Competencies
✅ Program Administrator Competency Checklist
Name: _____________________ Date: _____________________ Evaluator: _____________________
Rate each competency on a scale of 1–5:
(1 = Not yet developed, 3 = Developing, 5 = Mastery)
🔹 I. Management Knowledge & Skills
A. Personal and Professional Self-Awareness
Understands adult development and learning styles
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Reflects on personal values and professional ethics
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Practices self-evaluation and stress management techniques
B. Legal and Fiscal Management
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Understands relevant laws, codes, and regulations
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Demonstrates skills in budgeting and cash flow management
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Knows sources of funding and grant writing
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Maintains proper records and insurance liability protocols
C. Staff Management and Human Relations
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Applies techniques for group dynamics and conflict resolution
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Supervises and motivates a diverse staff
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Conducts performance appraisals and team development
D. Educational Programming
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Understands curriculum models and child assessment
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Supports inclusion and adapts programs for special needs
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Aligns programming with developmental standards
E. Program Operations & Facilities
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Ensures health, safety, and environmental compliance
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Plans space and equipment use to support development
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Oversees food service and sanitation practices
F. Family Support
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Engages diverse families in meaningful ways
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Connects families to community resources
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Implements culturally responsive family engagement practices
G. Marketing and Public Relations
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Promotes program vision and mission
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Communicates effectively with families and the public
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Uses marketing strategies and evaluates outreach impact
H. Leadership and Advocacy
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Leads with vision and clarity of values
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Builds a culture of continuous improvement
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Advocates for children and high-quality programs
I. Oral and Written Communication
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Communicates clearly in writing and presentations
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Uses active listening and verbal communication strategies
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Prepares professional reports, handbooks, and materials
J. Technology
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Uses technology for administrative tasks
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Demonstrates proficiency in common software platforms
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Applies tech tools to enhance communication and organization
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🔹 II. Early Childhood Knowledge & Skills
A. Historical and Philosophical Foundations
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Understands early childhood education history and theory
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Stays informed on current trends and research
B. Child Growth and Development
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Understands developmental milestones and influences
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Applies neuroscience and research to classroom guidance
C. Observation and Assessment
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Uses a variety of observation and assessment tools
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Analyzes data to inform instructional planning
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Practices ethical use of assessment
D. Curriculum and Instruction
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Plans meaningful, developmentally appropriate curriculum
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Integrates all learning domains into instruction
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Uses anti-bias and culturally relevant teaching strategies
E. Children with Special Needs
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Understands disabilities and giftedness
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Applies federal and state regulations (e.g., ADA, IDEA)
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Collaborates with families and specialists
F. Family and Community Relationships
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Understands diverse family structures and lifestyles
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Builds reciprocal partnerships with families
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Connects with community resources and support
G. Health, Safety, and Nutrition
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Promotes health and safety in all environments
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Plans for emergencies and models wellness
H. Individual and Group Guidance
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Applies positive guidance and classroom management strategies
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Adjusts approaches based on developmental needs
I. Learning Environments
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Designs environments that are stimulating and inclusive
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Selects age-appropriate materials and supports peer interaction
J. Professionalism
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Understands laws and ethics affecting early childhood professionals
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Reflects on growth and sets personal development goals
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Participates in accreditation and professional associations