Iowa State University Extension

Problem:
The education, training and leadership skills of a child care center directors are critical to the quality and long-term stability of child care centers in Iowa . Education and support for administrative tasks and responsibilities are essential for child care directors, yet many experienced Iowa child care professionals have little formal preparation for stepping into the Director role. Standardized, state-wide training for child care center directors on core business management practices and leadership skills for center management was identified as a key need in the proposal for the revision forgivable loan program submitted to the State Childcare Advisory Council (SCCAC) in February 2003.

Response:
As chair of the Quality Committee of the State Child Care Advisory Council, the ISU Extension Family Life Field Specialist convened a broad-based state work group that developed the proposal for the revision of the forgivable loan program. The proposed system included a group training component for child care center directors that addressed core business practices as well as other issues that impact a centers operational stability. The National Administrator Credential (NAC) was selected as the center administration curriculum because it is the only nationally recognized director credential, is competency based and had been previously offered in Iowa with favorable results. The NAC training project was developed as part of the of the Child Care Center Business Practices project of the Iowa Child Care and Early Education Network with funding from the Iowa Department of Human Services. An implementation plan provided for low cost or regional trainings through the state. Forgivable loan recipients were required to take the course (free of charge) as a way to support sound management practices and prevent future financial problems.

Impact:
A state-wide system for offering center director training on business management was developed and implemented. A core group of Iowa NAC trainers were trained at a train-the-trainer event in July 2004. The 40 hour NAC curriculum has been offered regionally to all licensed child care centers in Iowa from Fall 2004 to the present with approximately 10-12 trainings per year. Over 250 child care center directors – approximately 15% of the directors in the state - earned the National Administrator Credential through 2005. NAC training continues to be offered regionally through Child Care Resource and Referral in Iowa , with 10 classes scheduled in 2007.

 

Contact:
Sharon Mays
Family Life Field Specialist
5201 NE 14 th Street Ste A, Des Moines IA 50313
Phone: (515) 261-4217
E-mail: smays@iastate.edu