From Teacher to Director: Making the Leap in Oklahoma

Moving from the classroom into the director’s office is an exciting and sometimes overwhelming leap. If you’re a teacher with your CDA, you’re already well on your way to meeting the requirements for a Bronze Director Credential in Oklahoma. But earning the credential is just the beginning. To thrive in your new role, you’ll also need a plan for leading with confidence from day one.

Why Teachers Transition Well into Leadership

Teachers already understand children, families, and the day-to-day rhythm of a childcare center. That foundation makes the transition to director smoother, but the shift to leadership also requires new skills—managing staff, ensuring compliance, overseeing operations, and building trust with families. With the right training and a few intentional first steps, you can set yourself up for long-term success.

First Things First: Meeting the Bronze Requirements

If you are a teacher who already has her CDA, you are just one step away from qualifying as a director. Bronze requires a high school diploma or GED, your CDA (or equivalent training), 40 hours of administration/management training, and 12 months of licensed childcare experience.

Our Director Credential Program provides those 40 hours in an accessible, online format that most teachers complete in less than a month. Combined with your CDA, this positions you to step into a director role with confidence.

How to Succeed in Your First Weeks as a Director

Becoming credentialed is one thing; succeeding as a leader is another. Here are some key steps to smooth your transition:

Meet Individually With Each Staff Member

Schedule one-on-one conversations with every teacher and staff member. Use this time to introduce yourself as the director, listen to their perspectives, and learn about both strengths and challenges. These meetings are invaluable for building relationships and—let’s be honest—finding out “where the skeletons are” so you’re not blindsided later.

Communicate Early and Often

Don’t wait to connect with families. Use your parent communication app to send an introduction and outline how you’ll keep them updated. A proactive message within your first week signals openness, professionalism, and reliability.

Hold a Family Meeting

Parents want to know who’s in charge and how their children will be cared for. Hosting a family meeting within your first month builds trust, sets a welcoming tone, and allows you to share your vision. Follow it up with a written summary or FAQ for parents who couldn’t attend.

Review Recent Licensing and Inspection Reports

One of your first tasks should be reviewing the most recent licensing inspections, health department reports, and fire marshal notes. Understanding compliance strengths and weaknesses will keep you from repeating past mistakes and may prevent new citations.

Build Relationships With Key Vendors

Directors are responsible for more than classrooms; they’re also the main point of contact for subsidies, insurance, food programs, and supply vendors. Make sure you know who your major vendors are, introduce yourself promptly, and establish strong lines of communication.

Assess Strengths and Opportunities

As you settle in, keep an eye on what your program already does well and where there’s room to grow. Maybe your staff are exceptional with toddlers but need support with lesson planning, or your parent communication is strong but enrollment marketing lags behind. Identifying these early will help you set realistic goals.

The Long-Term Payoff

Transitioning from teacher to director is more than a career move—it’s an opportunity to shape the culture, quality, and future of your program. Directors often enjoy higher salaries, greater professional recognition, and a broader impact on children and families. With your CDA and Director Credential, plus these first steps, you’ll be equipped not just to step into the role, but to thrive in it.

Ready to Take the Leap?

If you already hold a CDA, you’re just one step away. Enroll in our Director Credential Program today, and start preparing for your new leadership journey.

👉 Enroll in the Director Credential Program