Early Childhood Director Core, Diploma (654.3)

Diploma

This program is designed for individuals who work in early childhood and child development and wish to apply for the Director Credential as identified by the PA Key to increase the knowledge and understanding of the role of the Child Care and School-Age Director as defined in Section 3720.34 and 3720.241 (c), Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Child Day Care Regulations and to meet the requirements of the Keystone STARS continuous quality assurance program at the STAR 3 level.

Students must have three current clearances: FBI Fingerprint Clearance, a Pennsylvania State Police Criminal History Clearance, and a Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare Child Abuse History Clearance and meet the local requirements of the field placement site, including the National Sex Offender Registry (NSOR) Verification Clearance.

Upon successful completion of the program, the graduate will:

1. Integrate appropriate theories and practices to create, implement and evaluate.
2. Identify core values and ethical behavior standards of the profession by exercising sensitivity, professionalism, confidentiality and competency when interacting with children, families, co-workers, community representatives and policy agents.
3. Utilize student-prepared tools and strategies that reflect content and pedagogical knowledge of intentional and responsive practice.
4. Apply appropriate observation and assessment strategies to positively influence children's development and learning as they employ appropriate discipline terminology and professional tone in written and oral communication.

To begin this coursework, students must know that the requirement set forth by the PA Keys who awards the credential under the inital pathway is:

• The minimum educational qualification for the award of the Pennsylvania Director Credential is an Associate’s degree.  A candidate must have an Associate’s, Bachelor’s or Master’s degree with a total of 18 Early Childhood Education (ECE) credits as follows:
• 9 ECE credits from coursework and
• 9 ECE credits from the Director Credential coursework from an approved Higher Education. Institute on the Director Credential Programs list. The list of Director Credential Program can be found on the Director Credential webpage under Director Credential Documents. (Director Credential - The Pennsylvania Key)

The student must complete three, three-credit courses that are not included in any other associate or Bachelor's degree. The program can be completed in one, two, or three semesters. Graduates can be Directors of Early Childhood, Child Development, Infant/Toddler or School-Age Programs.

After completion of these courses, candidates make separate application to the PA Key and should obtain information to meet additional requirements of candidacy. (Director Credential - The Pennsylvania Key)