Director Learn & Play Early Learning Center Kent, WA Job Details Full-time $60,000 - $70,000 a year 1 day ago Benefits Paid holidays Paid time off Employee discount Opportunities for advancement Childcare Qualifications CPR Certification Operations management Program development Team development First Aid Certification Food service experience Teaching experience with young children Food Handler Certification Working with youth Full Job Description Child Care Center Director Position Summary We are seeking an experienced, dependable, and motivated Child Care Center Director to provide leadership and oversee the daily operations of our early learning center. The Director is responsible for maintaining a safe, nurturing, high-quality educational environment while ensuring compliance with Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) licensing requirements. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership and communication skills, experience working in early childhood education, and the ability to support and guide teachers while building positive relationships with children and families. Duties and Responsibilities Oversee the day-to-day operations of the childcare center. Ensure the program maintains compliance with all applicable Washington State DCYF licensing requirements and

WAC 110-300

regulations . Provide leadership, supervision, coaching, and guidance to teachers and other staff. Develop and implement plans and initiatives to improve the quality of care and educational experiences provided to children. Ensure appropriate staff-to-child ratios and classroom supervision are maintained. Support the development and implementation of developmentally appropriate curriculum and classroom activities. Evaluate educational programs and classroom practices and identify areas for improvement. Foster a positive, safe, inclusive, and nurturing learning environment for children. Maintain appropriate staff, child, licensing, training, and program records. Assist with hiring, onboarding, training, scheduling, supervision, and evaluation of staff. Ensure staff complete required DCYF training and professional development. Observe classrooms and provide teachers with mentoring, coaching, and constructive feedback. Promote positive guidance and developmentally appropriate behavior-management practices. Ensure health, safety, sanitation, emergency preparedness, medication, food service, and supervision procedures are followed. Communicate effectively with parents and guardians regarding program operations and children's needs. Address parent, staff, and classroom concerns professionally and promptly. Collaborate with families, staff, community organizations, and other stakeholders. Maintain knowledge of community resources available to children and families, including resources for children with special needs. Manage program resources and supplies responsibly. Assist with maintaining the center's budget and controlling operational expenses. Maintain confidentiality of child, family, and employee information. Report suspected child abuse or neglect as required by Washington State mandatory reporting laws. Perform other administrative and leadership responsibilities necessary for the safe and effective operation of the center. Washington State DCYF Director Qualifications Applicants must meet or be able to meet applicable DCYF Center Director requirements under

WAC 110-300

, including: Be at least 18 years of age . Meet DCYF's education requirements for a Center Director. Have an ECE State Certificate or DCYF-approved equivalent , or be eligible to complete the applicable education requirement within the timeframe permitted by DCYF. At the time of hire or promotion, have the required number of verified Early Childhood Education (ECE) college quarter credits based on the center's licensed capacity: 12 or fewer children: At least 10 ECE credits 13-24 children: At least 25 ECE credits 25 or more children: At least 45 ECE credits Have at least two years of experience as a teacher of children in an age group served by an early learning program. Have at least six months of administrative or management experience , or meet an alternative plan approved by DCYF. Maintain required education, training, and professional-development information in the

DCYF MERIT

workforce registry . Successfully complete and maintain all applicable DCYF pre-service and ongoing training requirements. Successfully complete a DCYF background check . Meet applicable Tuberculosis (TB) screening/testing requirements . Complete Child Care Basics as required. Maintain current First Aid and CPR certification . Complete Bloodborne Pathogens training . Maintain a current Food Worker Card/Permit , when applicable. Complete Safe Sleep training , when applicable. Complete other applicable DCYF-required training, including annual in-service and professional-development requirements. Preferred Experience and Qualifications Washington State ECE State Certificate or higher ECE credential preferred. Strong background in early childhood education and childcare administration. Previous experience as a Child Care Center Director, Assistant Director, Program Supervisor, or Lead Teacher preferred. Experience supervising and managing an early childhood education team. Knowledge of Washington State DCYF licensing requirements and

WAC 110-300.

Strong understanding of child development and developmentally appropriate practices. Excellent leadership, organization, communication, and interpersonal skills. Ability to resolve staff and parent concerns professionally. Ability to analyze program needs and make informed decisions. Strong recordkeeping and organizational skills. Ability to work collaboratively with children, families, staff, licensors, and community partners. Knowledge of current trends and best practices in early childhood education. Benefits We offer a competitive compensation package that may include: Competitive hourly compensation Paid time off (PTO) Paid holidays Professional development opportunities Training and continuing education support Opportunities for professional growth and advancement How to Apply If you are passionate about early childhood education and have the experience and leadership skills necessary to lead a dynamic childcare team, we encourage you to apply. Please submit your resume and cover letter detailing your education, early childhood experience, administrative or management experience, and qualifications for the Director position. Applicants must be able to meet all applicable Washington State DCYF licensing and Center Director qualification requirements.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$60,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Childcare Employee discount Paid time off Ability to

Commute:

Kent, WA 98030 (Required) Ability to

Relocate:

Kent, WA 98030: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location:

In person