Illinois Director Credential (IDC) Components

The Illinois Director Credential (IDC) is earned through validation of accomplishments in five competency components listed below. There are three levels at which the IDC may be awarded. Each level has five components, and each component has specific requirements. You must meet the requirements at each level in order to advance from one level to the next.

Component 1: General Education

Rationale: An individual's general level of education has been shown to be a strong predictor for high-quality educational practices both in teaching and in administration.

• IDC Framework
  
  

Component 2: Education and Training in Early Childhood/School-Age Education

Rationale: In order to be an effective administrator, a strong foundation in the fundamentals of child development and early childhood/school-age education is necessary.

• ECE Content

Please note that while there are seven Content Areas in early care and education, three strands are woven throughout each area: children with special needs, culture and diversity, and individual and group guidance.


Component 3: Administrative Knowledge and Skills

Rationale: Effective administration of an early childhood/school-age education program requires knowledge and application of basic business and management practices.

• Personal and Professional Self-awareness
• Legal and Fiscal Management
• Human Resources Development
• Educational Programming
• Program Operations and Facilities Management
• Family Partnership
• Marketing and Public Relations
• Leadership and Advocacy
• Oral and Written Communication
• Technology
  
  

Component 4: Experience

Rationale: On-the-job experience provides a basis for evaluating effective and ineffective practices. The worksite is a powerful laboratory for learning.

Component 5: Professional Contributions

Rationale: An effective administrator demonstrates leadership through active engagement in professional endeavors beyond the scope of the daily management of a program.

Areas of Professional Contributions:

• Program Improvement
• Service in a Leadership Role in a Professional Organization
• Presentations/Training
• Advocacy
• Writing and Publication
• Research/Grants Writing

Click here to view the Career Lattice.

Please contact us for more information.