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
BLS 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.
10-year growth
+6%
Career requirements
What does this career require?
The education, credentials, and on-the-job competencies Colorado employers expect for this role.
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
No specific credential listed yet
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
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
- With kids/peopleOccasionally
- On a computerOccasionally
- Outdoors / on-siteOccasionally
- With your handsOccasionally
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
- Confer with parents and staff to discuss educational activities and policies and students' behavioral or learning problems.
- Recruit, hire, train, and evaluate primary and supplemental staff and recommend personnel actions for programs and services.
- Determine allocations of funds for staff, supplies, materials, and equipment and authorize purchases.
- Collect and analyze survey data, regulatory information, and demographic and employment trends to forecast enrollment patterns and the need for curriculum changes.
- Monitor students' progress and provide students and teachers with assistance in resolving any problems.
- Teach classes or courses or provide direct care to children.