Early Childhood Leadership - Director Credential
(Graduate Specialization)

Early childhood educators with holding a bachelor degree desiring to direct and operate a center or classroom for early learners can earn the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) and PA Keys Director Credential.  In three classes, a early learning profession with a bachelor's degree (any field) can be quickly qualified to operate and direct their own center with the advanced coursework that will boost them in a career as a director.
 
Non-Degree Graduate-Level Director Credential ONLY (9 Credits)

Required Director Credential Courses
GCEL 612 Early Learning Leadership
 
Two of the following:
 
GCEL 602 Design and Management of Early Learning Settings
GCEL 622 Creative Program Design for Children and Young Adults
GCEL 642 Service Learning and Community Caregiving
GCSE 607 Family and Professional Collaboration
GCED 650 Human Learning
 
All non-degree courses above can transfer as electives into the master’s degree program in Curriculum and Instruction.

Recommended:  Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction with Early Childhood Leadership
 
M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction (30 credits) + Director Credential (30 credits total)

Required degree credits (21)
GCED 600 Educational Leadership
GCED 605 Statistics and Research
GCED 610 Current Issues
GCED 615 Curriculum Systems Design
GCED 620 Assessment and Diagnostics
GCED 625 Instructional Technology
GCED 635 Instructional Methodology
GCED 800 Comprehensive Exam

Required graduate elective credits (9)
 
GCEL 612 Early Learning Leadership
 
Two of the following:
 
GCEL 602 Design and Management of Early Learning Settings
GCEL 622 Creative Program Design for Children and Young Adults
GCEL 642 Service Learning and Community Caregiving
GCSE 607 Family and Professional Collaboration
GCED 650 Human Learning