FAQ
Childcare Center Director FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about working as a childcare center director.
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about becoming a childcare center director: pay, training time, degrees, certifications and whether it’s a good career.
9 questions about childcare center directors
Do childcare directors need a degree?
Usually a bachelor’s, though states vary.
What is NAEYC accreditation?
A quality accreditation for early learning programs.
Is the job stressful?
It can be, especially with staffing challenges.
How much does a childcare center director make?
The median annual wage for childcare center directors was $59,300 ($28.51 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $38,580 and the highest 10% earned more than $98,240.
How long does it take to become a childcare center director?
Most people need about Bachelor’s plus 2–5 years of experience of training. A bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or a related field is typical, plus classroom experience. State director requirements vary.
Do you need a degree to be a childcare center director?
Usually. BLS lists a bachelor’s degree as typical, though some states allow directors with an associate degree, a CDA and experience.
Is childcare center director a good career?
It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change -3.1% from 2025–35 (a projected decline), with about 5,200 openings each year. Upsides include lead meaningful programs; a common challenge is that staffing shortages.
What skills does a childcare center director need?
Key technical skills include program management, licensing compliance, budgeting, and staff supervision. Employers also value leadership, communication, and problem solving.
What certifications are available for childcare center directors?
Common credentials include National Administrator Credential (NAC), Child Development Associate (CDA), State director credential, and CPR and first aid. State childcare licensing sets director qualifications, which often include education, experience and training hours.
Still deciding?
Try the Childcare Center Director fit quiz, compare with Preschool Teacher, or explore Childcare Center Director training.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 11-9031 (Education and childcare administrators, preschool and daycare).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Education and childcare administrators, preschool and daycare (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.