Meeting Florida’s Child Care Director Requirements: How the NAC Supports Your Credentialing

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If you're an early childhood professional in Florida aiming to advance your career, earning the Florida Director Credential is a key milestone. This credential is required for those seeking to serve in a director-level position at a licensed child care facility. One of the core components of the credentialing process is completing an Overview of Child Care Management course approved by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF)—and that's where NICCM comes in.

Our National Administrator Credential (NAC) is officially approved by Florida DCF to fulfill this course requirement. With our program, you can take a major step toward credentialing while also gaining valuable leadership knowledge that translates into real-world success.

What Is the Florida Director Credential?

The Florida Director Credential is issued by the Department of Children and Families and certifies that an individual has the required training, education, and experience to manage a licensed child care center. Florida offers three levels of this credential:

  • Level I:The entry-level credential for new directors
  • Level II:An advanced option that reflects additional experience or coursework
  • Advanced Director Credential:For those who meet even higher education and experience thresholds

Each level requires successful completion of a DCF-approved Overview of Child Care Management course, in addition to other qualifications like the Florida Staff Credential (which can be fulfilled by the national CDA credential), background screening, and experience in early childhood education.

NICCM’s NAC Program: Approved and Streamlined

At NICCM, we’ve tailored our National Administrator Credential to support Florida educators at every level. Our course is officially recognized by the Florida DCF as an approved Overview of Child Care Management option, which means that when you complete it with us, you meet one of the most critical components of the Florida Director Credential requirements.

But we don’t just check the boxes—our training goes beyond compliance. The NAC equips professionals with practical knowledge in:

  • Child care licensing and regulation
  • Fiscal and operational management
  • Staff supervision and training
  • Curriculum oversight
  • Parent and community engagement

Whether you're just starting your leadership journey or are already managing a child care center, our curriculum builds confidence and competence for success in Florida’s regulated child care environment.

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Flexible Formats for Busy Professionals

We understand the challenges early childhood professionals face in finding time for continued education. That’s why we offer flexible delivery options to help you complete your Overview course in a format approved by Florida’s DCF:

  • In-Person Live Events:Available in select cities across the country, these events offer an immersive learning experience with face-to-face instruction and opportunities for direct engagement with NICCM’s expert faculty.
  • Self-Paced Online Format:Our DCF-approved online option lets you access the full NAC trainingat your convenience, allowing you to meet the Overview course requirement on your schedule; no travel required.

Both formats are designed to deliver the same approved content and meet DCF requirements for director credentialing.

Get Recognized and Get Ahead

Completing your Overview of Child Care Management course through NICCM gives you more than just a certificate. It positions you for advancement, helps you meet state standards without delay, and ensures that you’re prepared for the realities of child care center leadership.

Thousands of Florida professionals have completed our NAC program and successfully earned their Director Credential. We're proud to continue supporting this vital workforce through high-quality, relevant training experiences.

Ready to Earn Your Florida Director Credential?

NICCM makes it easy to meet the Florida Director Credential Overview course requirement through our DCF-approved National Administrator Credential program. With expert instructors, flexible scheduling, and proven results, we help you achieve your credentialing goals quickly and confidently.

Enroll today or contact us to take the next step in your early childhood leadership journey.

HandPrint Products

HandPrint Products was formed by Bradley Smith to handle his growing line of products that had been created as a support for Directors and Teachers in the Early Childhood Education field. Currently HandPrint Products has a child care training video (DVD) series consisting of 72 titles, a policy and procedure system consisting of 10 manuals, books and other products including his top selling “101 Learning and Transition Activities” book.

Consulting Services

During the past decade, Bradley Smith has led HandPrint Productions to become the leader in consulting of childcare business practices.  This includes: fiscal management, enrollment management, marketing, human resource, small business issues, and leadership.  In addition, the services include help with specific issues concerning handling sensitive issues to avoid fall-out or minimize the likelihood of litigation.  Currently, consulting services are available including: on demand, monthly access, 30 day, long distance, on-site, and extended services.  In addition, career and business coaching and mentoring services are also available.  Contact us  for more information or to schedule a consult.