In New York State, regulations vary depending on the type of child care center, but most director roles require:
A high school diploma or higher
A CDA (Child Development Associate) Credential or equivalent in #early-childhood-education
At least 2-3 years of experience working with children
Leadership or supervisory experience (sometimes required or strongly preferred)
For some settings, a bachelor’s degree or a NYS Children’s Program Administrator Credential (CPAC) may also be required.
Start with the basics by earning your CDA Credential, a nationally recognized certification that shows you’re trained, experienced, and ready for more responsibility.
Learn more about #career paths in #early-childhood:
👉 Unlocking Career Opportunities with a CDA
At cdacertification.com, you’ll find online CDA courses that meet New York's licensing standards and prepare you for #leadership:
Each course includes 120 hours of formal training, plus resources to build your CDA Professional Portfolio.
Your CDA Professional Portfolio is a requirement for certification and a fantastic way to showcase your skills and philosophy. Don’t #stress—we’ve got you covered with this ready-to-use binder template:
📁 CDA Portfolio Binder Cover Sheet and Tabs Template (Daisy All Ages)
It’s the perfect tool to organize your materials with professionalism and style.
Absolutely! If you live and work in New York, you may qualify for the Educational Incentive Program (EIP) Scholarship, which can cover the full cost of your CDA training.
Apply here:
🎓 New York EIP Scholarship
Don’t let cost stop you from leveling up your career—this grant is here to help!
Many Childcare Directors begin their journey as assistant #teachers or lead #teachers-and move into leadership roles over time. Here's a typical path:
Earn your CDA Credential
Gain 2+ years of #classroom experience
Take on supervisory duties (like curriculum planning or #staff mentoring)
Pursue additional certifications or degrees, if needed
Apply for Director or Site Supervisor positions
With experience, dedication, and the right training, you'll be ready to lead your own program.
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Let’s grow your leadership together—join our community!
Becoming a Childcare Director in New York is an exciting and achievable goal. With the right training from cdacertification.com, financial support from the EIP scholarship, and a passion for children and education—you’ve got everything you need to thrive.
👉 Start Your CDA Course Today and take the first step toward leading the way in #early-childhood education!