The six course, 18 credit sequence, leading to The Registry Administrator Credential is based on the competencies needed by child care center administrators as identified by The Registry, the leadership training courses at Wheelock College from 1975-1993, and the work of Gwen Morgan, Joe Perreault and Nancy Travis.

Those who will benefit from this training include administrators and supervisors from full day and half day early care and education programs including: child care centers, family child care homes, Head Start, Pre-Kindergarten, early intervention programs and preschool or nursery schools. 
The courses are also designed to train new leadership for early childhood programs by preparing child care staff to assume increased responsibility and to provide orientation for others from related professions who wish to work in early childhood programs. 

The Registry Administrator Credential is approved to meet the requirements for Directors of programs accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. 

Effective February 1, 2009, The Department of Children and Families requires completion of the credential for directors of group child care programs licensed for 51 or more children within three years of assuming the position. Directors of programs licensed for 50 or fewer children will need to take one of the courses in the credential within one year of assuming the position. Individuals with advanced degrees may not be subject to this requirement.
Click here for DCF Licensing Rules for Group Child Care Centers.

Each course is three credits.

Course One. Administration/Supervision in Early Childhood Programs: Roles and Responsibilities *

This course provides an overview of roles and responsibilities of directors, coordinators, supervisors and other administrators in early childhood programs.

Course Two. Operations Management in Early Childhood Programs *

This course includes discussion and practical applications related to scheduling, staffing, facilities management, equipment acquisition and maintenance, record keeping and communication.

Course Three. Financial Management and Planning in Early Childhood Programs*

This course includes the principles and practices in budget planning, preparation and fiscal management including hands-on experience with program applications.

*If you are taking one of the Credential Courses to meet Licensing regulations, we recommend that you take one of the first three courses as listed.

Course Four. Early Childhood Programs and the External Environment

Review of external factors which affect the operation of early care and education programs including determination of community child care needs, marketing, laws and regulations, working with government and community agencies, political and societal issues and trends.
 

Course Five. Best Practices for Children and Families in Early Childhood Programs

Establishing and maintaining quality programs based on professional standards and the best available information on child growth and development and family friendly environment/services. Coursework includes a review of literature and research studies, licensing laws and regulations, criteria for staff credentials (CDA) and the accreditation of programs by the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs, and funding requirements and performance standards such as those for Head Start.
 

Course Six. Administrative Seminar

This is the culminating experience in the credential course sequence. Major individual projects are required with a focus on the integration of program aspects in developing strategic planning for change. Prerequisites: Courses 1 through 5 of Administrator credential course sequence.
 

Additional information:

For Students

1. Project Preparation Guide
   Each student will complete a project which is presented at the commission. The Project Preparation Guide provides information to complete the final project. The student will receive support from instructors during the Administrative Seminar.(click to download The Administrator Project Preparation Guide)
2. Project Assessment Form
   The commissioner will use this form to assess each project and assure that it meets the requirements for completion of the credential. (click to download the Administrator Project Assessment Form)
3. Student Request for a Commission
   Each student will complete and submit this form to The Registry prior to the Commission. This form includes detailed instructions. (click to download the Student Request for a Commission)
4. Location of Credential Courses
   Credential course information and a list of approved instructors will be available on this site soon.
   Link to The Registry training search tools
   This site provides a list of available coursework, training, and workshops, trained instructors and campus contact information.
   
   It is mandatory for instructors to participate in a Registry Credential Training before teaching this coursework (This list will be available on this site soon)

For Instructors

1. Curriculum and Instructor Guide
   The Registry requires instructors to attend a Credential Training in order to receive the curriculum
2. Instructor Request for a Commission
   Each Administrative Seminar Instructor may request a commission for his or her class. Instructors may want to schedule this during the last class meeting or on another date. (click to download the Instructor Request for a Commission)
3. Instructor Training
   The Registry offers credential training each year. This training usually occurs in January. Other trainings are scheduled as needed or requested. (click here to search for details on the credential instructor training)
4. Posting Courses on T-Net
   Each instructor should be sure that his/her courses are posted on T-Net. Students use this valuable search tool to locate courses they need to meet professional development goals (click here for more information on how to post courses on The Wisconsin Training Network)