The roles and requirements of school principal versus ECE center director: similarities, differences, and next steps

By Amy Friedlander
The K-12 education system requires principal certification. In Pennsylvania, early childhood education (ECE) licensing requirements specify the educational attainment of directors. Nearly a decade ago the Keystone STARS quality rating and improvement system created a Pennsylvania Director Credential. Offered at undergraduate and graduate levels, this three-course, 9 credit credential is currently being revamped. This blog raises questions and offers suggestions regarding how that credential might be modified in light of 1) the differences and similarities of the principal and ECE director roles; 2) the educational requirements of the roles; and, 3) the educational requirements of the teachers that they lead.
Like schools, ECE centers vary in terms of legal status (for-profit vs. non-profit, charter, public, private or parochial), structure (single vs. multi-site), ages of students taught, and philosophy (Montessori, distance learning, project based). These variances trigger differences in job functions and confound the notion of a single set of skills, education, and experience as ideal preparation for the position of ECE director. For instance, an ECE director that works for a for-profit company that operates several ECE centers may benefit from centralized supports and infrastructure. An owner/director of a stand-alone for-profit ECE center is responsible for all the leadership, management, and administration – including teacher coaching and supervision, marketing, technology, human resources, facilities and security, payroll, and finance.