Your Complete Guide to Becoming A Director in California 

If you're passionate about #early-childhood education and ready to take on a leadership role in shaping young lives, becoming a child care director in California might be the perfect #career path. California has a high demand for qualified and dedicated child care professionals who can manage and elevate the quality of child #development programs.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps, requirements, and best resources—including ChildCareEd.com courses—to help you achieve your goal of becoming a licensed child care director in California.

What Is a Child Care Director?

A child care director is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of a child care center or #preschool. Duties typically include:

• Managing #staff and ensuring they are properly trained

• Creating educational programs that meet #developmental needs

• Ensuring compliance with state regulations

• Handling budgeting and administrative tasks

• Engaging with #parents and the community

Step 1: Meet the Basic Education Requirements

To become a child care director in California, you must meet the qualifications outlined by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS), Community Care Licensing Division.

You typically need:

• At least 15 semester units in #early-childhood-education (ECE) or child development (CD), including:

  • 3 units in administration or staff relations

  • 3 units in infant/ #toddler development (recommended but not always required)

• 4 years of teaching experience in a licensed child care center or similar setting

Recommended Course:

• ChildCareEd’s Early Childhood Education Certificate Program: Earn the foundational units needed for state requirements.

• ChildCareEd’s Child Care Administration Course: Fulfills the administration unit requirement.

Step 2: Gain the Required Experience

California requires at least 4 years of experience in a licensed child care setting. This hands-on experience is essential for developing leadership, curriculum planning, and #staff-supervision skills.

You may also qualify with 3 years of experience and 6 additional semester units in administration.

Helpful Course:

• ChildCareEd’s Staff Supervision and Leadership Training: Designed to enhance leadership competencies.

Step 3: Complete Health and Safety Training

All child care directors must meet health and #safety training requirements. California mandates specific training in:

• Preventive Health Practices

• Pediatric First Aid and CPR

• Child Abuse Mandated Reporter Training

Take These Online:

• Health and Safety Training Bundle: Covers all three required topics.

• Mandated Reporter Training: Satisfies California law.

Step 4: Apply for a Director Permit (Optional but Beneficial)

While not always mandatory for private centers, obtaining a California Child Development Site Supervisor Permit from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) is a strong professional credential.

Requirements include:

• AA degree or higher with ECE coursework

• Experience and administration units

• Completion of professional responsibilities training

ChildCareEd offers courses to help you meet these requirements:

• Professionalism in Early Childhood Education

Step 5: Stay Current With Ongoing Training

Once you’ve become a child care director, California requires continued professional development. Directors must complete a specific number of training hours each year in areas such as child development, safety, and leadership.

Explore Continuing Education:

• ChildCareEd’s Annual Director Training Package: Keep your credentials current with fresh, up-to-date content.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a child care director in California is a rewarding journey that combines passion, education, and leadership. With the right training and experience, you can #play a vital role in shaping the future of young children—and their families.

Whether you're just starting or looking to advance your career, ChildCareEd.com is here to support you with flexible, affordable, and state-approved online courses every step of the way.

Start your journey today → View All Courses