Child Development Director, Certificate
This program prepares students to meet Illinois Department of Children and Family Services requirements to be an Early Childhood Education Center Director. Students must also have completed two years of college credit. Since PSC is an entitled institution, these courses can be used to meet Illinois Gateways Director Credential 1 requirements.
What Can You Do with a Child Development Director Certificate?
With this certificate, you can work as a childcare center director, program administrator,
or early childhood education supervisor. You will be responsible for managing staff,
developing curriculum policies, ensuring regulatory compliance, and maintaining high
standards of care and education. This certification prepares you to lead and improve
early childhood programs, fostering positive environments for children and families.
The demand for qualified early childhood program directors is growing as communities
seek high-quality childcare and early education services. Graduates with this certificate
can pursue careers as childcare center directors, program managers, or administrative
leaders in early childhood education. Leadership roles in this field offer opportunities
for career growth, increased responsibility, and making a lasting impact on educational
quality and child welfare.
Suggested Curriculum
This program prepares students to meet Illinois Department of Children and Family
Services requirements to be an Early Childhood Education Center Director. Students
must also have completed two years of college credit. Since PSC is an entitled institution,
these courses can be used to meet Illinois Gateways Director Credential 1 requirements.
- ECED 103 Health, Safety, and Nutrition
- ECED 104 Introduction to Early Childhood Education
- ECED 120 Child, Family, and Community
- ECED 130 Guidance and Classroom Management
- ECED 213 Multicultural Education
- ECED 217 Administration of Early Childhood Education Centers - Personnel, Families and Children
- ECED 218 Administration of Early Childhood Education Centers - Practices and Procedures
- ECED 251 Curriculum Design for Early Childhood Programs
- ED 101 Child Growth and Development
Choose 3 credits from the following, based on recommendation of the program coordinator:
- ECED 150 Introduction to Early Childhood Center Administration - Legal Requirements
- ECED 151 Introduction to Early Childhood Center Administration - Program Operations
- ECED 152 Introduction to Early Childhood Center Administration - Facilities Management
- ECED 219 Applied Early Childhood Center Administration
- ECED 298 Administration of an Early Childhood Center Internship
Each college and university has its own major requirements and transfer policies. Consult the schools you are considering and a PSC advisor to discuss courses and their transferability.
Gainful Employment Disclosures - 2026
For more information about graduation rates, loan repayment rates, and post-enrollment earnings about this institution and other postsecondary institutions please click here: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/
Child Development Director Certificate (ECED.CDDIR.TCE)
This program is designed to be completed in 12 months.
This program will cost $6,510 if completed within normal time. There may be additional costs for living expenses. These costs were accurate at the time of posting, but may have changed.
The Child Development Director certificate meets licensure requirements in Illinois.
Of the students who completed this program within normal time, the typical graduate leaves with $0 of debt.
Prairie State College provides a comprehensive array of resources designed to foster student success and well-being. These include disability support services, health and safety protocols, career development counseling, and personal support. Academic assistance is readily available through tutoring, advising, and library services, while transfer advising and campus security ensure a safe and seamless college experience. Additionally, the college offers various financial aid options to help students achieve their educational objectives.
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