Early childhood education
Early childhood program administrator
Coordinate staff, learning programs and daily operations in preschool or childcare settings.
BLS · May 2025
EDUCATION & ENTRY
Early childhood preparation + experience
Early childhood study can be a first step, but administration also involves experience and setting-specific qualifications. These associate programs are foundations, not a guarantee of eligibility for a director position.
The state’s typical entry education classification is “Associate's degree.” This describes the occupation broadly; employers, programs and licensing bodies set specific requirements.
CONNECT THE CAREER TO A PLACE TO LEARN
Oregon training options
These are related routes to investigate. Confirm the full preparation, current admissions and eligibility for your intended role with the provider.
Portland Community College
Early Childhood Education
Explore learning, development and care in early childhood.
Ask: How do practicum hours fit around work, and what roles does this award prepare me for?
Program page reviewed September 16, 2026
Chemeketa Community College
Early Childhood Education
Prepare for work supporting young children and families.
Ask: Which roles require additional licensing, and how can this degree transfer?
Program page reviewed September 15, 2026
Eastern Oregon University
Early Childhood Education
Study child development, early learning and curriculum, with supervised classroom experience.
Ask: Can I complete both practica near home, and how do placement hours fit around my job?
Program page reviewed September 15, 2026
Take this question to a counselor.
What teaching, supervision and operational experience would I need before leading a program?
Before choosing a program, ask for prerequisites, the complete timeline, class and placement schedules, and a full cost estimate including supplies, exams, travel and living expenses.
Build a working cost estimate →Understand the numbers.
The median is the midpoint of estimated wages for Oregon workers in this occupation. The hourly median is $28.97. These figures describe workers across experience levels; they are not starting pay or the earnings of graduates from the programs below.
Oregon projects employment moving from 1,521 jobs in 2024 to 1,631 in 2034. The projected 1,127 openings over the decade include growth and replacement needs as workers leave an occupation. Dividing that total by ten gives the rounded annual average shown above. These are projections, not today’s vacancies.
How to read wage information →