A Preschool or Childcare Director manages and directs programs for very young children. Supervises child care workers and pre-school teachers. Proposes policies, program fees and budgets for approval by a program board or administrative agency or implements policies of a national organization. Meets with parents and staff to discuss the development, learning and behavior of children in the program or center. Orders supplies and monitors maintenance and cleaning at a facility. Ensures that the program or center meets state and federal guidelines.
Childcare Center Manager Hands-On Operations & Leadership Role It Takes A Village 24hr Childcare Center |
Syracuse, NY Pay:
$19.00-$21.00 per hour
Hours:
Approximately 35-45 hours per week
Schedule:
Flexible schedule based on program needs; early-morning availability required
Potential Start Time:
As early as 6:30
AM Position:
Full-Time Ready to grow beyond the classroom? Do you love working with children but know you have more to offer? Are you the person who notices what needs to be done, remembers the details, follows through, and helps keep things running? Can you work with an infant in the morning, solve an operational problem before lunch, communicate professionally with a parent, create a sign or document on the computer, and help a team member find the answer they need? If so, this may be your next step. It Takes A Village 24hr Childcare Center is seeking a dependable, organized, resourceful, and highly adaptable Childcare Center Manager to help manage the daily pulse of our childcare center. This is a unique, hands-on leadership position that bridges childcare, administration, family communication, regulatory compliance, and daily center operations . This is not a sit-behind-a-desk management position. Our Childcare Center Manager must be willing and able to support children from infancy through school age, assist classrooms when needed, communicate with families, help manage administrative responsibilities, solve routine problems, and gradually develop the judgment and confidence to help the center operate successfully without constant direction from the Owner/Director. This position is ideal for an experienced childcare professional who is ready to grow into leadership. What You'll Do As our Childcare Center Manager, you will help: Open the childcare center and prepare the building for a successful day Maintain awareness of what is happening throughout the center Greet children and families warmly and professionally Learn children's names, routines, personalities, and individual needs Work hands-on with infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children Step into classrooms when needed to support staffing and required ratios Receive, document, and follow up on important parent messages Monitor attendance, child supplies, paperwork, and routine family needs Help ensure daily childcare regulations, policies, and safety procedures are followed Complete and organize administrative paperwork Use email, Google tools, ChatGPT, printers, scanners, and internet resources to complete tasks efficiently Create professional signs, notices, reminders, checklists, and simple documents Help team members locate answers and understand routine procedures Notice operational problems and help solve them before they become larger issues Keep accurate notes and follow-up lists Communicate important information to the Owner/Director Learn which decisions can be made independently and which matters require escalation Take increasing ownership of daily center operations as knowledge and trust develop We Are Looking for
Someone Who Is:
Extremely reliable and punctual Comfortable beginning work as early mornings and/or ending into the evening sometimes Organized and attentive to details Excellent at following through Warm and confident with children of all ages Professional and responsive with families Comfortable moving between classrooms and office responsibilities Resourceful and willing to search for answers Comfortable using technology Able to remember important information—or disciplined enough to write it down Calm and practical when problems arise Open to coaching and feedback Able to use sound judgment and common sense Interested in professional and leadership growth We value someone who is observant, thoughtful, consistent, dependable, responsive, and willing to learn. Minimum Qualifications Professional experience in childcare, education, youth development, or a related field Experience working directly with children Ability and willingness to work with multiple age groups, from infants through school age Strong written and verbal communication skills Strong organizational skills Basic computer and technology proficiency Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries Ability to meet all health, background-check, training, and regulatory requirements for employment in a licensed childcare program Childcare leadership, administrative, supervisory, or center operations experience is strongly preferred. This Role May Not Be for
You If:
You want to work exclusively in an office You only want to work with one age group You need frequent reminders to complete responsibilities You wait to be told what to do when you can clearly see that something needs attention You are uncomfortable communicating with families You dislike paperwork, technology, or learning new systems You want a management title without hands-on responsibility You are not comfortable receiving direct feedback and being held accountable Growth Opportunity We are intentionally looking for someone who wants to grow. The Childcare Center Manager will work closely with the Owner/Director and gain hands-on experience in: Childcare center operations Regulatory compliance Family communication Administrative systems Team support Problem-solving Decision-making Leadership As the successful candidate demonstrates consistency, judgment, initiative, and readiness, there may be opportunities for expanded leadership responsibilities. Growth at It Takes A Village is based on demonstrated readiness and performance—not simply time in the position. About It Takes A Village It Takes A Village 24hr Childcare Center is a community-rooted childcare program serving children and families in Syracuse. We believe childcare is both heart work and serious professional work . Our work is deeply connected to the children, families, educators, and community we serve. We are looking for someone who values relationships while also understanding the importance of safety, professionalism, accountability, organization, and high standards. If you are an experienced childcare professional who knows you are capable of more and are ready for your next opportunity to learn, lead, and grow, we would love to hear from you.
