Last week, we were fortunate to have Kara Lehnhardt from McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership join us to for a webinar to share her thoughts about how obtaining a Director Credential connects to career scaffolding and program improvement. (Watch the recording here!) Kara also shared information about the Aim4Excellence online Director Credential offered by the McCormick Center. Unfortunately, we couldn’t get to all of the questions, so Kara kindly offered to answer the unanswered questions in writing. Here are the responses:
Q: I am an assistant director of a child care center. Could completing a director credential help me in my career?
A: Yes. As an assistant director you will likely find a director credential useful to your career. Director credentials focus on the core knowledge and skills needed for the program administrator role, so will help you with your day-to-day work in the center. Additionally, achieving a director credential might be a logical next step for you to potentially boost your résumé for a future director position. To revisit the ways that a director credential might benefit you, take a look at the slides from this session: https://www.earlychildhoodwebinars.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Im-an-ECE-Administrator-Webinar-FINAL.pdf
Q: Can someone who is not currently a director apply for the Aim4Excellence credential?
A: Yes. Aspiring directors can certainly enroll in Aim4Excellence. To do so, they must have regular access to an early childhood program in order to complete the assignments. Participants also must have solid (undergraduate-level) writing skills to complete assignments.
Q: If my state has director’s credentials is it possible to earn my Aim4Excellence National Director Credential instead?
A: If your goal is to earn points toward the Alternative Pathways in order to meet the director qualifications as part of NAEYC program accreditation, then you can certainly consider Aim4Excellence instead of your state credential. In some states, Aim4Excellence is linked into state professional development and QRIS systems and might be used instead of a state credential. A list of links within state systems is available at: http://aim4excellence.nl.edu/about_overview.html
Q: What options are available for those interested in taking Aim4Excellence for college credit?
A: Participants can take Aim4Excellence for undergraduate or graduate-level college credit. Undergraduate-level credit is available through National Louis University or the University of Southern Indiana. The University of North Dakota offers graduate-level credit for the Aim4Excellence modules. All coursework is completed online. For additional information regarding enrollment and tuition costs visit: http://aim4excellence.nl.edu/about_credit.htm
Q: Can I enroll in Aim4Excellence if I live in another country?
A: Yes. The modules can be accessed from anywhere with a high-speed Internet connection.
Q: Can I take Aim4Excellence for credit regardless of where I reside?
A: Yes. The modules and credit can be accessed from anywhere with a high-speed Internet connection. Those pursuing graduate-level credit through the University of North Dakota must be accepted into the university’s graduate program to enroll in the courses.
Q: I am from Canada. How can the Aim4Excellence National Director Credential help me?
A: The information included in the Aim4Excellence modules focuses on the core knowledge and skills early childhood program administrators need to deliver high-quality programming for young children. That said, regardless of where you live, you will likely find the content useful to you in your role as a program administrator. Additionally, there is the opportunity to take the modules for college credit which might help meet you might job or professional development requirements.
Q: After I finish an Aim4Excellence module do I still have access to it later as a resource for future reference?
A: Each module is accessible for 8 weeks (56 days) from the date of initial log-in. We recommend that you print out the resources and assignments from the module and organize them into a folder or binder for future reference.
Q: How much does the Aim4Excellent cost?
A: Each module is $150. If you were to complete all 9 modules to earn your Aim4Excellence National Director Credential you’d pay $1,350 ($150 x 9 modules): http://aim4excellence.nl.edu/about_prices.html Additional tuition costs apply to those taking the modules for college credit.
Q: What if I already have a director credential or past early childhood administration coursework? Can I apply any of this to the Aim4Excellence National Director Credential?
A: To earn your Aim4Excellence National Director Credential you must successfully complete all nine of the modules. Waivers are not granted for past coursework or credentials.
Q: Does the Aim4Excellence National Director Credential have varying levels?
A: No. Aim4Excellence does not have varying levels. Participants who successfully complete all nine modules achieve their Aim4Excellence National Director Credential.
