The Human Development and Family Science program offered at the Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) is a Pennsylvania Key-approved Director Credential program.
The Pennsylvania Director Credential is for those who aim to become directors and administrators for early childhood and school-age programs. This credential follows research-based best practices standards to measure and validate the abilities and competencies of childcare program administrators. This credential denotes those who go above and beyond the scope of daily operations (The Pennsylvania Key, 2018) and also establishes you as a preferred candidate for director positions in programs participating in Pennsylvania’s Child Care Quality Initiative, Keystone Stars.
If you are a childcare professional interested in furthering your professional education at IUP, this program will provide the training necessary to qualify for the Pennsylvania Director Credential from the comfort of your home.
This program is designed to be accessible to meet the needs of students in different stages of life. It is offered online and ideal for childcare and human service professionals wishing to further their education and professional development at IUP.
Director Credential Requirements
- A candidate must have an Associate’s, Bachelor’s or Master’s degree with a total of 18 Early Childhood Education (ECE) credits as follows:
- 9 ECE credits from coursework and
- 9 ECE credits from the Director Credential coursework from an approved Higher Education Institute on the Director Credential Programs list.
- Years of supervisory/managerial experience are documented with a letter from your employer. If you are an owner/operator, you will need documentation from an outside agency such as Certification or Early Learning.
Classes and Requirements
This online program is for human service and childcare professionals seeking to obtain the Pennsylvania Director Credential to demonstrate knowledge and competencies of administrative best practices. This program also establishes you as a preferred candidate for director positions in programs that participate in Pennsylvania’s Child Care Quality Initiative, Keystone Stars.
Required Courses: 3
- HDFS 427 – Administration of Human Service Programs
- This course is offered every spring.
Controlled Electives: 6
Each student will discuss their controlled elective options with the program lead to address the individual’s educational and professional needs and interests.
- HDFS Controlled Elective: 3
- HDFS Controlled Elective: 3
Total Program Requirements: 9