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Education

Early Childhood Administrator

Plan, direct, or coordinate the academic, nonacademic, and administrative activities of elementary schools or preschool/child care centers or programs. Provide support, training, and coaching to classroom teachers and staff.

Annual openings

107

Median wage

$64,620

Typical education

A Bachelor’s degree is often required. Some jobs, including Elementary Principals and Vice Principals, may prefer a Master’s degree; however, there are many combinations of formalized education possible to become qualified for this job that vary depending on the setting and level.

Growth 2026–2032

+6%

Median wage source: Colorado BLS OEWS (2025).

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

A Bachelor’s degree is often required. Some jobs, including Elementary Principals and Vice Principals, may prefer a Master’s degree; however, there are many combinations of formalized education possible to become qualified for this job that vary depending on the setting and level.

Credential requirement

Credential requirements not reported

Credential detail

There are many combinations of ways to become qualified for this job that vary depending on the setting and level. Examples are: ● The Large Center Director qualification is valued by employers in Head Start and Child Care Center settings, and is required for large centers. A combination of formal education (10 courses) and a minimum of 2 years of experience is required ● The Small Center Director qualification has six pathways, including a CDA certification, experience, and/or equivalent education ● Educators seeking administrative leadership jobs in school district-based settings will need a Principal or Administrator license

Experience detail

In general, posted jobs require a minimum of 2 years’ (3,650 hours) professional experience, with five years’ experience preferred; however, there are many combinations of professional experience possible to become qualified for this job that vary depending on the setting and level.

Employer competency information

  • ● Communication - Communicate complex and culturally sensitive messages with a diverse audience of staff, families, and children ● Teamwork - Facilitate teamwork amongst teachers and between parents and teachers for better outcomes for the child ● Problem Solving & Decision Making - Able to facilitate conflict resolution among staff and between parents and staff ● Psychology - Able to understand what motivates students to learn and feel valued and the ability to provide learning opportunities that meets those motivations ● Customer Service - Able to listen to parent concerns openly and responsively to resolve issues. Able to create, utilize, and communicate center policies that set clear expectations to a diverse group of stakeholders
Previous experience as an Early Childhood Administrator is highly valued by Public Health employers when hiring a Compliance Officer/Inspector.

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Work style

The type of work can vary by job and employer.

  • With childrenNo
  • On a computerMay vary
  • OutdoorsMay vary
  • With your handsNo

Interests it draws on

  • Arts, Design, and Entertainment
  • Filmmaking

Automation exposure

Low exposure

Tasks here lean on judgement and people skills that are hard to automate.

A typical day

  1. Confer with parents and staff to discuss educational activities and policies and students' behavioral or learning problems.
  2. Recruit, hire, train, and evaluate primary and supplemental staff and recommend personnel actions for programs and services.
  3. Determine allocations of funds for staff, supplies, materials, and equipment and authorize purchases.
  4. Collect and analyze survey data, regulatory information, and demographic and employment trends to forecast enrollment patterns and the need for curriculum changes.
  5. Monitor students' progress and provide students and teachers with assistance in resolving any problems.
  6. Teach classes or courses or provide direct care to children.
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