Child care centers play a vital role in the lives of young children, providing them with a safe and nurturing environment while their parents or guardians are at work. To ensure the well-being and #development of these children, it is essential to have qualified and competent individuals overseeing these centers. In Texas, child care centers are subject to strict regulations, including requirements for the qualifications and training of their directors. This article will delve into the education and training requirements for child care directors in Texas, including annual training obligations.
Director Qualifications in Texas
In Texas, the role of a child care center director carries significant responsibility, as they are entrusted with the care and education of young children. To become a director of a child care center licensed for 13 or more children, individuals must meet specific qualifications. These qualifications are designed to ensure that directors have the necessary knowledge and experience to provide a high-quality #early-childhood education and care environment.
- Age Requirement: To be eligible for the position of child care center director, candidates must be at least 21 years of age. This requirement reflects the need for maturity and responsibility in overseeing the well-being of children.
- Educational Qualifications: Directors must have a high school diploma or its equivalent. However, this is just the minimum requirement, and additional education is necessary to meet the standards set by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.
Combinations of Education and Experience
To meet the educational requirements for child care center directors in Texas, individuals can choose from several combinations of education and experience, as outlined below:
- Bachelor's Degree with Child Development and Management Credits:
- A bachelor's degree with 12 college credit hours in child development and six college credit hours in management.
- At least one year of experience in a licensed child care center.
- Associate's Degree in Child Development:
- An associate's of applied science degree in child development or a closely related field.
- Six college credit hours in child development and six college credit hours in management.
- At least two years of experience in a licensed child care center.
- Sixty College Credit Hours:
- Sixty college credit hours with nine college credit hours in child development and six college credit hours in management.
- At least two years of experience in a licensed child care center.
- Child Care Administrator's Certificate:
- A child care administrator's certificate from a community college.
- At least 15 college credit hours in child development and three college credit hours in management.
- At least two years of experience in a licensed child care center.
- Child Development Associate or Certified Child Care Professional:
- A Child Development Associate credential or Certified Child Care Professional credential.
- Six college credit hours in management.
- At least two years of experience in a licensed child care center.
- Day-Care Administrator's Credential:
- A day-care administrator's credential issued by a professional organization or educational institution, approved by Licensing based on specified criteria.
- At least two years of experience in a licensed child care center.
- Nine College Credit Hours:
- Nine college credit hours in child development and nine college credit hours in management.
- At least three years of experience in a licensed child care center.
ChildCareEd is a Child Day Care Director Credentialing Organization Recognized by Child Care Regulation to offer the Texas Director Credential. In addition, ChildCareEd also offers the 120 hours of CDA training in the following areas:
ChildCareEd offers these two options to support providers in Texas as they complete the education requirements for Director qualification.
Applying for a Permit
Child care centers in Texas must adhere to specific protocols when designating a new director or applying for a permit. The following documentation and information must be submitted:
- Licensing Personal History Statement Form: A completed form specifying the education and experience of the designated director.
- Licensing Governing Body/Director Designation Form: A completed form indicating the director's designation.
- Licensing Child-Care Center Director's Certificate Form: An original and current certificate form issued by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, verifying the director's qualifications.
- Experience Verification: Complete dates, names, addresses, and telephone numbers that support the required experience must be provided.
Submission of this information is mandatory as part of a new application for a permit or within five days of designating a new director.
Certificate Issuance and Expiration
Once it is determined that a director meets the minimum standard qualifications, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission will issue a Licensing Child-Care Center Director's Certificate. This certificate serves as verification that the individual meets the required qualifications to serve as a child care center director. It is important to note that the director's certificate will have an expiration date.
Annual Training
In addition to the initial education and experience requirements, child care directors in Texas are also required to participate in 30 hours of ongoing training. This training ensures that directors stay up-to-date with best practices in child care and #early-childhood-education.
The 30 clock hours of annual training must be relevant to the age of the children for whom the child-care center provides care.
At least six clock hours of the annual training hours must be in one or more of the following topics:
- Child #growth-and-development
- Guidance and discipline
- Age-appropriate curriculum
- Teacher-child interaction
- Serving children with special care needs
At least one clock hour of the annual training hours must focus on the prevention, recognition, and reporting of child maltreatment, including:
- Factors indicating a child is at risk for abuse or neglect
- Warning signs indicating a child may be a victim of abuse or neglect
- Procedures for reporting child abuse or neglect
- Community organizations that have training programs available to employees, children, and parents.
If the center provides care for children younger than 24 months of age, one hour of the annual training hours must cover the following topics:
- Recognizing and preventing shaken baby syndrome and abusive head trauma
- Understanding and using #safe-sleep practices and preventing sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
- Understanding #early-childhood brain development.
Annual training hours must also include training on the following topics:
- Emergency Preparedness
- Preventing and controlling the spread of communicable diseases, including immunizations
- Administering medication
- Preventing and responding to emergencies due to food or an allergic reaction
- Understanding building and physical premises safety, including identification and protection from hazards that can cause bodily injury such as electrical hazards, bodies of water, and vehicular traffic
- Handling, storing, and disposing of hazardous materials
ChildCareEd's 30 Hour Texas Director Annual training course ensures Director's have training in all required areas.
Child care directors in Texas play a critical role in providing quality care and education to young children. To ensure the safety and well-being of children, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission has established strict educational and experiential requirements for directors. Additionally, ongoing training is essential to keep directors informed about the latest developments in child care and early childhood education.
By adhering to these requirements and investing in continuous professional development, child care directors in Texas can provide a nurturing and educational environment that supports the healthy development of the children in their care. This commitment to high standards ultimately benefits the children and families who rely on child care centers for their well-being and growth and ChildCareEd is here to support you.