In this hands on, 3-credit course (offered both as at undergraduate and graduate levels through Northern Vermont University) participants will use and apply learning in their own child care programs. Each learner will develop a business plan, network with other directors, gather resources, examine business strategies, and develop techniques to improve business performance.

The course is designed for early childhood professionals interested in child care administration, as well as current and seasoned administrators seeking additional program management training. Participants will attend 4 workshop sessions as part of the course. (See "Schedule" for dates). Each session is designed to help early childhood entrepreneurs/directors develop skills, knowledge, resources and tools for effective legal and financial program management, and will be taught by experts in specific areas of program administration and experienced early childhood educators.

This course has been approved as fulfilling section 7.3.1.5 of the child care regulations:
The program director of a CBCCP licensed for 13 or more children shall complete within one year of employment start date a three-credit course in managing an early care and education program that includes budgeting and financial management, approved by the Division; or the licensee shall employ a business manager as in the rule 7.6.1 of these regulations.

For the completed course credits to count as “related credits” for the purposes of BFIS and Northern Lights, as well as meet 7.3.1.5, the course must be completed with a grade of a C- or better.

This course is pending approval from Northern Vermont University.