential/index.cfmCoursework Overview
What makes AFP-sponsored classes unique?
- CCAC AFP receives funding to offer program administrator coursework - college courses specifically for leaders in early care and education programs. We work with regionally accredited higher education institutions to offer the classes for college credit.
- Courses are scheduled in compact formats of 6 days (usually 8 am – 4 pm each day) to meet your busy schedules. Courses meet during weekdays and some offerings include Saturdays. Find what fits your schedule!
- Courses are for current program administrators. You learn more when you are surrounded by others who have similar responsibilities. Great content and powerful networking!
Who is eligible to attend?
- Administrators who are involved in and responsible for the day to day administration and management of the operations of programs for young children. These may include program administrator, program director, executive director, site manager, program coordinator, and hybrid administrator/lead teachers.
- Applicants who commit to attending a mandatory enrollment meeting and the full 40 hours of course time.
- Administrators who are employed in an early care and education program within Connecticut. Program administrators of DSS-funded programs and/or AFP selected sites receive priority.
- One administrator per program per course, space permitting.
- For classes other than Administration and Supervision of Programs for Young Children, applicants must show successful completion of an introductory administration class, i.e. NAC (National Administrator Credential) or EC 206) from a regionally accredited higher education institution.
What does it cost?
- There is no fee to be on our mailing list.
- Based on the availability of funding, you typically receive a full tuition scholarship to the course including textbooks, as well as refreshments and lunch during our full day courses.
- You cover the cost of your transportation to/from class, evening lodging (if applicable), and your dinner (if applicable).
What should you do?
Course opportunities are announced via email as funding and details are secured. Those on the mailing list get advance notice.
- If you are on our mailing list: Make sure your information is up to date. For new job details and contact information, submit an updated application. For minor changes such as only a new email address, contact Margaret Gustafson (see below).
- If you are not on our mailing list:
- Assess your needs and your professional development plan in order to identify what courses you need to take.
- Ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements listed above.
- Complete and return the general coursework application via email or fax: Be sure you provide an email address so we can notify you immediately of opportunities!
- Notify us if you wish to be taken off the mailing list.
- Call or email with questions (see below)!
General Coursework Application
Margaret L. Gustafson
Quality Initiatives Specialist
mgustafson@ctcharts.org
800.832.7784 x3907 or 203.287.3907
Fax 203.287.3915
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