Colorado supports early childhood leadership through its state-wide QRIS, public pre-K program, and principal licensure. State pre-K programs require administrators to hold a bachelor’s degree with at least 30 college credits in early childhood education. The QRIS measures the qualifications of child care center directors using the Colorado Early Childhood Professional Credential rubric that accumulates points along four pathways: formal education, ongoing professional development, experience, and credentials/certifications. The minimum qualification requirements for directors of licensed child care centers vary depending on the size of the center. The minimum qualification for a director of a small center is two years and nine months of experience and two college courses (3-semester hours each) in ECE, while the minimum qualification of a director of a large center is 30 semester hours of early childhood education plus six months of verified experience. Colorado does not have a director credential.
