Childcare Center Director

Overview
The Childcare Center Director is responsible for the overall leadership, administration, and daily operations of the center. This role ensures full compliance with state licensing regulations, maintains high-quality educational programming, and oversees staff, families, and financial operations. The Director also ensures that all programs including UPK (Universal Pre-K), ECE (Early Childhood Education), and Head Start are implemented with fidelity and excellence.

Responsibilities

1. Licensing & Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with state childcare licensing requirements
• Maintain all documentation required for inspections and audits
• Oversee child/staff ratios, supervision, and safety standards
• Ensure compliance with health, fire, and building regulations
• Oversee USDA food program and subsidy compliance (PFCC)
• Serve as the main point of contact for licensing specialists

2. Program Oversight (UPK, ECE, Head Start)

• Ensure compliance with UPK requirements (curriculum, assessments, staffing)
• Manage ECE grant requirements (attendance, documentation, outcomes)
• Oversee Head Start Performance Standards including:

- Family engagement
- Developmental screenings and assessments
- Health, nutrition, and mental health requirements

• Monitor classroom quality using tools like CLASS and ECERS
• Ensure lesson plans align with Early Learning Standards

3. Staff Management & HR

• Recruit, hire, train, and supervise staff
• Ensure staff meet all certification and training requirements
• Conduct evaluations and provide coaching
• Manage scheduling to maintain proper ratios
• Oversee onboarding, background checks, and personnel files

4. Curriculum & Classroom Quality

• Ensure proper implementation of curriculum (Creative Curriculum)
• Monitor lesson plans and child engagement
• Support teachers with classroom management and instruction
• Ensure individualized learning and inclusion practices

5. Family & Community Engagement

• Maintain strong communication with families
• Oversee enrollment and onboarding processes
• Address parent concerns professionally
• Plan family engagement activities and events
• Build community partnerships

6. Financial Management & Operations

• Oversee tuition collection and budgeting
• Monitor enrollment for sustainability
• Ensure accurate billing for private pay, subsidy, and grant programs
• Maintain financial and attendance records

7. Health, Safety & Risk Management

• Maintain a safe and clean environment
• Oversee incident reports and illness policies
• Conduct emergency drills
• Ensure proper medication and sanitation procedures

8. Systems & Technology

• Oversee use of systems like Brightwheel
• Ensure accurate records for attendance, billing, and files
• Streamline administrative processes

9. Enrollment & Growth

• Maintain full enrollment and manage waitlists
• Conduct tours and convert leads
• Support marketing and outreach efforts
• Monitor enrollment trends

Qualifications & Requirements

• Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field (preferred)
• 2–5 years leadership experience in childcare
• Strong knowledge of licensing and compliance
• Experience with UPK, ECE, or Head Start preferred
• CPR/First Aid, background check, and required trainings

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Licensing compliance
• Enrollment and retention
• Staff performance and retention
• Family satisfaction
• Audit success (UPK/ECE/Head Start)
• Financial performance

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $46,924.52 - $56,511.25 per year

Benefits:

• Childcare
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Work Location: In person