Preschool Administrators
Preschool administrators plan, oversee and coordinate the educational and non-educational activities at preschool centers and child care centers. They manage the routine activities and provide instructional leadership. They also hire the staff members.
Preschool administrators establish the objectives and standards. They also manage the financial aspects of a preschool or a day care center. Preschool administrators ensure that the school meets required regulations and educational standards.
The following is a list of sample job titles: child care center administrator, child care center director, child care director, daycare manager, director of child care center, director of preschool, early care superintendent, and preschool director.
Responsibilities
- Set standards and goals
- Develop and submit budget requests
- Monitor children's progress
- Determine allocation of funds
- Oversee the recruitment, hiring and training of staff members
- Plan, oversee and monitor content and methods of educational and activity programs
- Oversee and coordinate the activities of administration personnel and teachers
- Discuss with parents their child's progress in various areas
- Determine the range of educational program offerings
- Evaluate new and current programs to determine their effectiveness
Job Characteristics
Many educational administrators find working with students very rewarding. However, dealing with difficult children can be challenging. Due to interacting with teachers, parents and children, good interpersonal, communication and motivational skills are important for the occupation. Knowledge of leadership principles and practices is beneficial.
Employment Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics is expecting a 24% growth in employment for preschool and childcare center administrators from 2006 to 2016. The strong growth forecast is due to the increasing amount of enrollments in formal child care programs. Also, more preschool directors will be required as more states expand or implement public preschool programs. In 2006 there were 56,000 preschool or childcare administrators.
In 2008, administrators working in preschools and childcare centers earned $39,940. Opportunities for employment may vary by regions of the country.
Education, Certification, and Licensing
Administrators that work in preschool programs at public schools are often required to have earned at least a bachelor's degree. Almost all states require preschool and child care center directors to be licensed.
Education administration degree programs usually include classes in school law, school leadership, school finance and budgeting, curriculum development and evaluation, research design and data analysis, community relations and other subjects.
Resources
- National Child Care Association
- The National Association for the Education of Young Children
- American Association of School Administrators
Major Employers
The major employers are child day care centers, elementary schools, individual and family services, civil and social organizations and religious organizations.
Schools for Preschool And Child Care Administrators are listed in the Browse Schools Section.
