FAQs

Our credential is good for one year. Each year the director is responsible for renewing their credential with us by going to our renewal page.

You do NOT have to take the course again.

1) The renewal requirements are to obtain the required training that licensing requires of you depending on how long you have been a director.

2) Fill out an online application at texasdirector.org – at least 30 days before your renewal date to ensure our review committee has time to review your training. We do not ask for copies of training at the time of application – however the committee does review certificates once a month of a few directors. If you are selected you need to immediately send up copies by fax or email

3) Renewal fee

The CDA designation is a wonderful designation for classroom teachers to show their professional credentials. The CDA will cover the child development part of what a Director needs to know, but doesn’t cover any of the staffing, financial, marketing, compliance, or management knowledge you will need.

Although the CDA is listed as one educational option to become a director for the state of Texas you are also required to have an additional 6 college credit hours in business. If you choose that route, we suggest you evaluate what areas you most need additional training in and enroll in those classes.

The Director Credentialing Course is designed to be affordable and manageable for programs.

The courses range from $600 to $1227, depending on which class you choose.

The Director Credential – Self Instructional is $600 and is an online class with videos and supplementary trainings.

The Boot Camp course is $675. It also has an in-person small class. The class is limited to 16 students and is only offered 6 times a year.

Twice a year our Director Success Academy is offered for $1227. Students can upgrade to the Director Success Academy class at anytime in their career.

To become a qualified childcare director in Texas, you must meet Texas Child Care Licensing education and experience requirements or complete a state-approved Director Credential.

Most people qualify in one of two ways:

• A college degree with required child development and management coursework

• A state-approved Director Credential program, such as Texas Director

Texas Director has been approved by Child Care Licensing since 2002 and prepares you for the real, day-to-day work of leading a program, not only meeting minimum standards.

You must:

• Be at least 21 years old

• Have a high school diploma or equivalent

• Have qualifying education or training

• Have required experience in licensed childcare

Education can come from college coursework or approved professional development training.

Not always.

If your bachelor’s degree includes at least 12 credit hours in child development and 6 credit hours in management or business, you already meet the education requirement.

However, most degrees do not prepare you for licensing, staffing, enrollment, budgeting, or daily operations. A director credential provides focused, practical training for running a childcare or afterschool program.

You do not have to return to college.

Texas allows you to replace each 3-hour college credit with 50 hours of professional development training. Texas Director offers approved training bundles that meet these requirements.

Yes. Each 3 college credit hour can be replaced with 50 hours of approved professional development training.

This option is often faster, more affordable, and more practical than taking additional college classes.

If your associate’s degree is closely related to child development, you typically need:

• 6 hours child development

• 6 hours management

• 2 years licensed childcare experience

If unrelated, you typically need:

• 9 hours child development

• 6 hours management

• 2 years experience

Training or a director credential can help you meet these requirements.

Experience must be in regulated or licensed care.

Common examples:

• Licensed childcare centers

• Registered family childcare homes

• Pre-K through 3rd grade classrooms

• Accredited early childhood programs

Experience does not have to be recent.

Yes. Experience counts as long as it was in regulated or licensed childcare, even if it occurred outside Texas.

It still counts. You may need to provide an official translation or evaluation of your transcript.

Yes. Texas Director has been approved by Texas Child Care Licensing since 2002. The course is updated regularly to stay aligned with regulations and best practices.

Texas Director focuses on real-world leadership and operations.

You learn how to:

• Hire and support staff

• Run tours and enroll families

• Manage budgets

• Handle licensing

• Solve daily problems

• Lead with confidence

If you only want the cheapest certificate to check a box, this may not be the right fit. If you want practical preparation for the job, this course is designed for you.

Most students finish in about one month. You have up to six months to complete the program.

Yes. Some students complete the course in a long weekend. Others prefer to move at a slower pace.

Both.

You can choose:

• Fully online self-paced

• Instructor-led bootcamp with live support

All options include online components.

All coursework is online. Instructor-led options may be attended live or virtually.

• 60 hours for self-paced

• 76 hours with bootcamp

We recommend this credential for:

• Directors

• Assistant directors

• Owners

• Office managers

• Rising leaders

Training multiple leaders creates smoother operations and backup coverage.

Yes. The credential fulfills requirements and our instructors have experience in both early childhood and out-of-school-time programs.

Yes. Anyone may take the course at any time. You simply cannot be officially licensed until you meet age and experience requirements.

Pricing varies by format. Visit our enrollment page for current options and pricing.

Yes. Payment plans are available.

We work with many Workforce boards and funding programs. Have your board or sponsor contact us to discuss options.

Transfers may be approved on a case-by-case basis. Contact support.

If Texas Child Care Licensing does not accept your credential, along with your high school diploma and required experience, we will work with you on a refund.

Yes. Renewal is required annually.

Submit:

• Renewal application

• 30 hours of required training

• TECPDS training report or certificates

Applications are processed in the order received.

• Standard processing: within 30 days

• Rush processing: within 7 days

Rush processing moves your application to the priority queue. Visit the store for current pricing.

There is a 30-day grace period. After that, additional training or fees may be required.

No. The state does not require it.

However, many SBA lenders prefer or require formal director training. Having a credential often improves loan eligibility and terms.

Yes. Shared training creates common language, stronger leadership, and better outcomes for your program.