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Printed on 4/28/2025

Child Care Administrator

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20-307-2 Certificate (C) 18 Credits Not Financial Aid Eligible Location*: Appleton

*If general education courses are required, they may be available at multiple locations.

Lead teachers or program directors currently employed in early childhood programs will benefit from this certificate. You will receive an overview of the roles and responsibilities of administrators in early childhood programs, and will learn about budgeting, fiscal management, marketing, licensing and accreditation, as well as operations and facility management. You’ll also explore best practices relating to child growth and development to help you establish a quality child care program. Upon completion, you'll be prepared for the administrator credential from The Registry, Wisconsin's Recognition System for the Childhood Care and Education Profession.

COURSE LIST

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Course list for reference only. Current students please refer to your individualized program plan or see your advisor.
**Outside effort hours are an estimate based on state standards, and may vary from person to person.

    Technical Studies (18 Credits)

    Course Title
    Course Number
    Credits
    Instructional Hours
    Outside Effort Hours**
    Early College Credit Options
    Prior Learning Credit Eligibility
  • ECE: Child Care Operations Management
    10-307-181
    3Credit
    54
    108
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10307181
    • Credits: 3.00

    Includes discussion and practical applications related to scheduling, staffing, facilities management, equipment acquisition and maintenance, service delivery, maintaining records and communication. Must be a lead teacher or program director.

  • ECE: Child Care Financial Management
    10-307-182
    3Credit
    54
    108
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10307182
    • Credits: 3.00

    Includes a review of principles and practices of budget planning, budget preparation and fiscal management. Must be a lead teacher or program director.

  • ECE: Child Care External Environment
    10-307-184
    3Credit
    54
    108
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10307184
    • Credits: 3.00

    Examines the external factors and relationships which affect early childhood program quality and ability to flourish. Content includes how to conduct surveys, basic marketing principles, licensing and accreditation requirements, collaboration with other organizations, developing funding resources, advocacy, and working for and with change. Must be a lead teacher or program director.

  • ECE: Child Care Best Practices
    10-307-185
    3Credit
    54
    108
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10307185
    • Credits: 3.00

    Includes information for establishing and maintaining quality programs based on professional standards and using the best available information on child growth and development in order to provide a family friendly service. Must be a lead teacher or program director.

  • ECE: Child Care Administrator Capstone
    10-307-186
    3Credit
    54
    108
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10307186
    • Credits: 3.00

    An advanced course in the six-course series required to receive a credential as a childcare administrator from The Registry and/or a certificate in childcare administration from FVTC. Major individual projects are required with a focus on integration of program aspects in developing strategies planning for change.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • E CHILD 10307181 - ECE: Child Care Ops Management

    • E CHILD 10307182 - ECE: Child Care Financial Mgmt

    • E CHILD 10307184 - ECE: Child Care Ext Envrmnt

    • E CHILD 10307204 - Supervise/Admin ECE Programs

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • E CHILD 10307185 - ECE: Child Care Best Practices
  • Supervise/Admin ECE Programs
    10-307-204
    3Credit
    54
    108
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10307204
    • Credits: 3.00

    Prepares participants to receive a certificate in childcare administration from FVTC and a credential as a childcare administrator from the Registry. This course includes an overview of the roles and responsibilities of directors, coordinators, supervisors and other administrators in early childhood programs. Must be a lead teacher or program director.

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Expected Competencies

For more information visit our Credit For Prior Learning page.
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Eligible Dual Credit Course

What is Dual Credit?

FVTC courses taught at the high school by certified high school teachers. These teachers receive mentorship from FVTC faculty to ensure alignment in competencies, curriculum, and assessments.


  • Students earn both high school and college credits, with grades applying to both transcripts.
  • There is no cost to the school district or family.
  • Dual Credit course availability varies by high school based on factors such as lab space, equipment, and teacher qualifications.

Process:

As part of the annual course planning, students and families should meet with their High School Guidance Counselor to discuss future college and career goals. This conversation will help identify Dual Credit courses that best align with specific pathways.

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Recommended Start College Now Course

What is Start College Now?

Qualified public-school juniors and seniors may enroll in college level classes at FVTC or online, if a comparable course is not offered within their district.

Student Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must have parent/guardian approval.
  • Must meet all course entry requirements.
  • Must be in good academic standing with an acceptable disciplinary record.

Application Process:

Interested students should consult their High School Guidance Counselor to explore course options and complete a “Start College Now” application. Applications must be submitted to High School Counselors by March 1st for fall courses and October 1st for spring courses. If approved by the school board, the cost is covered by the high school.

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Eligible Dual Credit & Recommended Start College Now Course:

What is Dual Credit?

FVTC courses taught at the high school by certified high school teachers. These teachers receive mentorship from FVTC faculty to ensure alignment in competencies, curriculum, and assessments.

  • Students earn both high school and college credits, with grades applying to both transcripts.
  • There is no cost to the school district or family.

**Dual Credit course availability varies by high school based on factors such as lab space, equipment, and teacher qualifications.

What is Start College Now?

Qualified public-school juniors and seniors may enroll in college level classes at FVTC or online, if a comparable course is not offered within their district.

Student Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must have parent/guardian approval.
  • Must meet all course entry requirements.
  • Must be in good academic standing with an acceptable disciplinary record.

Application Process:

Interested students should consult their High School Guidance Counselor to explore course options and complete a “Start College Now” application. Applications must be submitted to High School Counselors by March 1st for fall courses and October 1st for spring courses. If approved by the school board, the cost is covered by the high school.

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N/A

This course is not available for Dual Credit or Start College Now due to factors such as course rigor, necessary equipment, and prerequisite requirements.