Becoming a licensed childcare director is a major step toward leadership in early childhood education, but the process varies depending on your state. At NICCM, we work with aspiring and current directors nationwide, and two of the most common states we support are Texas and Florida. Both have unique licensing requirements, but our National Administrator Credential (NAC) program is designed to meet the needs of professionals in each.
If you're planning to work or continue working in Texas or Florida, here’s what you need to know about director-level credentialing and how NICCM can help.
Understanding Texas Childcare Director License Requirements
In Texas, the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) outlines several pathways to becoming a licensed childcare director. Candidates must:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Complete specific early childhood education and management training
- Meet experience requirements (typically 2 years working in a licensed child care center)
One of the most direct routes includes earning a Day Care Administrator Credential (DCAC) from an approved organization. The credential must be recognized by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Child Care Regulation (CCR) division. NICCM’s prestigious National Administrator Credential (NAC) meets this requirement and is accepted by Texas CCR when paired with the required experience.
For many professionals, this is the most accessible and efficient path to meeting director qualifications, especially for those who may not have a degree but possess valuable work experience in child care settings.
Florida’s Multi-Level Director Credentialing System
Florida takes a tiered approach to director credentials. Issued by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), the director credential is divided into three levels: Level I, Level II, and Advanced Level.
To qualify for a Florida Director Credential, individuals must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Hold a high school diploma or GED
- Have an active Florida Staff Credential(which can be fulfilled by NICCM’s CDA Fast Track)
- Complete DCF’s 40-hour Introductory Child Care Training (Part I)
- Earn 8 hours of in-service training related to children with disabilities
- Complete anOverview of Child Care Managementcourse from a DCF-approved provider
Our NAC course includes all content required for the Overview of Child Care Management, and we’re a recognized training provider by DCF. That means when you complete the NAC with NICCM, you satisfy the management coursework requirement for Level I and II credentialing.
For those seeking Advanced Level credentials, NAC coursework combined with college credit and on-the-job director experience meets Florida’s more comprehensive expectations.
Why Choose NICCM’s NAC?
Our National Administrator Credential program is designed with portability and flexibility in mind. Whether you're based in Texas, Florida, or plan to move between states, the NAC provides a trusted foundation in leadership, regulatory compliance, family engagement, staff supervision, budgeting, and curriculum planning.
We offer multiple training formats, including online self-paced, online sessions in real time, and in-person live events, so you can choose the option that works best with your schedule and learning style.
Here’s what sets NICCM apart:
- Approved by Texas CCR and Florida DCF
- Nationally recognized and respected
- Delivered by industry experts with real-world experience
- Includes practical tools for immediate implementation in child care settings
- Affordable, accessible, and regularly updated to reflect state standards
Whether you're just starting out or already working in an assistant director or classroom lead role, our NAC equips you with the qualifications and confidence to step into center leadership roles.
NICCM: Supporting Your Path to Leadership
At NICCM, we’ve spent more than two decades helping early childhood professionals grow into capable, confident leaders. Our credential programs, including the NAC, are specifically designed to align with the most widely used licensing standards in the U.S., including those in Texas and Florida.
By choosing NICCM, you’re not just checking off a requirement—you’re gaining access to quality instruction, compliance-driven content, and a supportive network of educators who are committed to your success.
Ready to take the next step toward director certification in Texas or Florida?
Enroll in our online or in-person National Administrator Credential program today and start building your qualifications with one of the nation’s most trusted providers of early childhood leadership training.
Explore upcoming sessions and choose the format that’s right for you.