Louisiana

Overall Policy Lever Score

4

The qualifications for directors in child care licensing minimally require a CDA plus one year experience or three years of experience plus 90 clock hours of approved training. Louisiana offers Administrator Credential through Pathways NSUA program as well as a separate Administrator Credential though National Institute of Child Care Management. The director credential  requires a Bachelor’s Degree and a combination of experience and training.  Louisiana’s QRIS, Quality Start, is implemented statewide and is based on a point system for the top three levels. In order to earn the highest number of points, child care directors must have an associate degree, six semester hours in administration, and 5 years of administrative experience. Pre-K certification is available for elementary school principals and pre-K course content is required.

Policy Levers Rating

  1. 1 Administrator Qualifications in Child Care Licensing 1
  2. 2 Administrator Credential 4
  3. 3 Principal Licensure 7
  4. 4 Administrator Qualifications in QRIS 4
  5. 5 Administrator Qualifications in State Pre-K Programs 4

Interesting Facts: Louisiana

  • There is an alternative pathway for principal preparation that requires a bachelor’s degree.

  • Family child care programs are exempt from licensure in Louisiana

  • Nicholls State University offers an associate degree in child care management and preschool management.