Indiana has more robust child care licensing standards for administrator qualifications than many states, requiring a minimum of an associate degree with at least 24 semester hours in early childhood education. While there are additional professional development requirements, a bachelor’s degree is not required for directors at the highest level of the state-wide QRIS. Elementary principals are required to have a minimum of a master’s degree and two years of teaching experience, though early childhood content is not required. A state pre-K program is available in both schools and community-based programs. Administrators of state pre-K in schools are required to have a principal endorsement, but there are no specific requirements for administrators of state pre-K in community-based programs. Indiana does not offer an administrator credential. There are no early childhood leadership degree programs or leadership academies offered in the state.
