Eager-to-Learn Online Director’s Credential Cohort, 2011

• Timeline
• Fees
• Course Schedule
• Contact Information

The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) points to the director’s skills and training as leading indicators of overall quality in a child care program. The Eager-to-Learn Online Director’s Credential addresses 10 essential skill areas needed to successfully operate a quality child care business in the 21st century.

The Eager-to-Learn Director’s Credential Cohort Program is a quality, convenient and affordable training option offered completely online through facilitated courses with peer networking and personalized instructor interaction.

Applications open September 1, 2010, with coursework beginning in January 2011. Participants in the Director’s Credential Cohort attend nine online classes together. This creates a supportive learning community. Students also receive coaching as they complete an individual practicum project of interest.

For $940 (approximately half the price of traditional training courses) experienced, knowledgeable and certified instructors offer 144 hours of high-quality training. The Director’s Credential Cohort Program also offers support and coaching between classes, networking sessions and membership in Director’s Online (our online forum for center directors). Download an application

Applications will be accepted starting September 1, 2010, with rolling acceptances until the 15-member class is filled. Applicants will be notified of acceptance within 30 days of receipt of their completed application. When accepted, applicants will have seven business days to pay the $150 cohort program fee and sign a payment agreement for the balance of the course and credential fees. Many directors have received training grants to assist with their participation in the cohort.

Cohort membership is open to child care business directors and assistant directors from throughout the United States.

Twenty five early childhood professionals have successfully completed the Eager-to-Learn Online Director’s Credential in the past 18 months. Here is what directors are saying:

“I would definitely recommend this credential cohort to all directors. Both experienced and brand new directors—and their programs—will benefit greatly from the experience.”

“All the instructors were great and so helpful in the director cohort.  They all had very effective teaching styles and were helpful if questions came up.  I’d do it again in a heartbeat!”

“Having the peer support was very important.  Knowing that others are out there going through the same things that I am and being able to share our knowledge with each other was a very important part of the courses.”

“I really liked the online experience.  It was great not having to leave my office or spend time and money traveling. The chat sessions got right to business—and we could come to the chat early to socialize if we wanted, which people often did!”

The Director’s Credential is offered in collaboration with the Minnesota Association for the Education of Young Children (MnAEYC). It meets all the requirements for NAEYC accreditation plus many state and national director administrative training requirements.

Eager-to-Learn Director’s Credential Cohort Timeline

Application Open	September 1, 2010
Enrollment Closed	December 10, 2010  or when all spots are filled
Cohort Begins	January 18, 2011
Final Projects due	November 15, 2011
Cohort Ends	December 6, 2011

Eager-to-Learn Director’s Credential Cohort Fees

Cohort Program Fee (includes Director’s Online, coaching and administrative support)	$150
Eager-to-Learn Course Fees for 10 classes (144 training hours)	$690
MnAEYC Credential Application Fee and Assessment	$100
Total Cost for Director’s Credential Program and MnAEYC Credential	$940

The $150 program fee holds your place and is due within seven days of acceptance. Course and credential fees must be paid in full at least 10 days prior to the start of the cohort or arrangements may be made, if needed, to pay for each course at least 10 days prior to its start. The credential fee is due prior to the start of the cohort.

Eager-to-Learn Director’s Credential Cohort Course Schedule

Developing Your Leadership and Staffing Strength
	Essential Management Skills for Directors		January 18-February 8
	Practicum Project Introduction and Topic Research		February 15-22
	Time Management and Organizational Skills		March 1-15
	Leadership and Supervisory Skills		March 22- April 12
Developing Your Financial Strength
	Business Plan Introduction and Foundation  and Practicum Project Check-in		April 26-May 3
	Financial Series
		Financial Forecasting	May 10-31
		Personnel Budgeting	June 7-21
		Financial Reporting	June 28-July 12
	Practicum Project and Business Plan Check-in Chat		July 19
Course Break and Individual Work on Business Plan      and Practicum Project			July 26-September 12
Developing Your Business Strength
	Marketing and Customer Care		September 13-October 4
	Grant Writing and Fund Development		October 11-November 1
	Practicum Project and Business Plan Completion		November 8 - 15
	Project Presentations, Cohort Wrap-Up/Success Review		November 22-29
	Success Virtual Celebration		December 6
All class online chats are on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. CST/CDT

 

To apply for membership in the Eager-to-Learn Director’s Credential cohort, complete the application (Microsoft Word) and submit it via e-mail.

Contact Information:

For more information on Director’s Credential Cohort Program contact Cory Woosley at coryw@mnchildcare.org  or 651-746-4024. 

Contact John Strharsky at johns@mnchildcare.org or 651-746-4025 to pay the credential program and course fees.

The Director’s Credential is offered to early childhood directors in collaboration with the Minnesota Association for the Education of Young Children (MnAEYC)  www.mnaeyc.org.