Child Care Management

Ready to lead in the vital field of early childhood education?

Go beyond the fundamentals and build the skills to manage, lead, and inspire. The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Childcare Management at Central Penn College is an accelerated program designed to transform your passion for children into a professional leadership career.

In as little as 18 months plus an internship, this 60-credit degree program equips you with a powerful combination of expertise in progressive childcare and effective business management. You will learn to design and manage facilities and programs that foster the intellectual, emotional, and physical growth of children in a safe, healthy, and stimulating environment.

Our curriculum is strategically designed to prepare you for two key industry benchmarks: the Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential™ and the Pennsylvania Director Credential. This dual focus ensures you graduate with the qualifications to not only excel in the classroom but to lead it.

Childcare Management Degree Program at a Glance

• Accelerated Term Schedule: Complete your degree in as little as 18 months, plus an internship.
• Efficient Curriculum: A focused, 60-credit program that respects your time and investment.
• Dual Credential Preparation: Curriculum prepares you to apply for both the Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential™ and the PA Director Credential.
• Integrated Experience: The program includes 25 hours per week of hands-on work or volunteer hours, ensuring you apply what you learn in a real-world setting.

Is a Childcare Management Degree Worth It?

Yes, an associate degree in Childcare Management is a significant step toward building a long-term, high-impact career. While a certificate can get you started, a degree opens the door to leadership, higher potential, and professional responsibility.

Here’s why it’s worth it:

• Leadership Opportunities: This degree is your pathway to management. The curriculum’s focus on business operations, program design, and facility management prepares you for director-level roles.
• Gain Expertise: Move beyond daily tasks to understand the “why” behind child development and the “how” of running a successful childcare business. This knowledge makes you a more effective educator and a more valuable leader.
• Professional Credibility: An associate degree is a respected academic achievement that signals a commitment to the field. It makes you a competitive candidate for the best positions, including those in public school settings like kindergarten classrooms.
• Accelerate Your Career: With our accelerated term schedule, you can earn your degree and enter the workforce faster than in a traditional program, maximizing your lifetime career opportunities.

What Can You Do with a Childcare Management Degree?

An AAS in Childcare Management significantly expands your career options, preparing you for roles with greater responsibility and influence. You will be qualified for foundational roles and equipped to pursue management positions.

Potential career paths include: Childcare Center Director or Program Administrator, Lead Preschool Teacher, Kindergarten Teacher’s Aide or Paraprofessional, Curriculum Coordinator, Family Child Care Owner/Operator, and Camp Director or Youth Program Leader.

With this degree, you are prepared for advancement as you gain experience, making it a powerful foundation for a lifelong career.

Why CDA and Director Credential Prep Matters

A degree program that aligns with key industry credentials provides a direct and tangible return on your investment. Our AAS program prepares you to pursue both the CDA and the PA Director Credential.

The Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential™

The CDA is the most widely recognized national credential in early childhood education. Our program’s alignment is critical because:

• Professional Benchmark: Earning a CDA demonstrates you have mastered the core competencies of being an effective educator, making you a preferred candidate for employers.
• Job Requirement: Many lead teacher and assistant director roles require a CDA.
• Mark of Excellence: The credential validates your skills and dedication to your professional growth and the well-being of children.

The Pennsylvania Director Credential

For those with leadership ambitions, this is the next step. Our associate degree program provides the academic foundation necessary for you to become eligible to apply for the PA Director Credential through the Pennsylvania Key, qualifying you to manage and direct a licensed childcare facility in the state.

While students are responsible for the final application, portfolio creation, and exam processes for these credentials, our program is structured to ensure you meet the educational and experience prerequisites.

Already Have Your CDA Credential?

Leverage your professional achievement to earn your degree faster! Candidates who have already earned their CDA Credential™ will receive transfer credits for relevant courses, potentially allowing you to complete your AAS degree in as few as four terms.

Courses

Careers you can pursue

• Day care worker 
• Home-based nanny  
• Camp counselor  
• Preschool or kindergarten assistant
• Teacher

You will succeed if you are...

• Outgoing
• Passionate about babies and small children
• Patient 
• Creative
• A problem-solver
• Have a sound business sense
• Have a keen sense of humor
• Are talented in crafts
• Enjoy children’s literature