The LEAD Credential is a self-paced, online program designed to help early learning educators and administrators enhance their knowledge in child development, leadership, and program management. The program provides practical learning and tools to support high-quality early learning environments.

The credential program is underwritten by The Source for Learning, Inc., a nonprofit organization that has supported educators for more than 45 years. It was developed by experienced early childhood education professionals with deep knowledge of early learning settings. The content is grounded in NAEYC’s Program Standard: Leadership and Management which programs seeking NAEYC Recognition and/or Accreditation use to improve program quality, and focuses on leadership and management practices that support staff, children, and families.

• Ten online, self-directed modules available 24/7, allowing you to work at your own pace and complete the credential within a 365-day window.
• A broad range of relevant topics, including budgeting, fundraising, management, and family engagement, supported by practical tools and strategies you can apply in early learning settings.
• Structured checkpoints and support from a dedicated education manager to help you track your progress and know where to turn when questions arise.
• An application checklist to help you gather the information and documents you need before applying online.
• A renewable credential, renewed every five years, to support continued professional growth and alignment with current developments in the field.

Our credential is designed to support your professional growth and career goals. By attaining this credential, you will:

• Fulfill NAEYC’s Professional Standards and Competencies for Early Childhood Educators that emphasize the necessity of having a well-defined educational backgrounds and expertise tailored to different roles within the ECE field.
• Acquire the skills, knowledge, and tools to work and collaborate effectively with teaching and administrative staff and to engage and support children and their families in a center-based early learning program.
• Expand your professional portfolio by developing advanced skills in early childhood education, management, and leadership.
• Earn 100 free PD hours and 10 CEUs that can be acquired for a nominal fee from Old Dominion University (ODU) to fulfill your annual professional development requirements upon successful completion of the credentialing program.

The Source for Learning is committed to ensuring educators have access to quality resources and meaningful professional growth without cost barriers. The LEAD Credential is free to qualifying educators and administrators.

Upon successful completion of the program, participants can opt for CEUs for a nominal fee from a third-party provider, Old Dominion University (ODU). 

Anyone in the ECE field meeting these core requirements:

• Have one of these educational qualifications: an unexpired Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential, an AA degree in ECE/CD, or a bachelor’s or higher degree in any field.
• Have access to a center-based early learning program to implement theory in practice via assignments. 
• Have access to a computer to work on WORD, EXCEL, and fillable PDF forms.
• Have access to high-speed internet connectivity.
• Have a valid email address.

To participate, please follow these steps:

1. Review the eligibility requirements to confirm you are ready to apply.
2. Complete the online application.
3. If accepted, you will receive a ‘one-click’ enrollment link to access modules, support information, and your 365-day completion window.
4. Complete all 10 required modules and related tasks within your 365-day window to earn the credential.
5. Renew your credential every five years to maintain an active credential.

Before you begin the LEAD Credential application, review the information below so you can gather the required materials and complete the process smoothly.

• View or print the checklist before you apply to gather the documents you will need to upload with your application.
• The application must be completed online in one sitting.
• Set aside approximately 5–10 minutes to complete the application.
• Because you will upload documents during the application, it is recommended that you use a desktop or laptop computer.
• Before you begin, check your browser settings to help prevent the application from timing out.
• Please note that each uploaded file must be 5 MB or smaller.
• Confirm that you meet the core requirements as listed above in the Who Can Apply section before submitting your application. 

Printable Checklist

• A valid email address.
• The name and address of the center-based early learning program where you are currently employed or where you will have access during your LEAD Credential enrollment.
• If you are not currently employed in a center-based early learning program, provide a signed Early Learning Program Accessibility Verification Letter completed by the program administrator.
• A copy of your unexpired CDA Credential or official transcripts/certificate from your completed degree program (If these documents are not available in English, please provide a translated and evaluated transcript from an accredited transcript evaluation agency).

Send us an email with any questions, anytime and we will respond within 24 business hours. 

Email: leadsupport@sflece.org