Although there are technical differences between the terms administration and management, both encompass tasks that are essential to the functioning of an organization of any size. Professionals in early care and education who have been entrusted with an administrative role must keep track of several layers of performance and accountability. Traditionally, most of those in administrative roles in this field have been drafted from the ranks of teachers and direct providers of early care and education, and find themselves in the position of having to seek further knowledge in business-related areas. Therefore, continuing professional development becomes paramount. Dispositions and skills that indicate one is a successful educator are no longer sufficient from that point forward.

Administrators must be proficient in the knowledge of accepted business practices, legal and regulatory requirements, financial obligations, marketing, and record-keeping as well as in the ability to develop and implement program policies, communication strategies, and management plans in addition to the vision, philosophy, and mission for the program they administer.

Successful administration and management involves several skills and abilities, including but not limited to: to listen to others as well as articulate one's ideas clearly and authoritatively; to make decisions; to take as well as to delegate responsibility when appropriate; to build meaningful and respectful partnerships; to inspire and to lead; to plan, implement, maintain, and evaluate systems; to advocate for children, families, staff, and other stakeholders; to balance multiple needs and perspectives; to plan; to supervise and to guide.