If you’ve been dreaming of running your own child care program or #leading a #preschool team in Nebraska, it might be time to take the leap from #educator to child care director. Leadership in #early-childhood-education isn’t just about managing #classrooms—it’s about shaping futures.
Whether you're based in Omaha, Lincoln, or a rural town on the prairie, here’s how to climb the ladder to child care #leadership—and how cdacertification.com can help you every step of the way.
Think of a child care director as the CEO of a child care center. This role blends education, administration, and leadership. Directors are responsible for:
Overseeing curriculum and teaching standards
Managing #staff hiring, training, and scheduling
Handling budgets, licensing, and #safety compliance
Communicating with #parents and supporting families
Ensuring the center meets Nebraska's regulations and quality standards
It’s a job that requires passion, professionalism, and a strong foundation in #early-childhood #development.
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) requires directors to meet specific qualifications depending on the type and size of the program. Typically, this includes:
A minimum number of postsecondary credits in #early-childhood-education or a related field
Work experience with young children
CPR/First Aid and other #health-related training
In many cases, a CDA Credential is accepted to fulfill the educational component
Start your journey with a CDA course that aligns with your desired setting:
Each program includes 120 hours of professional training and meets the requirements recognized by the Council for Professional Recognition and many state child care licensing boards, including Nebraska.
When working toward your CDA, building a strong professional portfolio is key. It’s your chance to showcase your knowledge, teaching philosophy, and reflection on practice.
We’ve made it easy for you:
👉 Download the CDA Portfolio Binder Cover Sheet and Tabs Template (All Ages - Daisy)
A CDA isn’t just the first step—it’s a launchpad. Many child care directors begin as lead #teachers or assistant directors before advancing into leadership. With a CDA under your belt, you can explore roles such as:
Lead preschool teacher
Program coordinator
Child care site supervisor
Early childhood consultant
Child Care Director!
Explore your future:
👉 Unlocking Career Opportunities with a CDA
Follow ChildCareEd.com on social media for:
Professional development resources
Free templates and teaching tools
Tips from other CDA candidates and directors
Updates on course releases and discounts
Let’s grow your #career together, one leadership step at a time!
Your dream job as a child care director in Nebraska is closer than you think. With the right training, the right mindset, and support from cdacertification.com, you can turn your classroom experience into leadership success.
👉 Start your journey with our CDA courses:
Explore CDA Courses Now
Because children deserve leaders—and that leader could be you.