Early childhood center directors are responsible for a wide variety of duties that require a specialized and diverse set of skills and knowledge. Depending upon the center's organizational structure, some directors may have administrative support for several operational functions while others may be responsible for all operations. This competency set strives to address the skills and knowledge needed to successfully lead all program operation areas for child care centers providing less than 24-hour care as defined in Colorado General Rules for Child Care Facilities and Rules Regulating Child Care Centers that Provide Less than 24-Hour Care. Each competency has three levels: foundation, application, and development.

Directors and related administrators, such as business managers or curriculum leaders, may use the competencies that support their specific responsibilities. Directors qualified though one of the pathways not including the ten college-level courses needed to fulfill director qualifications may find the competency set particularly useful in helping them fill any gaps in knowledge or skills. Everyone can use the competency set to identify supportive resources that help with planning and creating organized systems to support all aspects of an early childhood center.

It is important for directors to know they are supported in their mission to provide quality care for children and support for families. There are many resources available through state departments, federal agencies, regional and national organizations, and others to help support directors in the leadership of their programs. Links to organizations and resources have been provided within the first level of competencies with additional resources to be added as they become available. These resources, when used with collaborative leadership, can help reduce the load of everyday duties. Links to general articles are a place to start with a competency and consider how you will go deeper to gain the full competency and are not endorsements of any particular writer, organization, or service. Directors are not expected to be experts in each competency domain. It is anticipated they will delegate some responsibilities and work in collaboration with staff members, stakeholders, community organizations, consultants, a shared services organization, and perhaps use childcare management software to support operations. 

If you are just starting your journey as a director or are considering becoming director qualified, you may wish to start with the first level of the competencies. Those with the first level of knowledge and skills may want to start with the second level. Additionally, while all of the competencies are important, those that focus on Colorado Rules and Regulations and being in compliance with all licensing, health, safety, and nutrition regulations and codes are essential to operating a child care center. It is recommended you start with competencies associated with Colorado Rules and Regulations and the Early Childhood Center Health, Safety, and Nutrition competency domain if you are unfamiliar with these areas. Those looking to establish an early childhood center may want to start with the Planning and Leadership domain.