Child Care Regulation Training

Florida Director Credentials

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Florida Director Credential

65C-22.003(8), Florida Administrative Code

View Director Credential Employment Bulletin Board information.

Director Credential Program

Administering a child care program is a complex job - one that requires extensive skills and knowledge in both child development and program administration. The expectation that directors of child care programs be well-trained and credentialed is ever increasing. In keeping with this trend, in 1999 the Florida Legislature revised child care licensing standards to require directors of licensed child care facilities to have a Director Credential. As a result of the legislative changes, the Department of Children and Families developed a comprehensive, renewable Director Credential consisting of educational and experiential requirements at threelevels - Level I, Level II and Advanced.

Effective January 1, 2004, every child care facility is required to have a credentialed director, except during evening hours. A director may only supervise one child care facility, except if the facility is a before-and-after-school program. The director is the on-site administrator/supervisor who must be present in the facility a majority of the time that the facility is in operation, except during evening hours of operation. Every applicant for a license to operate a child care facility or a license for a change of ownership of a child care facility must document that the facility director has a Director Credential prior to issuance of the license.

A Director Credential is valid for five (5) years from the date of issue. A Director Credential issued prior to January 1, 2004 will have an initial renewal date of January 1, 2009 and every 5 years thereafter.

Director Credential Application

Download and complete the Director Credential Application, CF-FSP 5290, March 2009, to renew your Director Credential. Please include all appropriate supporting documentation and mail to the address listed in the application.

Approved Training Locations Offering "Overview of Child Care Management" Course

In order to receive a Director Credential, the "Overview of Child Care Management" course must be approved by the department. If the course you have taken is not on the approved list, you will not be given credit. Download the approved Overview of Child Care Management course list.

VPK Director Endorsement

Consistent with the requirements of section 1002.55(3)(f), F.S., a private prekindergarten program delivering the VPK program must have a director who has a VPK Director Endorsement, issued by DCF, that meets the requirements of Rule 6A.6.040(2), FAC.
Exempt: Successful completion of the Director Credential prior to December 31, 2006, satisfies this requirement, although individuals are strongly encouraged to acquire the VPK Endorsement. Exempt individuals are strongly encouraged to apply for the endorsement.
Endorsement: Effective January 1, 2007, to receive a VPK Director Endorsement Credential, applicants must complete the following:

1. The Florida Director Credential Certificate program listed above.
2. The DOE-approved training on the VPK Education standards adopted by the State Board of Education.
3. The DOE-approved course(s) on Emergent Literacy Online Registration.
4. The DOE-approved course(s) addressing the VPK Specific Competencies Online Registration.

Download the VPK Director Endorsement Application.

For VPK Director Endorsement Credential Resources, FAQ and contacts, please visit the Department of Education - Office of Early Learning VPK Director Endorsement Credential page.

VPK Director Endorsement Renewal

At this time, there are no additional requirements necessary to renew a Florida Director Credential with a VPK Endorsement.

Director Credential Renewal Process

View information on how to renew your Director Credential Renewal Application, CF-FSP Form 5290, March 2009.

Additional Resources, Flyer and Brochures

View information about the Director Credential Curriculum Areas.

Participate in the Department of Children and Families' Child Care Training Information Center Customer Satisfaction Survey

For more information, please contact:
Child Care Training Information Center (CCTIC)
Telephone: 1-888-FL-CCTIC (1-888-352-2842)

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