Illinois Director Credential Components
The Illinois Director Credential is earned through validation of accomplishments
in five competency components. Activity is required in each of the five
components. There are three levels of the credential, and cumulative attainment
of the activity requirements at each level is necessary to advance from one
level to the next.
1. General Education Component
Rationale: An individual's general level of education has been shown to
be a strong predictor for high quality educational practices both in teaching
and in administration.
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Level I - Associate Degree
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Level II - Baccalaureate Degree
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Level III - Graduate Degree
2. Early Care and Education Knowledge and Skills Component
Rationale: In order to be an effective administrator, directors need a
strong foundation in the fundamentals of child development and early care and
education.
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Child Growth and Development
- Curriculum Development
- Family and Community Relationships
- Health, Safety, and Nutrition
- Observation and Assessment
- Personal & Professional Development
- Teaching/Learning Interactions and Environments
Please note that while there are seven core content areas, three strands are
woven throughout each one. They include: children with special needs, culture
and diversity, and individual and group guidance.
3. Management Knowledge and Skills Component
Rationale: Effective administration of a center-based early care and
education program necessitates a strong understanding of basic business and
management knowledge.
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Personal and Professional Self-awareness
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Legal and Fiscal Management
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Staff Management and Human Relations
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Educational Programming
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Program Operations and Facilities Management
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Family Support
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Marketing and Public Relations
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Leadership and Advocacy
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Oral and Written Communication
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Technology
4. Experience Component
Rationale: Experience on-the-job provides a basis for evaluating
effective and ineffective practices. The work site is a powerful laboratory for
learning. (Go to forms)
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Level I - 1200 hours of management experience (or 300 supervised hours), 100
hours of teaching experience
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Level II - 3600 hours of management experience, 100 hours of teaching
experience
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Level III - 6000 hours of management experience
5. Professional Contributions Component
Rationale: An effective administrator demonstrates leadership through
active engagement in professional endeavors beyond the scope of the daily
management of a center. (Go to forms)
Areas of Professional Contributions include 6 categories including:
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Service in a Leadership Role in a Professional Organization
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Presentations/Training
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Advocacy
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Program Improvement
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Writing and Publication
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Research/Grantswriting
For Level III applicants, evidence of expertise in a specific area must be
submitted. Expertise is defined as three activities or three points in one of
the professional contribution areas.
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