This ERIC Digest provides an overview of the competencies needed for effective early childhood center administration and summarizes state regulations governing minimum qualifications of center directors. Specific administrator skills are listed in four topical areas: (1) organization, leadership, and management; (2) child development and early childhood programming; (3) fiscal and legal considerations; and (4) board, parent, and community relations. State regulations governing minimum qualifications are discussed in terms of background qualifications and qualifications related to experience and formal education. Brief remarks on current levels of training and experience of child care directors complete the digest. (RH)