Course Description
This course prepares current and aspiring early childhood program leaders to confidently manage the financial and operational aspects of a childcare center. This course explores the intersection of vision, leadership, and fiscal responsibility in early learning environments. Students will learn to align program goals with financial decisions, create and manage budgets, build trust through professionalism, and use strategic planning to optimize operations and enrollment. Topics include goal setting, ethical leadership, financial planning, marketing, staff management, and long-term business development - equipping students with the skills to transition from overwhelmed educators to confident, capable directors. (3 credits)
Prerequisites
- ECE 250 Administration and Supervision in Early Childhood Programs
- ENG 101: English Composition 1
- ENG 102: English Composition 2
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Identify key financial terms and concepts related to early childhood center budgeting.
- Analyze operational costs and revenue sources in early education programs.
- Develop a budget plan for a childcare center using realistic financial data.
- Evaluate staffing costs and retention strategies in relation to program sustainability.
- Apply financial tools to assess risk, track spending, and ensure program viability.
- Design a personalized roadmap for leading a fiscally responsible ECE program.
Course Activities and Grading
| Assignments | Weight |
|---|---|
Discussions (Weeks 1-8) | 25% |
Blog/Vlog Assignments (Weeks 1-8) | 25% |
Assignments (Weeks 1-7) | 25% |
Final Project (Week 8) | 25% |
Total | 100% |
Required Textbook
(Available through Charter Oak State College's Book Bundle)
- Casey, Carrie, and Woodward-Young, Kate M. ED (Updated 2025). From Overwhelmed to I Got This: Guaranteed Success Route to Directing Your Childcare Center. CEY PRESS. ISBN-13: 978-1954885127
Course Schedule
Week | SLOs | Readings and Exercises | Assignments |
1 | 1,2,6 | Topic: Foundations of Vision and Leadership!
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2 | 1,2,4,6 | Topics: Professionalism & Reputation
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3 | 2,3,5,6 | Topics: Budgeting Basics – Turning Vision into a Viable Plan
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4 | 2,3,4,5,6 | Topic: Staffing Costs & Delegation
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5 | 2,3,4,5,6 | Topics: Enrollment and Revenue Streams
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6 | 1,2,5,6 | Topics: Tools & Technology for Tracking
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7 | 1,2,3,4,5,6 | Topics: Risk Management & Legal Prep
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| 8 | 1,2,3,4,5,6 | Topics: Building the Future - From Vision to Victory
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COSC Accessibility Statement
Charter Oak State College encourages students with disabilities, including non-visible disabilities such as chronic diseases, learning disabilities, head injury, attention deficit/hyperactive disorder, or psychiatric disabilities, to discuss appropriate accommodations with the Office of Accessibility Services at OAS@charteroak.edu.
COSC Policies, Course Policies, Academic Support Services and Resources
Students are responsible for knowing all Charter Oak State College (COSC) institutional policies, course-specific policies, procedures, and available academic support services and resources. Please see COSC Policies for COSC institutional policies, and see also specific policies related to this course. See COSC Resources for information regarding available academic support services and resources.