So you’re imagining yourself as a #leader in #early-childhood education, making big-picture decisions, guiding #teachers, and shaping environments where little learners thrive. Becoming a childcare director in Georgia is totally doable—and rewarding! Here’s what you need to know, how to get there, and how ChildCareEd can help you step into that director role confidently.
Before you can officially lead a childcare center in Georgia, there are key requirements:
You must meet Bright from the Start (Georgia DECAL) licensing standards. These include educational qualifications (often a certain level of college credit or a relevant credential) and relevant experience.
You’ll need to complete approved training for administrators or directors.
Also, expect #background-checks, first aid/CPR certifications, and knowledge of #health, #safety, and child #development regulations.
Because regulations do change, it's smart to review the latest from Georgia DECAL. A great place to check is the ChildCareEd list of approved courses in Georgia.
If you want to be a director, knowing how to lead isn’t enough—you need formal learning that aligns with Georgia’s expectations. The 40-Hour Director’s Course from ChildCareEd does exactly that.
Here are some of the ways it equips you:
It’s Bright from the Start approved under ASO training code TR-ASO-76.
It teaches you communication strategies with families, professional integrity, ethical #leadership, and how to manage regulatory compliance (e.g. facility safety, medication administration).
You’ll learn about #staff evaluation, budgeting basics, business planning, and supervision. All of the “behind-the-scenes” leadership stuff that matters in running a center.
The course is self-paced, online, costing $125, and yields 4 CEUs.
In short: If you complete this 40-hour director training, you’ll gain many of the competencies Georgia requires for childcare directors. It strengthens your resume, builds your confidence, and helps ensure you’re ready to lead well.
There are many trainings out there. To meet Georgia’s licensing requirements and to be fully prepared, you’ll want courses that are:
Approved by Georgia DECAL (often listed as Bright from the Start approved).
Relevant to administration and management, health and safety, early childhood development, and program operations.
At the proper level of duration / CEUs. For example, that 40-Hour Director’s Course is one of the key admin-level trainings.
ChildCareEd offers a broad catalog of Georgia-approved courses. You can explore them here: ChildCareEd Courses in Georgia.
Going from “teacher or assistant” to director means more than certifications. You’ll also want to:
Gain experience: mentoring staff, supervising, managing parts of a program, helping with budgeting.
Practice leadership: conflict resolution, staff evaluations, communicating with #parents and stakeholders.
Develop business sense: managing budgets (revenues and expenses), staffing ratios, licensing compliance. ChildCareEd has a handy tool: the Child Care Monthly Budget Plan resource to help you understand monthly finances.
Stay up to date: regulatory changes, early childhood best practices, safety protocols, etc.
Once you have the qualifications and experience:
You might start as an assistant director or program coordinator, moving up to director when a position opens.
Some directors own their centers; others manage centers owned by larger organizations. Each path has different responsibilities (business management, compliance, staffing, etc.).
Challenges can include:
Balancing administrative tasks with educational quality.
Managing staff morale, turnover, and training.
Dealing with budgeting constraints, regulatory oversight, and safety or health emergencies.
Keeping up with family #engagement, community expectations, and licensing requirements.
ChildCareEd offers more than just courses. Some benefits include:
A full set of Georgia-approved trainings tailored to different areas (health & safety, program operation, professionalism, etc.).
The 40-Hour Director’s Course gives you a solid foundation in both leadership and administration. ChildcareED
Budget planning tools and administrative resources (like the Child Care Monthly Budget Plan) help you build the financial literacy you need.
Helpful articles that share insight and guidance; for instance, the article “Becoming a Childcare Director in Georgia” will give you more detailed steps and reflections from real-world practice.
Becoming a childcare director in Georgia means blending educational credentials, approved training, leadership experience, and lots of heart. If you are committed, taking the 40-Hour Director’s Course from ChildCareEd is a smart move—because it gives you concrete skills, helps you meet requirements, and builds confidence.
If you’re ready to take that next step, check out:
All the Georgia-approved courses
More guidance in “Becoming a Childcare Director in Georgia”
#health-and-safety
#early-childhood-education