Director's Pathway to Success
Director’s Pathway to Success (DP2S) is part of the TECTA Leadership Development program. It is an innovative leadership training program designed to foster growth, inspire innovation, and cultivate excellence in child care leadership.
Director's Pathway to Success is TECTA's leadership training program for Directors and Assistant Directors of child care programs. Participants will be assigned a peer learning group and will receive coaching, program accreditation support, and invitations to TECTA Leadership Institutes.
TECTA understands that leadership is a continuous journey of growth, and this pathway is designed to cater to Directors and Assistant Directors at any stage of their careers. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or just stepping into a leadership role, the pathway is tailored to your unique needs, ensuring that you receive the guidance and resources necessary to flourish in your position. As the demands of child care administration evolve, the Director’s Pathway to Success program equips leaders with the tools, knowledge, and network necessary not only to navigate challenges but also to thrive in the profession.
Director’s Pathway to Success is divided into four tiers, and entry is based on your years of experience. Each tier on the pathway contains a peer learning cohort, creating a space where leaders can connect, share insights, exchange best practices, and collectively unravel the nuances of effective leadership in child care programs.
Strive to Thrive!
Qualifications: For Directors with 0-2 years of experience or graduates from the CCR&R Small Business Academy (SBA)
Trending Up!
Qualifications: For Directors with 2-5 years of experience, graduates from the CCR&R SmallBusiness Academy (SBA), or Administrator Credential (TECPAC) candidates
Go Getters!
Qualifications: For Directors with 5-10 years of experience, TECPAC graduates, or those enrolled in Trending Up for a year
Pacesetters!
Qualifications: For Directors with at least 10 years of experience, TECPAC graduates, or those enrolled in DP2S program for 3 years
For more information, contact the TECTA Leadership Development Team at tectaleadership@tnstate.ed
Leadership Institutes
Leadership Institutes are regional and statewide workshops for anyone with an interest in child care program.
The TECTA Leadership Institutes are approved training events for Tennessee’s early childhood leaders, Directors, Assistant Directors, Owners, and other professionals in the field of Early Childhood Education.
TECTA Leadership Institute is composed of statewide and/or regional training workshops hosted each year. The institute provides participants with a structured and comprehensive environment to develop and enhance leadership skills through targeted workshops, seminars, and interactive sessions. TECTA invites guest presenters to offer diverse perspectives and practical insights that can be applied to your program. For more information about upcoming Leadership Institute workshops, check our calendar, or contact theTECTA Leadership Development Team at tectaleadership@tnstate.edu.
Leadership Links
Leadership Links are monthly meetings hosted by the TECTA Leadership Advisors for Directors and discuss issues, share experiences, and gain new perspectives on child care leadership.
The Leadership Links provide a forum for Directors, Assistant Directors, and Owners to meet monthly and discuss current issues impacting child care leadership.
Leadership Links are your opportunity to connect with other Directors and engage in meaningful conversations on issues that are important to you. These meetings are moderated by the TECTA Leadership Advisors and led by Directors, allowing for peer-to-peer discussions in a roundtable format on issues such as professionalism, policies, ethical dilemmas, and more. Groups meet monthly in each region. For more information, contact the TECTA Leadership Development Team at tectaleadership@tnstate.edu.
Program Accreditation Support
TECTA provides support to pursue NAEYC, NECPA, and other program accreditation. TECTA staff are available at each site to assist through the preparation and application process. All fees are paid by TECTA and, for a limited time, grants are available for programs that obtain accreditation.
Program accreditation support is available for child care programs striving to work beyond the minimum state licensing standards.
If you are ready to take a comprehensive look at your program and pursue professional accreditation or re-accreditation, TECTA is here to support the entire process by offering:
Training, consultations to assess accreditation readiness, and fee assistance for accreditation applications
Tuition support to help you and your staff improve their educational qualifications and earn a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential and/or complete associate, bachelor’s, or graduate degree programs
Technical assistance to help you get started on a professional development plan
Networking with support groups in your area
Help with self-study materials and a review of administrative documents where required
TECTA currently supports program accreditation from these national programs:
- National Association for the Education of Young Children
- National Association for Family Child Care
- Montessori School Accreditation Commission
- National After School Association
- National Association of Child Care Professionals
- National Early Childhood Program Accreditation
To get started, contact your local TECTA site.
Summer Research Institutes
Each summer TECTA hosts a Summer Research Institute, providing impactful, research-based training on relevant topics.
TECTA Summer Research Institutes provide 5 or more hours of approved training on specific, relevant topics in early childhood. Registration is open to all Tennessee early educators.
TECTA Summer Research Institutes are annual training events open to all Tennessee educators. Since 2008, these events have provided educators with an opportunity to engage in research-focused learning, collaborate with peers, and deepen their understanding of effective teaching practices.
Each institute focuses on research-based approaches to early childhood education. Guest presenters are invited to share their experiences with child development, learning theories, and instructional strategies. Attendees learn how to apply research findings to their teaching practices, creating more enriching and engaging learning experiences for young children.
Be sure to check the calendar for the next TECTA Summer Research Institute.
Emergency Preparedness
Trainings are available statewide from the Tennessee Children in Disasters Task Force. Contact your local TECTA Office for more information.
TECPAC: The Program Administrator Credential
TECPAC is the recognition awarded to early childhood administrators who have demonstrated the specific competencies for effective leadership and management through academics, job experience, and a portfolio assessment.
Leadership Advisors
The TECTA Leadership Advisors support Directors and Assistant Directors with the essential skills that contribute to the success of their child care programs.
Leadership Advisors support Directors in their ongoing professional development journey. Advisors are available for individual training and hands-on technical assistance.
TECTA Leadership Advisors serve the state across four regions.
- Middle-North TN Regional Advisor
- East TN Regional Advisor
- Middle-South TN Regional Advisor
- West TN Regional Advisor
Contact the Advisor for your region to get started.
Our Middle -South Tennessee Regional Advisor
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- L.Shavone White -lwhite43@tnstate.edu
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