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Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare

SOC 11-9031.00Job Zone 4 · Considerable Preparationv.26.05

Context coveredThis framework covers the administration and direct program leadership of licensed preschool and daycare settings, from entry-level administrative support through executive oversight of multi-site early childhood organizations.

Sources:O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.SkillsCrosswalkSkillsCrosswalk — O*NET enrichment + adjacency index. Opens in new tab.
Emerging
Entry / Apprentice
  1. Classroom observation notes — compile and organize under supervisor guidance to support monitoring of individual children's developmental progress in a licensed preschool setting.
  2. Parent communication logs — draft and maintain with mentor oversight to document discussions about children's behavioral or learning needs in a daycare center.
  3. Educational program schedules — review and interpret existing drafts to understand staffing and facility requirements under the direction of a lead administrator.
  4. Staff onboarding materials — assist in preparing and distributing to support the training of new teaching staff in an early childhood program.
  5. Office suite and email software — use to compose routine correspondence and maintain administrative records in a preschool administrative office.
  6. Child progress reports — gather data and format reports with supervisor review to help teachers and families understand individual student milestones.
  7. Purchasing requests — compile supply lists and submit for approval in accordance with established budget guidelines at a daycare center.
  8. Licensing and safety regulations — read and summarize relevant sections to support compliance activities under the guidance of a senior administrator.
  9. Daily activity plans — assist lead teachers in reviewing and aligning with center educational standards during supervised program delivery.
  10. Database and spreadsheet software — enter enrollment and attendance data accurately to support administrative reporting in a preschool office environment.
Developing
Mid-level / Established
  1. Parent and staff conferences — facilitate scheduled meetings to discuss children's behavioral or learning challenges and communicate program policies in a daycare center setting.
  2. Student progress monitoring systems — implement and update routinely to identify emerging concerns and coordinate timely support from teachers and specialists.
  3. Staff recruitment and interviewing — conduct candidate screening and structured interviews with reduced oversight to fill teaching and aide positions in an early childhood program.
  4. Direct care and instruction — provide age-appropriate learning activities and responsive caregiving to children when classroom coverage needs arise in a preschool.
  5. Educational goals and standards — apply established frameworks to evaluate program activities and recommend procedural adjustments to the lead administrator.
  6. Program schedule drafts — develop preliminary versions outlining course offerings, staffing allocations, and room assignments for review by senior leadership.
  7. Budget allocations — analyze spending patterns and prepare routine fund distribution recommendations for supplies, materials, and equipment in a center operating budget.
  8. Accounting and ERP software — use to track expenditures and generate financial summaries that inform administrator decisions at a licensed childcare facility.
  9. Personnel performance documentation — write structured evaluations and record observations to support formal staff review processes under program guidelines.
  10. Presentation software — create materials for staff training sessions and family information nights to convey program updates and educational strategies clearly.
Proficient
Senior / Expert IC
  1. Parent, staff, and agency stakeholder communications — lead and resolve complex discussions about educational policy, behavioral interventions, and program compliance across a multi-classroom preschool facility.
  2. Individualized student progress plans — design and oversee implementation in collaboration with teachers and specialists to address diverse learning and developmental needs throughout the program year.
  3. Full recruitment, hiring, and evaluation cycle — manage independently, including reference checks, onboarding, and annual performance appraisals, for all primary and supplemental staff at a daycare center.
  4. Classroom instruction and direct child care — deliver developmentally appropriate lessons and provide responsive caregiving autonomously to model best practices for teaching staff.
  5. Educational standards and program policies — establish, document, and communicate center-wide goals and procedures aligned with state licensing requirements and best-practice frameworks.
  6. Comprehensive program offerings and facility plans — determine scope, draft detailed schedules and descriptions, and project staffing and space requirements for multi-age preschool programs.
  7. Annual operating budget — develop, allocate, and authorize expenditures across personnel, supplies, and equipment categories while ensuring fiscal accountability for the childcare organization.
  8. Teacher and administrator coordination — direct day-to-day activities of the full instructional and administrative team to ensure program continuity and regulatory compliance.
  9. Complex problem analysis — apply critical thinking and deductive reasoning to diagnose systemic issues in curriculum delivery, staff performance, or family engagement and implement evidence-based solutions.
  10. Enterprise resource planning and database systems — leverage advanced features to generate operational reports, track compliance metrics, and inform strategic planning across the preschool facility.
Advanced
Lead / Principal / Executive
  1. Organizational vision and educational philosophy — define and champion a multi-site early childhood program's long-term direction, aligning standards, culture, and community partnerships at an executive level.
  2. System-wide policy architecture — design and institutionalize comprehensive policies and procedures for curriculum standards, child safety, and family engagement across an entire preschool or daycare organization.
  3. Talent pipeline and leadership development — build succession plans and mentorship structures that cultivate the next generation of administrators and master teachers within the organization.
  4. Strategic workforce planning — lead organization-wide recruitment, compensation benchmarking, and personnel resource allocation decisions to sustain a high-quality early childhood workforce.
  5. Budget governance and financial stewardship — authorize and oversee multi-program operating and capital budgets, negotiate vendor and grant agreements, and ensure long-term fiscal sustainability for the organization.
  6. Regulatory and accreditation leadership — represent the organization before licensing bodies, accreditation agencies, and public officials, ensuring enterprise-wide compliance and positioning for quality recognition.
  7. Cross-sector partnership development — negotiate and formalize collaborative agreements with school districts, public health agencies, and community organizations to expand program reach and resource access.
  8. Data-driven program evaluation — lead the design and interpretation of organization-wide outcome measurement systems to drive continuous improvement in child development, staff effectiveness, and family satisfaction.
  9. Board and executive communication — prepare and present strategic reports, budget summaries, and program impact analyses to governing boards and senior stakeholders using professional presentation and publishing tools.
  10. Field-level thought leadership — contribute to professional associations, policy forums, and published guidance to advance early childhood education standards and influence regional or national practice.

AI-at-Work Competency Framework

Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.
Subscriber feature

Authoritative source data identified for 998 occupations

How a worker at each mastery level uses, directs, and evaluates AI tools in this occupation. Each statement cites its evidence inline; click a citation chip to verify the source.

Emerging
  1. Basic AI-assisted document drafting — uses AI tools to generate first drafts of parent communications, policy summaries, and meeting agendas, then reviews and edits each output before distributing Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
Developing
  1. Staff recruitment support — directs an AI assistant to screen job posting language, draft interview question banks, and summarize applicant materials, while retaining all final hiring judgments Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  2. Regulatory and compliance reading — delegates the initial parsing of licensing regulations and accreditation documents to an AI tool, then reads the AI-produced summaries critically before acting on them Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
Proficient
  1. Child progress monitoring — integrates AI-generated summaries of observation notes and developmental checklists into teacher conferences and parent meetings, validating AI outputs against direct classroom observation Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  2. Policy and procedure drafting — orchestrates an AI assistant through iterative drafts of program policies and educational goal documents, supplying the professional standards and local context the AI lacks WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  3. Staff professional-development planning — uses AI tools to identify skill gaps from evaluation data and generate structured training plans, then applies active listening and supervisory judgment to finalize and communicate expectations Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
Advanced
  1. Curriculum standards alignment — directs AI tools to map program activities against early-childhood learning standards at scale, critically evaluating gaps and embedding human pedagogical expertise before adopting any AI-proposed revisions Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  2. Program-wide data synthesis — coordinates AI-assisted aggregation of enrollment, behavioral-incident, and developmental-outcome data to support strategic planning decisions, maintaining accountability for interpretation and family communication Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  3. AI workflow governance — establishes center-level protocols defining which administrative and instructional tasks are routed to AI tools versus handled by staff, informed by the occupation's moderate automation feasibility and the low observed AI collaboration rate Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  4. Human-centered AI handoff design — identifies the subset of monitoring and coordination tasks where AI-generated outputs meaningfully save staff time, while explicitly preserving direct child interaction, conflict resolution, and parent conferencing as human-led responsibilities Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
Evidence pack
AEI usage
Task observations: 77
Augment share: 7.7%
Time saved: 84%
AI autonomy: 3.11
SAFI positioning
Top skill: Monitoring
Score: 57.9 / 100
precision: category_estimate
WEF cluster
Human-Technology Interaction
human_technology_interaction
Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.

Pathsmith Durable Skills Framework

Sources:Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Subscriber feature

Ten durable-skill domains mapped to four proficiency/role levels for each occupation. Each statement is aligned to the Pathsmith taxonomy, derived from trusted grounding data and mapped to occupation-specific O*NET tasks and skills.

1Communication12 statements
Emerging
  1. Parent inquiry response — addresses basic questions about daily schedules and program policies using clear, accessible language during drop-off and pick-up interactions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Staff directive delivery — conveys routine instructions to teaching assistants and caregivers using straightforward verbal and written formats Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Incident documentation — records basic behavioral or safety events using standard facility forms with legible and factual language O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Parent-teacher conference facilitation — leads structured discussions with parents and staff about a child's developmental progress and behavioral concerns using active listening and clear summarization Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Policy communication — explains enrollment procedures, licensing requirements, and program expectations to families in plain language across written handbooks and verbal briefings O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Staff meeting coordination — prepares and delivers agenda-driven team meetings that relay program updates and instructional goals to teaching and support staff Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Multistakeholder communication — tailors messaging about educational standards, behavioral challenges, and program changes to distinct audiences including parents, licensing bodies, and community partners Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Difficult conversation management — conducts sensitive discussions with families regarding learning delays, policy violations, or disenrollment decisions using empathetic and professionally grounded language Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Written program documentation — authors program schedules, curriculum descriptions, staff evaluations, and grant narratives that meet regulatory and organizational standards O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Community communication leadership — represents the program at public forums, board meetings, and advocacy events, articulating the organization's mission and outcomes to diverse external audiences Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Communication system design — establishes organization-wide protocols for parent engagement, staff reporting, and interagency correspondence that improve transparency and reduce information gaps Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Crisis communication — delivers accurate, calm, and legally compliant messaging to families, staff, and media during health, safety, or facility emergencies Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
2Leadership11 statements
Emerging
  1. Room coverage initiative — steps in to provide direct care or instructional support when classroom ratios are at risk, demonstrating responsibility for child safety Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. New staff orientation support — assists in welcoming and orienting newly hired caregivers to daily routines and facility expectations under supervisory guidance O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Staff performance management — conducts routine observations and written evaluations of teachers and aides, providing actionable developmental feedback aligned with program goals Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Hiring process execution — recruits, screens, and interviews candidates for teaching and childcare positions, applying program standards and licensing criteria O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Program goal setting — collaborates with staff to establish measurable educational objectives and behavioral benchmarks for enrolled children Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Team culture cultivation — models professional behavior, ethical conduct, and child-centered values that shape the organizational climate across all staff levels Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Personnel decision authority — recommends and executes personnel actions including promotions, disciplinary measures, and terminations based on documented performance and program needs O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Program accountability leadership — holds teaching staff accountable to curriculum standards, child safety protocols, and licensing compliance through structured supervision and coaching Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Organizational vision leadership — defines multi-year strategic goals for program quality, enrollment growth, and staff development that align with community needs and regulatory frameworks Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Leadership pipeline development — mentors emerging teachers and assistant directors, building internal capacity for succession and program continuity Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Cross-sector leadership — represents the program in coalitions, advisory boards, and policy discussions, influencing early childhood education standards beyond the immediate organization Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
3Metacognition9 statements
Emerging
  1. Reflective practice initiation — identifies personal gaps in knowledge of child development theory or administrative procedures and seeks supplementary training or resources Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Decision awareness — recognizes when a staffing or curriculum decision falls outside personal expertise and escalates appropriately to supervisors or specialists Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Administrative self-assessment — reviews own budget decisions, hiring choices, and policy implementations to identify patterns of success or recurring errors and adjusts approach accordingly Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Professional development planning — creates a structured personal learning plan targeting regulatory knowledge, leadership skills, and early childhood education competencies Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Leadership effectiveness evaluation — systematically reflects on management approaches following staff conflicts, parent complaints, or program shortfalls to recalibrate strategies Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Cognitive bias recognition — identifies assumptions influencing child assessment interpretations or staff evaluations and applies corrective reasoning before acting Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Learning transfer application — applies knowledge gained from professional development, licensing training, or peer feedback directly to program improvement initiatives Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Organizational learning culture — embeds reflective practice into staff meetings, supervision sessions, and program reviews so metacognitive habits become institutional norms Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Strategic self-regulation — monitors personal decision-making under regulatory scrutiny or enrollment pressure, adjusting cognitive and emotional strategies to maintain sound judgment Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
4Critical Thinking11 statements
Emerging
  1. Behavioral observation analysis — reviews basic incident reports and teacher notes to identify emerging patterns in individual children's behavior or development Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Policy interpretation — reads and applies licensing regulations and program handbooks to routine administrative decisions with guidance from supervisors or regulatory documents O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Student progress evaluation — analyzes developmental assessments and teacher observations across the classroom cohort to identify children requiring additional support or referral Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Staffing problem analysis — examines scheduling gaps, turnover data, and staff competency levels to diagnose root causes of operational or instructional deficiencies Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Program compliance review — evaluates facility operations against state licensing standards and identifies corrective actions before formal inspections O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Complex problem resolution — synthesizes input from staff, families, and developmental specialists to formulate evidence-based responses to persistent child behavioral or learning challenges Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Budget allocation reasoning — analyzes enrollment trends, operational costs, and program priorities to make reasoned funding decisions for staff, supplies, and equipment Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Curriculum standards evaluation — critically assesses proposed curriculum frameworks against developmental research and community needs before adoption Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Systems-level critical analysis — examines program outcomes, staff performance data, and community demographics to identify structural barriers to program quality and equity Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Policy development judgment — applies critical analysis of regulatory changes, research evidence, and stakeholder input to draft organizational policies and educational standards Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Risk judgment leadership — evaluates ambiguous safety, legal, or ethical scenarios affecting children and staff, rendering decisions that balance protection, compliance, and operational continuity Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
5Collaboration10 statements
Emerging
  1. Interdisciplinary referral support — coordinates with speech or behavioral specialists at the direction of a supervisor to connect families with appropriate services O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Team task participation — contributes reliably to shared planning tasks such as event preparation or curriculum review with teaching staff Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Family-school partnership building — establishes consistent collaborative relationships with parents and guardians through regular communication, shared goal-setting, and mutual problem-solving about child development Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Interagency coordination — works with public health, social services, and special education agencies to coordinate services for children with identified needs O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Cross-functional team facilitation — leads collaborative planning sessions involving teachers, administrative staff, and specialists to align program objectives and resolve operational challenges Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Community partnership management — maintains productive working relationships with school districts, licensing agencies, and community organizations to expand program resources and referral networks O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Conflict mediation among staff — navigates interpersonal or professional disagreements within the teaching team by facilitating structured dialogue and shared problem ownership Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Parent-staff alignment — brokers shared understanding between families and classroom staff during disputes about educational approaches or behavioral intervention strategies Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Collaborative system design — creates formal structures for family engagement, interagency partnerships, and staff co-planning that institutionalize collaborative practice across the program Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Coalition participation — contributes to regional or statewide early childhood coalitions, sharing program expertise and co-developing resources that benefit the broader professional community Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
6Character10 statements
Emerging
  1. Confidentiality compliance — handles child records, family information, and staff personnel files with appropriate discretion in accordance with FERPA and program policies Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Professional boundary maintenance — models appropriate caregiver-child and administrator-family boundaries consistent with ethical standards in early childhood settings Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Mandatory reporting responsibility — fulfills legal obligations to report suspected child abuse or neglect promptly and accurately to the appropriate child protective authorities Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Equitable treatment practice — applies consistent standards in enrollment, discipline, and staffing decisions regardless of family background, race, language, or socioeconomic status Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Accountability modeling — acknowledges and addresses administrative errors in scheduling, billing, or policy application transparently and corrects them promptly Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Ethical policy enforcement — upholds program policies and licensing regulations consistently even when family, political, or financial pressures create incentives for exceptions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Staff integrity standards — holds teaching staff accountable to ethical conduct codes, child safety expectations, and professional behavior norms through coaching and documentation Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Transparent financial stewardship — manages program budgets, fee structures, and fund allocations with documented accountability and communicates financial decisions to appropriate stakeholders Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Ethical culture leadership — establishes and sustains an organizational culture where ethical practice, child advocacy, and professional integrity are explicit shared values reinforced through policy and example Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Advocacy integrity — champions the needs of underserved children and families in resource allocation, program design, and community engagement even when it conflicts with organizational convenience Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
7Creativity9 statements
Emerging
  1. Activity adaptation — modifies standard early childhood activities to accommodate diverse developmental needs or limited materials using available classroom resources Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Problem reframing — proposes alternative approaches to recurring scheduling or behavioral challenges when initial solutions prove ineffective Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Curriculum innovation — develops or adapts program curricula to integrate emerging early childhood research, community cultural assets, or new educational standards Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Family engagement design — creates novel formats for parent communication and involvement, such as workshops, translated materials, or community events, that go beyond standard newsletter distribution Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Program offering development — designs new service offerings or expanded age-group programs by synthesizing community needs, regulatory requirements, and available staffing and facility resources Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Staff professional development design — creates original training formats and learning experiences for teaching staff that address identified competency gaps in creative, context-relevant ways Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Problem-solving innovation — generates and pilots unconventional solutions to persistent operational challenges such as staff retention, facility constraints, or enrollment volatility Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Strategic program reinvention — leads comprehensive redesign of program structure, educational philosophy, or service model in response to demographic shifts, funding changes, or quality improvement imperatives Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Field contribution — develops and shares original program models, training materials, or administrative tools with the broader early childhood education community through publications, conferences, or peer networks Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
8Growth Mindset10 statements
Emerging
  1. Feedback receptivity — accepts constructive feedback from licensing inspectors, supervisors, or mentor directors and incorporates it into administrative practice without defensiveness Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Regulatory learning engagement — pursues required continuing education in early childhood administration and child development with genuine effort to apply new knowledge Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Setback response — analyzes failed enrollment initiatives, accreditation shortfalls, or staff conflicts as learning opportunities and adjusts strategy for subsequent attempts Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Professional stretch pursuit — seeks out assignments, trainings, or leadership roles that extend beyond current competence in order to accelerate professional growth Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Inspection and audit learning — treats licensing reviews and program evaluations as data sources for improvement rather than compliance burdens Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Iterative program improvement — applies continuous improvement cycles to curriculum, staffing models, and parent engagement strategies based on outcome data and stakeholder feedback Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Failure normalization — shares own learning from administrative missteps with staff in ways that model psychological safety and encourage team-level experimentation Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Adaptive leadership in change — maintains productive forward momentum when program policies, funding structures, or regulatory requirements shift unexpectedly Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Learning culture establishment — builds organizational norms where staff are expected, supported, and rewarded for continuous professional development and learning from mistakes Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Field evolution engagement — actively monitors emerging research in early childhood education, organizational management, and public policy to continuously update program philosophy and administrative practice Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
9Mindfulness10 statements
Emerging
  1. Emotional regulation in parent interactions — manages personal stress responses during difficult conversations with upset or confrontational family members to maintain professional composure Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Attention prioritization — focuses administrative attention on immediate child safety and staffing concerns before addressing lower-priority administrative tasks during high-demand periods Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Stress awareness management — recognizes signs of administrative overload or compassion fatigue in self and implements deliberate routines to sustain focus and decision quality Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Intentional presence in classrooms — conducts purposeful classroom observations with full attentional focus on teaching quality, child engagement, and environmental safety rather than multitasking Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Reactive decision prevention — pauses before responding to emotionally charged parent complaints or staff conflicts to evaluate the situation with clarity rather than immediate reaction Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Emotionally regulated crisis response — maintains calm, methodical decision-making during child safety incidents, licensing emergencies, or staff crises by applying structured situational awareness Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Empathic attunement — brings sustained, non-judgmental attention to interactions with children, families, and staff, accurately reading emotional states and adjusting responses accordingly Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Workload intentionality — structures the administrative day with deliberate prioritization, protected decision-making time, and awareness of cognitive bandwidth limits Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Organizational climate awareness — monitors program-wide emotional tone, staff morale, and family trust levels with ongoing attentiveness, intervening proactively before tensions escalate Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Mindfulness culture modeling — demonstrates and teaches self-regulation and intentional presence practices to teaching staff as professional tools for child-responsive caregiving Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
10Fortitude11 statements
Emerging
  1. Regulatory pressure endurance — maintains consistent program operations during licensing inspections, accreditation processes, or compliance reviews without abandoning quality standards Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Difficult personnel situation persistence — follows through on necessary corrective action processes with staff even when interpersonally uncomfortable Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Enrollment adversity navigation — sustains program quality and staff morale during periods of declining enrollment, budget shortfalls, or facility challenges without reducing service commitments to enrolled families Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Parent conflict resolution persistence — continues constructive engagement with chronically dissatisfied or hostile families, maintaining professional boundaries and child-centered focus throughout Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Workforce instability management — sustains program continuity and child safety standards during periods of high staff turnover or substitution coverage Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Crisis leadership endurance — leads the program through extended emergencies such as public health events, natural disasters, or facility closures, maintaining staff cohesion and family trust over sustained periods Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Regulatory compliance courage — enforces child safety and licensing standards even when doing so results in conflict with families, funders, or governing boards Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Change resistance navigation — advances necessary program reforms in the face of staff or community resistance, sustaining momentum through opposition without abandoning evidence-based direction Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Systemic adversity leadership — guides the program through extended financial, political, or operational crises while preserving mission integrity, staff employment, and quality of care Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Courageous advocacy — publicly advocates for children's needs, equitable funding, or staff compensation in policy forums and public settings even when positions conflict with powerful stakeholders Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Resilience culture building — instills program-wide norms of persistence, psychological safety, and mission commitment that sustain quality outcomes even during leadership transitions or external disruptions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Sources:Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
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O*NET enrichment · skillscrosswalk.com

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Source anchors that ground each statement

Related titles
After School Site Director · Art Coordinator · Assessment Coordinator · Before and After School Program Director · Before and After School Site Director · Center Administrator · Center Manager · Child Care Center Administrator · Child Care Center Director · Child Care Director · Childcare Center Administrator · Childcare Center Director
RAPIDS apprenticeships
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O*NET skills
MonitoringCoordinationReading ComprehensionActive ListeningSpeakingCritical ThinkingComplex Problem SolvingJudgment and Decision MakingSocial PerceptivenessInstructingService OrientationTime ManagementManagement of Personnel ResourcesWritingNegotiationLearning StrategiesActive LearningPersuasionSystems EvaluationManagement of Financial ResourcesManagement of Material ResourcesSystems Analysis
Knowledge domains
Customer and Personal ServiceEducation and TrainingAdministration and ManagementEnglish LanguagePublic Safety and SecurityPsychologyPersonnel and Human ResourcesSales and MarketingAdministrativeMathematicsEconomics and AccountingComputers and Electronics
Abilities
Written ExpressionDeductive ReasoningOral ExpressionWritten ComprehensionOral ComprehensionProblem SensitivityInductive ReasoningSpeech RecognitionSpeech ClarityInformation Ordering
Work styles
DependabilityCooperationLeadership OrientationIntegrityEmpathyOptimism
Technology
Enterprise resource planning ERP softwareData base user interface and query softwareDesktop communications softwareInstant messaging softwareAccounting softwareSpreadsheet softwareOffice suite softwareElectronic mail softwarePresentation softwareDesktop publishing software
Tasks · seed anchors for statements
  1. Confer with parents and staff to discuss educational activities and policies and students' behavioral or learning problems.
  2. Monitor students' progress and provide students and teachers with assistance in resolving any problems.
  3. Recruit, hire, train, and evaluate primary and supplemental staff and recommend personnel actions for programs and services.
  4. Teach classes or courses or provide direct care to children.
  5. Set educational standards and goals and help establish policies, procedures, and programs to carry them out.
  6. Determine the scope of educational program offerings and prepare drafts of program schedules and descriptions to estimate staffing and facility requirements.
  7. Determine allocations of funds for staff, supplies, materials, and equipment and authorize purchases.
  8. Direct and coordinate activities of teachers or administrators at daycare centers, schools, public agencies, or institutions.
CIP education codes
13.040113.040413.041113.041213.0414

Sources: O*NET v30.2 (CC BY 4.0), SkillsCrosswalk.com, LER.me, Anthropic Economic Index, SAFI (Jadhav & Danve, 2026), WEF Skills Taxonomy 2021, Pathsmith Durable Skills Framework. © 2026 EBSCOed.