The Advanced Certificate in Children’s Program Administrator Credential (CPAC) at the CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) is a fully online, 18-credit graduate program designed for early childhood professionals preparing for leadership and administrative roles.

This certificate program is recognized as one of three director-level qualification pathways by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) and leads to the Children’s Program Administrator Credential of New York State, issued by the New York Association for the Education of Young Children (NYAEYC).

Why Choose the CPAC at CUNY SPS?

• 100% Online & Flexible: Take courses asynchronously and balance your studies with work and family responsibilities.
• Credential That Matters: Fulfill a recognized NYS requirement for early childhood program directors and administrators.
• Career Advancement: Gain the leadership, management, and financial skills needed to direct early childhood centers and agencies.
• Expert Instruction: Learn from experienced faculty and early childhood leaders in partnership with the New York Early Childhood Professional Development Institute.
• Pathway to a Master’s Degree: Credits may be applied toward the MA in Early Childhood Policy and Leadership at CUNY SPS.
• CTLE Eligible: Courses approved to count towards CTLE hours
• Scholarships Available: Through EIP and QUALITYstarsNY

What You Will Learn

Through six required courses, students will:

• Develop personnel policies and systems for staff recruitment, retention, and professional development.
• Manage program finances, budgets, and fundraising for nonprofit and for-profit early childhood organizations.
• Oversee operations with a focus on quality improvement, compliance, and program effectiveness.
• Navigate external environments by understanding regulations, laws, and funding requirements that affect early childhood programs.
• Design family and community-centered programs that reflect cultural responsiveness and inclusivity.
• Apply advocacy and leadership skills to represent and strengthen early childhood education at the program, community, and policy levels

Curriculum – 6 Courses (18 Credits)

• ECE 621: Administering Programs for Children
• ECE 622: Financial Planning and Management of Programs for Children
• ECE 623: Operations Management in Programs for Children
• ECE 624: External Environment and Children’s Programs
• ECE 625: Designing Programs that are Good for Children and Families
• ECE 626: Special Projects in Early Childhood Policy and Leadership 

Who Should Apply?

The CPAC program is designed for:

• Early childhood professionals seeking to qualify as program directors or administrators in New York State.
• Current leaders in childcare and early learning programs who want to strengthen their management, policy, and leadership skills.
• Individuals preparing to advance their careers into higher levels of responsibility in nonprofit organizations, schools, or agencies that serve children and families.

Career Outcomes

Graduates of the CPAC certificate program are prepared for leadership roles such as:

• Early Childhood Program Director
• Childcare Center Administrator
• Nonprofit Program Leader
• Policy and Compliance Specialist in Early Childhood Agencies