How to Become a Licensed Childcare Director in Oklahoma: Step-by-Step Guide
Becoming a childcare director in Oklahoma is absolutely doable when you know the path. The state recognizes directors through the Oklahoma Director’s Credential (ODC), a tiered system starting at Bronze and progressing to Copper, Silver, Gold, and Platinum.
This guide walks you through each step—education, training, experience, and background checks—and highlights the most direct route for new leaders: pairing our CDA Fast Track with our Director Credential Program.
Step 1: Understand the Bronze Level (Your Starting Line)
Most new directors begin by qualifying for the Bronze Director’s Credential through the Oklahoma Registry (a program of DHS Child Care Services). Bronze confirms you have foundational child development knowledge, essential administration/management training, at least a year of experience, and a cleared background check.
Think of Bronze as your official green light to lead a licensed program. You can always climb to higher tiers later.
Step 2: Choose the Education/Training Path That Makes Sense
Oklahoma allows several ways to meet the education requirement (e.g., CDA, competency certificate, or college coursework). For new leaders, the fastest, most flexible route is:
CDA Fast Track (120 hours of ECE/CD training)
Administrators track or Teachers track—both meet the CDA training hour requirement.
100 hours self-paced + 20 hours live instructor-led sessions online.
Most finish within one semester; you have up to a year.
You’ll still apply to the Council for Professional Recognition to be awarded the CDA, but your training hours will be complete.
Director Credential Program (Admin/Management training)
60 hours self-paced online specifically focused on the director role.
Fulfills the 40 administration/management clock hours Oklahoma requires for Bronze (and gives you extra hours toward annual training).
Most participants finish in under a month.
Taken together, these two programs give you all the coursework you need for Bronze: child development content and administration/management training.
Step 3: Document Your Experience
Oklahoma requires at least 12 months of qualifying experience in a licensed setting. Time as a teacher, assistant director, director, or similar role typically counts.
If you’re already working in a program, you may complete this requirement while you progress through your training.
Step 4: Complete the DHS Background Check
All directors must pass the DHS background check and fingerprinting process. Start this early so it doesn’t delay your credential application. Your employer or sponsoring program can help initiate the steps.
Step 5: Apply for the Oklahoma Director’s Credential (Bronze)
With your training certificates, proof of education, experience, and background clearance in hand, submit your application through the Oklahoma Registry. Once approved, you’ll be awarded the Bronze Director’s Credential and can serve as a director for a licensed program.
Step 6: Keep Growing (Renewal and Next Tiers)
Bronze requires ongoing professional development—20 hours of job-related training each year. As your career progresses, you can move up to Copper, Silver, Gold, and Platinum by adding coursework and experience. Your foundation from the CDA + Director Credential Program makes that climb easier.
Why the CDA + Director Credential Path Works So Well
This combo is simple, recognized, and efficient. The CDA Fast Track satisfies the 120 hours of child development training. The Director Credential Program satisfies the 40 hours of administration/management (and then some). Together, they cover the training pillars Oklahoma expects at Bronze.
You gain more than compliance. You build real-world competence in staff leadership, program quality, family partnerships, and day-to-day operations—skills you’ll use from day one as a director.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a degree to be a childcare director in Oklahoma?
Not at the Bronze level. A high school diploma or GED plus the CDA + Director Credential training hours is sufficient.
Can I take the training online?
Yes. Both the CDA Fast Track and Director Credential Program are available online and self-paced, with live sessions for support.
How long will this take me?
Most complete the Director Credential Program in under a month. CDA training typically finishes in one semester (you have up to a year).
What if I want to move up beyond Bronze?
You can pursue Copper, Silver, Gold, or Platinum credentials by adding more college coursework and training.
Are your classes online?
Yes. The Director program is 60-hour self-paced online. CDA is 100 hours self-paced + 20 hours live online sessions.
Does finishing the CDA training give me the CDA automatically?
Not automatically. You’ll still apply to the Council for Professional Recognition to be awarded the CDA credential. Your training hours will be fully completed.
Ready to Start the Bronze Pathway?
Enroll in our 60-hour Director Credential Program to complete Oklahoma’s admin/management requirement, then pair it with the CDA Fast Track to finish your child development training hours. You’ll have everything you need to apply for Bronze with confidence.
Enroll in the Director Credential Program → Click here!
Progress to Higher Levels
Once you earn Bronze, you can move up as your education and experience grow. Each tier builds on the one before it:
Copper Level
General Education: Bachelor’s degree
ECE/CD Coursework: not required
Administration/Management: Not required at this tier
Experience: 12 months
Renewal: 30 job-related hours annually
Silver Level
General Education: 3 credit hours in English composition
ECE/CD Coursework: Certificate of Mastery -or- 9 ECE/CD/SA -or- CDA/CCP
Administration/Management:
6 credit hours, or
Director’s Leadership Academy I & II, or
Director’s Certificate of Completion, or
Pathway Director Training
Experience: 9 months
Renewal: 30 job-related hours annually
Gold Level
General Education: Associate’s degree
ECE/CD Coursework: 12 credit hours
Administration/Management:
6 credit hours, or
Director’s Leadership Academy I & II
Experience: 6 months
Renewal: 30 job-related hours annually
Platinum Level
General Education: Bachelor’s, Master’s (MS, MA) or Doctorate (EdD, PhD)
ECE/CD Coursework: 15 credit hours
Administration/Management: 9 credit hours
Experience: 3 months
Renewal: 30 job-related hours annually
Experience and Background Checks
No matter which tier you’re aiming for, you’ll also need:
Documented experience in licensed childcare, ranging from 3–12 months depending on level.
A DHS background check and fingerprinting to ensure child safety.
Apply Through the Oklahoma Registry
Once you’ve completed your training and met the education and experience requirements, submit your application through the Oklahoma Registry at okregistry.org.
Why the CDA + Director Credential Path is the Best Starting Point
While higher tiers often require degrees or multiple courses, most new leaders don’t have those yet. The CDA + Director Credential Program pathway:
Satisfies all Bronze requirements.
Is fully online and flexible.
Can be completed in less than a year (Director program often in under a month, CDA within one semester).
Positions you to grow into Copper, Silver, and beyond as you continue your education.
Ready to Get Started?
Take the first step toward becoming a licensed childcare director in Oklahoma:
Enroll in the Director Credential Program → Click here!
With these two programs, you’ll have the training, confidence, and qualifications you need to apply for Bronze and begin your leadership journey.
