Online Day Care Management Certificate and Degree Program Info

Those with leadership skills who enjoy teaching and working with pre-kindergarten children may be interested in day care management careers. While no online degree programs are available in the field, online certificate programs in day care management are widely available.

Online Day Care Management Certificate Programs

Day care can refer to the care of dependent adults or childcare. This article discusses online training programs for managing day care for children. Many online certificate programs in this field are available, and these certification programs can be completed in 3-6 months.

Program Information and Requirements

Day care management certificate programs can be completed entirely online with no need to visit campus. Some programs allow students to start classes at their convenience as soon as they enroll. Other schools have set class schedules.
Hard copy textbooks are mailed to students. Students must have reliable access to the Internet. Communication with instructors and other students occurs through e-mail, online discussion forums and instant messaging. Current Web browsers are recommended. Some assignments require word processing software. Exams are completed online.

List of Common Day Care Management Courses

Childcare management programs require no previous college education. Students learn the basics of childhood wellness, education and behavior management. Business topics for day care programs include legal guidelines, employee relations, budgeting and parent interaction.

Child Health and Safety Course

This course discusses the creation of a healthy and safe environment for children. Students learn common signs of illness, medical distress and abuse in children. Other subjects include injury and accident prevention, potential hazards, nutrition and first aid.

Child Development Course

Students learn the childhood stages of physical and mental maturation. This course outlines the social, emotional and cognitive progress of young children, including the development of morality and self-esteem.

Financial Management for Day Care Programs Course

Students create realistic financial plans for day care programs. This class also covers cost estimation, fee setting, budgeting, insurance requirements and employee benefits.

Career Opportunities

Online day care certification programs are intended for those who wish to start their own childcare businesses or seek prominent employment at day care centers. Some states require licensure for day care providers. Online certification programs are not the same as official state licensure. It is important that distance learners pay attention to the certification and licensure guidelines for the states they work in. Online day care training programs cannot provide first-aid certification, a common requirement for state licensure and professional qualification booster. Individuals interested in advanced education may pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees in child development, early childhood education or health care.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), child care workers earned a median annual income of $19,240 in 2009 (www.bls.gov). In contrast, the median annual income for day care managers was $41,060 in 2009, as reported by the BLS.