It is highly recommended for those aspiring daycare providers as well as the staff to have a license prior to have a career in the field of childcare. Thus, every state of America such as Nebraska has its own licensing standard requirement.
Each job title or position in a daycare center has different work qualifications or requirements. Hence, it is important to review and satisfy the state’s standard licensing requirements to know of these.
In addition to the general requirements, daycare providers and staff shall complete the course and shall have direct instruction, such as practical and demonstrated applications of CPR methods, which is taught by instructors from accredited individuals. The educational requirements are being discussed in the succeeding sections.
Classes offered through the State
The state of Nebraska offers the same classes and degrees in childcare in different universities and colleges. Those who want to have careers in the field of daycare or childcare education can take up degrees on childhood education, childhood development, or childcare management. Furthermore, those who took up a different course can have the chance to work in the daycare or childcare industry in the state of Nebraska as the state do sometimes credit or consider several courses which are closely related to childhood education given that the subject credits are equivalent.
Classes such as Child Care Laws, Child Growth and Development, Family and Community Relations, First Aid and CPR, Nutrition and Health, Psychology, and Small Business Management are the most common classes for a childcare degree. In addition, basic education classes such as English, Mathematics, Sociology and others should also be taken up.
Certifications Given for Completed Classes
Certificates or credentials like CDA, CCP, and NAC are the most common certificates and credentials awarded by the state of Nebraska to daycare providers and staff. The said certificates are only given to those persons who have finished and accomplished the required coursework, completed the required credit hours, and acquired the minimum working experience. Thus, the CPR cardio-pulmonary resuscitation) and First Aid trainings are compulsory in all the state of America.
The state of Nebraska may not have a certification or credential that is limited only to their state. The different departments of the state which is consigned to the wellbeing of the children guarantees and remains to develop the quality of both residential and foster care for children and youth by endowing the abilities of the people responsible for everyday nurturing, care, and discipline of children either in residential facilities or foster home care. Several trainings are offered by the state and they are usually free of charge.
The CDA credential or Child Development Associate is given to daycare providers who have completed secondary education or who holds a GED certification with 480 working hours and 120 hours for formal education with children in the last five years. On the other hand, CCP or Certified Childcare Professional is given to those daycare providers are intended for those daycare teachers who did not finish their college degree or taken up a different course.
The NAC or the National Administrator Credential is awarded by the state to aspiring daycare managers and directors. The credential focuses more on the management of the organization as well as the administration, site maintenance, and planning and development of childcare programs.
Cost of the Classes
The cost of classes for childcare degrees and courses can range from $500 to $20,000 per year in the universities and colleges in the state of Nebraska. Factors such as type of school (whether public or private, vocational or non-vocational), location of the school, and the degree you are currently enrolled affects the rate or cost of tuition fees.
Required Classes that Day Care Providers Should Take
The classes offered by the state of are the same classes that daycare providers should take. However, as stated earlier, directly related courses to childcare can be accepted by the state. Working experience and credit hours should also In addition to the degrees, working experience and credit hours should also get through the requirement of the state.
For Daycare Directors/Providers:
Childcare provider or director should be 21 years old and above. In addition to the age requirement, the Director shall satisfy one or a combination of any of the following requirements:
- Have completed and finished either of the three; secondary education, GED certification, or any equivalent certification plus a two-year experience in a supervised group activity for young children (composed of infants and toddlers) as specified in the character reference from former employer or director.
- The director should complete and finish six (6) credit hours (36 clock hours of Department-approved in-service) in the field of child development, early childhood education, or child care administration. Business courses can also be accepted given that they should not go beyond 50 percent of the credit or clock hour requirements;
- Should have a CDA certificate;
- Should be an associate degree holder with a focus in child development, early childhood education, or child care administration;
- Should be a bachelor degree holder from a recognized college or university and not less than six (6) credit hours in child development or early childhood education;
- Should be a bachelor degree holder in child development or early childhood education from a recognized college or university.
For Teachers and Assistant Teachers:
Teachers and Assistant Teachers should age 18 years old and above and shall meet the following requirements:
- Should gain a written Department-approved plan to obtain not less than three (3) credit hours or 15 clock hours of in-service approved by the Department in the field of child development, early childhood education, or childcare administration within 12 months;
- Should prove that he or she has a year of experience in a supervised group activity for young children as shown by affirmative character reference (such as former employer or supervisor)
- Attain a CDA certificate;
- Should be a bachelor degree holder in fields closely-related to the care or education of children ages 0 to 12 years (i.e., early childhood education, child development, elementary education, or special education).
Links and Contact Information for Class Application
The state of Nebraska has assigned some departments that will take care of childcare and family wellbeing. You can reach the departments in the following contact numbers for more questions and enquiries:
Child Care Licensing Agency
Mailing:
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
P.O. Box 94986
Lincoln, NE 68509-4986
Phone: (402) 471-1802
Toll Free: (800) 600-1289
Fax: (402) 471-7763
Head Start – State Collaboration Office
Mailing:
Nebraska Department of Education
301 Centennial Mall South
P.O. Box 94987
Lincoln, NE, 68509-4987
Phone: (402) 471-3501
Fax: (402) 471-0117
State Child Care Resource & Referral Contact
Mailing:
Nebraska Resource and Referral System
University of Nebraska
Lincoln 121 S. 13th St., Suite 302
Lincoln, NE 68588-0227
Phone: (402) 472-0844 (in Lincoln) or (402) 472-3479
Toll Free: (800) 746-8420
