Directors and Administrators in Maryland have to follow the rules and comply with the standards written out in the official documents like “Child Care Center Standards.” Such standards create a framework that determines the role and responsibilities of Directors and Administrators. They are critical since it is necessary for everyone involved in the educational process to follow generally accepted rules (“Child care center standards,” 2014). This essay aims to discuss the requirements and expectations for Directors and Administrators in Maryland educational facilities.
The Director’s and Administrator’s roles are different and therefore determined by distinct regulations. Since the Director is responsible for the children’s learning success, all the practices that structure the education process should be perceived as the direct guidance and assessment of the Director’s duties. At the same time, administrative procedures written in the document determine the Administrator’s role. According to the Maryland official “Child Care Center Standards,” there are 15 areas that shape the center’s policy.
First, the licensing and compliance requirements imply that the employees, including Director and Administrator, are fully licensed. At least 60% of personnel and directors can have the credential at levels 2-4 + or higher. The Administrator must have an Administrator Credential at Level 1-2 or higher (“Child care center standards,” 2014). Second, accreditation and rating scales require that Director complete the Accreditation Training approved by MSDE every 12 months. As an alternative, the accreditation self-study could be completed with the requested validation visit.
The guidelines require that the center provides the developmentally appropriate learning practice. For instance, children should have an opportunity to interact with their peers disregarding of their abilities and in an appropriate environment. The environment should be developmentally appropriate, with a balance between child-initiated and teacher-directed activities. The proper interaction also means that activities reflect the children’s interests, cultural background, and primary language. The Director ensures that the children receive developmentally appropriate learning materials, that are accessible, interesting, and supportive for all children.
The Director and Administrator should ensure that the staff uses behavioral support with children, like using reflection, providing choices, redirection, and problem-solving. The Director ensures an adequate lesson planning process that follows state-recognized standards. The lessons should include age-appropriate activities that reflect the children’s interests, skills, and developmental needs.
There are also administrative requirements to be followed, like providing information to the family about the health and safety policies, tuition, and inclusiveness. The Administrator also guarantees that children that participate in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), which requires that fresh fruits and vegetables are provided, and children receive nutritious meals and snacks. The Administrator should conduct family conferences and hold staff meetings monthly, or at least four times a year. The Administrator should evaluate the staff performance at least annually, monitor professional improvement, and develop the staff policies.
Thus, the requirements and expectations for Directors and Administrators in Maryland educational facilities were discussed. These requirements included the need for a license for Director, Administrator, and all the staff. The Director and Administrator are responsible for all the elements of the educational process. They have to control if the staff meets the requirements and ensure a positive and smooth learning process. The Director and Administrator also check the lesson plans, and the supportive behavior of teachers, organize family conferences, and staff meetings and provide healthy food for the students.
Reference
Child care center standards. (2014). Maryland Excels. Web.