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Program Overview
The Early Childhood Education: Administrator Credential will help you develop the skills and competencies needed by administrators and directors to be successful. The Administrator Credential is a six course, 18-credit sequence offered Fall semester of even years. Administrators and directors who wish to increase or refine existing skills, add new competencies, or earn a professional credential will benefit from this program. This credential is critical to those working in programs who wish to learn more about administration or anyone who wants to maximize their business knowledge. The courses are also designed to prepare you for the commission process to earn your Registry Administrator Credential.
Individuals in an administrative role use this credential program to enhance their existing skills, gain new knowledge and network with other administrators in the field. The courses are also designed to prepare staff in non-administrative positions take on new leadership roles and increased responsibility. Increased business expertise and related skills are a benefit to all employers.
Program Details
Students in the Early Childhood Education: Administrator Program may attend part time.
Early Childhood Education courses may be offered at these Madison College campuses:
- Goodman South
- Watertown
- Online
Travel to fieldwork sites is necessary and is your responsibility.
Some courses in this program involve preparation of learning materials, field trips, etc. that may involve additional expenses.
Earning your Administrator Credential at Madison Area Technical College prepares you for valuable work as:
- Child Care Center Director
- Child Care Center Administrator
Resources
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Program Courses
Here's a sample course sequence that shows how classes for full-time students are typically organized by semester.
Once you're admitted, your full curriculum and sequence—including any pre-requisites—is defined in your Degree Progress Report.
First Semester10-307-204ECE: Child Care Admin and Supervision
Course one of the Administrator Credential. This course provides an overview of roles and responsibilities of directors, coordinators, supervisors and other administrators in early childhood programs.3 credits10-307-181ECE: Child Care Operations Management
Course 2 of the Administrator Credential. Includes discussion and practical applications related to scheduling, staffing, facilities management, equipment acquisition and maintenance, services delivery, record keeping and communication.3 creditsSecond Semester10-307-182ECE: Child Care Financial Management
Review of principles and practices in budget planning and preparation and fiscal management, including hands-on experience with program applications.3 credits10-307-184ECE: Child Care External Environment
Course 4 of the Administrator Credential. Review of external factors which affect the operation of early care and education programs including determination of community child care needs, marketing, laws and regulations, working with government and community agencies, political and societal issues and trends.3 creditsThird Semester10-307-185ECE: Child Care Best Practices
Course 5 of the Administrator Credential. Establishing and maintaining quality programs based on professional standards and the best available information on child growth and development and family friendly environment/services. Includes a review of literature and research studies; licensing laws and regulations; criteria for staff credentials (CDA) and the accreditation of programs by the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs; funding requirements and performance standards, such as those for Head Start.3 credits10-307-186ECE: Child Care Administrator Capstone
Course 6 of the Administrator Credential. This is the culminating experience in the credential course sequence. Major individual projects are required with a focus on the integration of program aspects in developing strategic planning for change. 3 credits. Prerequisites: Courses 1 through 5 of WPCCCA course sequence.3 credits -
How to Apply
Earning a certificate is a great way to expand your skill set and add professionalism to your resume. Applications for this certificate are available once per year.
If you are an international student and want to apply to Madison College, or transfer your F-1 student visa here, check program availability and then complete the International Admission Process.
Application Dates
There are no admission requirements for this certificate. Simply submit your application by the deadline for each term.
Fall 2026
- Application available on September 15, 2025
- Application completion deadline is November 15, 2026
Fall 2027
- Application available on October 15, 2025
- Application completion deadline is August 31, 2027
Additional Notes
Certificate programs are not eligible for financial aid.
Individual courses may have prerequisites to enroll. Admission into a certificate does not guarantee eligibility to enroll in courses. See the Curriculum section for the list of courses for the certificate.
Questions?
Contact the Enrollment Center at EnrollmentServices@madisoncollege.edu or 608.246.6210.
Get Started!
Apply to Madison College and take the first step towards your Early Childhood Education Administrator career.
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Career Outcomes
Madison College Early Childhood Education Administrator Credential graduates are prepared to:
- Understand the roles and responsibilities of directors, coordinators, supervisors and other administrators in early childhood programs
- Apply practical applications related to Administrative tasks.
- Assess external factors which affect the operation of early care and education programs
- Establish and maintain quality programs based on professional standards and the best available information on child growth and development and family friendly environment/services.
