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How to become a nursery director: training and diploma
This profession, practiced almost exclusively by women, is accessible after obtaining the State diploma in childcare. Holders of the pediatric nurse or doctor diploma can also apply for this type of post. However, in all cases, applicants must have a minimum of three years’ experience with children from 0 to 3 years old. In addition, educators of young children can also become nursery directors, after having followed a two-and-a-half-year training course after the baccalaureate.
A first step as director / deputy director
During the course to become a nursery director, candidates will have to do many practical internships in pediatric service. It should also be noted that the director of the crèche often takes her first steps as a Assistant Director in a reception structure.
The job of a nursery director: what responsibilities?
The nursery director ensures the construction of an educational project specific to the establishment, in collaboration with its entire team (early childhood educators, psychologists or doctors). For example, she may decide to focus on early learning activities through music, or even introduce gardening to our babies! Moreover, she is the one who plans the course of the day, in particular concocting the lunch menus with the help of a dietician. Clearly, the director manages and leads a whole team, from recruiting staff to organizing schedules, including the animation of “pedagogical days”.
Other missions: health and safety. Indeed, the director must ensure the application of the sanitary decrees in force in the premises. She is also the privileged interlocutor of parents: she generally welcomes her little residents in the morning, organizes and chairs meetings, answers your many questions and calls you to work when the baby is sick … Sometimes, the nursery director can also serve as a ‘intermediary in the event of disagreement between staff and parents. Finally, we must not forget that a large part of his days is devoted to administrative tasks (accounting, material management, etc.). In short, this job requires a double skill: an interest in the world of early childhood and that of human relations. We do not therefore embark on this path, requiring long years of study, lightly …
What is the salary of a nursery director?
The remuneration of a director varies depending on the establishment. However, we agree that the average income is around 2500 euros gross per month.
Having a post of director of a crèche: what career paths are possible?
After a few years of practice, the director of the crèche can take on other functions: management of crèches in the same municipality, training in schools for nursery nurses or nursing assistants. In addition, she can also take the health executive diploma for directing a pediatric ward.