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Online Undergraduate Certificate in Child Care Administration

Total Credit Hours

18

Cost Per Credit Hour

$440

This program is currently not accepting applications.

Enrich Your Life with Child Care Administration

The online Undergraduate Certificate in Child Care Administration from LSU gives you the head start to be an active participant in making a difference for children. This certificate equips students with the skills and knowledge required to effectively lead and drive the heart and success of childcare.

The program is designed and taught by LSU faculty who have content knowledge and experience in both direct care and education of young children and administration of early childhood programs. Courses have field-based components designed to prepare candidates to work in early learning environments directly with young children from birth through age four, as well as direct early learning programs. 

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Experience dedicated support from a personal coach

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Receive flat-rate tuition nationwide

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Flexible formats allow you to join the LSU community from anywhere

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Aligned with the National Association for the Education of Young Children's Standards of Professional Practice


Explore This Program

Cost Online Child Care Administration

Total credit hours per program: 18 credit hours

Cost per credit hour: $440

Total cost with fees: $7,920

LSU Online offers several ways to help you pay for your degree including credit for prior learning (PLA), financial aid, and veteran education benefits. Learn more.

Louisiana Pathways verifies teachers’ and directors’ eligibility for the School Readiness Tax Credits.

Teachers at Type III early learning centers are eligible for refundable tax credits of up to $3,574, depending on their educational credentials.* Learn more about LA Pathways Scholarship information here.

*Funding only available for Louisiana residents

The total cost above does not include transfer credit or financial aid. Cost per credit hour and fees are subject to change. Fee schedules may vary by program depending on course-specific fees for proctoring and/or books. Please contact a Student Success Coach for more information.

Course Listings Online Child Care Administration

The online Undergraduate Certificate in Child Care Administration requires 18 credits to earn your certificate. This program is made up of two different course groupings that ensure graduates are prepared with a full education that prepares them for real-life child care administration scenarios. Students can get credit for prior courses that meet the Knowledge of Child Development content. Please consult an Enrollment Coach for more details.

Knowledge of Child Development (4 Courses)

Course Credit Hours
EDCI 2081 Introduction to Developmentally Appropriate Practices 2
EDCI 2083 Introduction to Early Childhood Education 3
EDCI 2700 Characteristics of Exceptional Learners 3
EDCI 3055 Child Development in Context 4

 

Administration (2 Courses)

Course Credit Hours
EDCI 4060 Organization and Administration of Early Childhood Program 3
EDCI 4061 Leadership in Early Childhood Programs 3

Admission Requirements Online Child Care Administration

First Time Freshman

  • 3.0 Core GPA on the 19 units of college-preparatory high school courses as outlined in the LSU Core
  • LSU is a test-optional institution which means applicants will have the choice to select if they wish to have their ACT or SAT scores considered for admission. Click here to learn more!

Transfer Student General Admission Requirements 

  • 30* or more transferable (academic, non-remedial) credit hours from a regionally-accredited college or university
  • 2.5 academic GPA on all transferable college work attempted
  • A grade of “C” or better in a college-level English course that fulfilled a general education requirement at the institution where it was taken
  • A grade of “C” or better in a college-level Math course that fulfilled a general education requirement at the institution where it was taken

*Students who will not have 30 transferable credit hours by the time they plan to enroll at LSU can still be considered for admission if they meet all remaining transfer requirements.

To see about transfer credits please check out the TIGER TRANSFER TABLES.

Re-Entry Student Admission Requirements

Students interested in applying for re-entry to LSU must have a 2.0 GPA on all LSU coursework and must meet the requirements for their prospective senior college. Students who have attempted 30 or more hours at another institution must also have a 2.5 cumulative GPA on all college work attempted. For your senior college specific requirements please check out the Re-Entry Student Requirements per College.

If you feel like you do not meet any of the above qualifications please reach out to your Enrollment Coach team member as there are different evaluation pathways for non-traditional students to take.


Undergraduate students who are reviewed and admitted by meeting LSU A&M general admissions requirements but do not meet the admittance requirements to a senior college have two admissions options:

Option 1

Students can start with The University College Center for Freshman Year (UCFY). This academic unit is designed for new freshmen and some transfer and re-entry students. Their mission is to prepare incoming students for success at LSU and to help define their academic and career goals. Students typically exit the UCFY at the conclusion of the freshman year and enter one of the degree-granting senior colleges at LSU.

Option 2

Students can start with The Center for Advising and Counseling (UCAC). This administrative unit serves as the academic home for students who have attempted 30-plus hours of college credit and who do not yet meet the admission requirements for one of the University’s degree-granting senior colleges.

For a list of specific senior college requirements please visit the LSU A&M Undergraduate Admission page.

Career Opportunities Online Child Care Administration

  • Child Care Director
  • Child Care Administrator
  • Preschool Teacher
  • Child Care Provider
  • After School Care Worker
  • Childhood Camp Counselor
  • Human Services Agency Worker
  • Child Care Resource Worker
  • Referral Agency Specialist

What Will I Learn? Online Child Care Administration

Students who graduate with an online undergraduate certificate in child care administration will be prepared to effectively lead and manage multiple facets of this impactful field.

Topics covered in this certificate include:

  • How to lead in early childhood programs
  • Program management, such as hiring, training, supervising
  • Best practices for early childhood education
  • Characteristics of exceptional learners
  • Regulations for licensing, health, fire, and other
  • The importance of thorough food service
  • Marketing, professionalism, and image
  • Advocacy and leadership skills
  • Mastering financial management

In addition to opening the doors to career opportunities in childcare, students who earn the online Undergraduate Certificate in Child Care Administration may also earn credits toward a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education or alternative certification to become a B-K teacher.  Check with the university, college, or alternative certification program of your choice to determine credit transfer eligibility.

Louisiana Pathways Online Child Care Administration

This program sets candidates up to complete the Louisiana Pathways Administrator Credential. To move from “director 2” to “director 3”, the candidate must have 75 clock hours in approved administrative training categories or 2 college courses in approved administration coursework. LSU’s EDCI 4060 and EDCI 4061 have been reviewed by Louisiana Pathways and meet the established guidelines. Additional coursework within the Certificate in Child Care Administration ensures that directors are not only prepared in leadership, but also have expertise in early childhood development, instruction, and assessment.

*Funding only available for Louisiana residents and dependent on availability from state.

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