Large Center Director Qualification Verification

• Who Should Apply

  Click on the below documents for further information on specific pathways to become Director qualified. 

  • Large Center Director Verification Worksheet
  • Self-Assessment Form For Large Center Director Qualifications 

  View the child care center rules here. 

   

• How to Apply

  If you are applying for a Director Qualification for the first time, follow the steps below: 

  
  Start by logging into your PDIS account.

  • Select the Main Menu button (three lines in the far right-hand corner)
  • Select "Credentials and Qualifications"    
  • Select "My Applications"     
  • Select "New Application"
  • Select "Child Care Licensing Qualifications"
  • Select the applicable application type (i.e. Director- Large Center, Director- Large Center (Renewal) etc.)

  If you are applying for a Director Qualification and already have a Credential, follow the steps below: 

  Start by logging into your PDIS account.

  • Select the Main Menu button (three lines in the far right-hand corner)
  • Select "Credentials and Qualifications"    
  • Select "My Applications"     
  • Select "New Application"
  • Select “Director- Large Center” from the application type (at this time, leave the Pre-Check blank so the system can recognize that you are applying with a Credential).

   

  If you are applying for a temporary Director Qualification, you must: 

  • Have completed 8 of the 10 required ECE courses and
  • Meet the verified experience requirements which includes: 
    • 3,640 hours without a Bachelor’s Degree -or-
    • 1,820 hours with a Bachelor’s Degree
• Renewals

  The Department recommends starting the renewal process 3-4 months prior to your qualification expiration date.  If you are renewing your qualifications with an Early Childhood Professional Credential, please begin that process prior to submitting your Director renewal application.

  If you are applying for a renewal, you must meet the following requirements: 

  • Completed a three-credit college course (Rule 7.702.42 C, 2 & 3) - The 3-credit college course must be completed at a Regionally Accredited institution and benefit you in your role as a Large Center Director
    • Except individuals holding an early childhood professional Credential Level IV Version 2.0 as determined by the Colorado Department of Education, directors meeting all large center director requirements in Section 7.702.42, A, in centers operating more than six (6) hours a day must complete a three (3) semester credit hour course from a regionally accredited college or university every five (5) years in a subject related to the operation of a center and must be able to demonstrate the relationship of the course taken to the operation of the center.

  • The renewal application and the official transcripts must be submitted to the Department. The renewed director letter shall expire five (5) years from the approval of the renewal application.

  Renewing with the Colorado Shines PDIS Credential 

  Start by logging into your PDIS account.

  • Select the Main Menu button (three lines in the far right-hand corner)
  • Select "Credentials and Qualifications"                
  • Select "My Applications"  
  • Select "New Application"
  • Select "Child Care Licensing Qualifications”
  • Select “Director- Large Center” (at this time, leave the Pre-Check blank so the system can recognize that you are applying with a Credential)

   

• Duplicate Letters

  You must submit a written/digital request to receive a copy of a letter previously issued. This request must include the following:

  • Current name and all former names
  • Current address 
  • Social Security Number
  • Birthdate
  • Date (or approximate date) the original letter was issued (if known)

  Send your request by email for a prompt response or you may submit your request by mail or fax to:

  Attn: Director Qualifications
  Division of Early Care and Learning, CDHS
  1575 Sherman St., 1st Floor
  Denver, CO  80203-1714
  Fax:  303-866-4453
  cdhs_oec_ecdq@state.co.us

   

• Equivalency Chart 

  Equivalency Chart

  

  
  PDIS version 2.0 is no longer available. We will continue to accept 2.0 credential levels until they expire.
• Resources

  Department Accepted, Regionally Institutional Accrediting Organizations

  Click here to check the regional accreditation of your college. 

  Higher Learning Commission (formerly called North Central Association of Colleges and Schools - The Higher Learning Commission) (HLC)  

  Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Higher Education (MSA)
  
  New England Association of Schools and Colleges - Commission on Institutions of Higher Education (NEASC-CIHE)
  
  Northwest Commission of Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)  
  
  Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) Commission on Colleges
  
  Western Association of Schools and Colleges - Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (WASC-ACCJC)      
  
  Western Association of Schools and Colleges - Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities (WASC-ACSCU)

  NOT Accepted, Regionally Institutional Accrediting Organizations

  North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement, Board of Trustees (NCA-CASI)
  
  New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc., Commission on Technical and Career Institutions (NEASC-CTCI)
  
  Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)
   

  United States Equivalency for international transcripts

  Transcripts from colleges and universities outside of the United States must be evaluated for United States equivalency. Visit The National Association of Credential Evaluation Services for a list of organizations that provide evaluation services. 

  Colorado Community Colleges

  Each of the 13 Colorado Community Colleges offers a Director certificate program.  After completion of the program, the Department will require experience verification hours from employers and official transcripts showing completion of the 10 required ECE courses with a grade C or better. Click here to verify a community college is accredited.

  
  Healthy Child Care Colorado: Pyramid Plus Approach Training

  The Department approved 54 hour Pyramid Plus Approach Training can be used to substitute the required Guidance Strategies course.  Click here to review any upcoming trainings offered by Healthy Child Care Colorado.
   

  Expanding Quality in Infant Toddler Care Initiative- EQIT
   

  The Department approved 48 hour EQIT training can be used to substitute the required Infant and Toddler Theory course. Click here to read more about EQIT and find approved trainers.