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Job Description
Program Director Licensed Childcare Little Roots Infant Center Port Angeles, WA Job Details Full-time | Contract $51,000 - $58,000 a year 14 hours ago Benefits Paid time off Employee discount Professional development assistance Flexible schedule Childcare Retirement plan Qualifications Licensed childcare center experience Teamwork Safe Sleep Certification Education Child Care Director's Certificate Organizational skills Food Handler Certification Childhood developmental milestones Early Childhood Education Bloodborne Pathogens Certification First aid and CPR Full Job Description Little Roots is a nonprofit, relationship-based infant early learning center rooted in connection, nurturing care, and meaningful experiences during the earliest stages of development. We proudly operate in partnership with C&C KIDS and Comfort and Cozy Learning Center, collaborating to create strong foundations for children and families through high-quality, relationship-centered care and education. At Little Roots, we believe infants and young children thrive through responsive caregiving, safe and nurturing relationships, sensory exploration, and developmentally appropriate experiences. We value child-led, play-based, and project-inspired learning that follows the natural curiosity and developmental needs of each child while fostering secure attachments, confidence, and early developmental growth.
Our program emphasizes:
Relationship-centered infant and early childhood care Child-led, play-based, and project-inspired learning Sensory-rich and developmentally appropriate experiences Strong family partnerships and individualized care Inclusion and responsive support for all children Social-emotional development and secure attachment Outdoor experiences and nature connection when developmentally appropriate Position Summary The Program Director is responsible for the overall leadership, daily operation, and quality assurance of the Little Roots infant center. This position ensures compliance with all Washington State Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF) licensing requirements while maintaining a high-quality, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate program for infants and young children. The Program Director serves as both an instructional leader and operational manager, supporting staff, children, and families through relationship-centered practices and a commitment to safe, responsive infant care. This role requires strong leadership, organization, collaboration, and a deep understanding of infant and early childhood development. The Director will work closely with leadership teams at C&C KIDS and Comfort and Cozy Learning Center to ensure continuity of care, program quality, and aligned philosophy across programs while helping build a strong and supportive nonprofit community for families. Educational Leadership Support and mentor educators in implementing child-led, relationship-based, and developmentally appropriate learning experiences for infants and young children. Ensure classroom environments reflect Little Roots' philosophy of responsive caregiving, individualized support, and meaningful exploration. Guide staff in creating engaging sensory experiences, infant-led routines, and developmentally appropriate project-based opportunities inspired by children's emerging interests and milestones. Support nurturing caregiving practices that strengthen attachment, emotional security, and social-emotional development. Promote inclusive practices that support diverse learners, developmental needs, and family partnerships. Minimum Qualifications Meets Washington State qualifications for Child Care Center Program Director under DCYF licensing requirements. Experience in licensed infant childcare or early learning settings strongly preferred. Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, Human Services, or related field preferred. Supervisory or leadership experience strongly preferred. Strong knowledge of infant and early childhood development, relationship-based care, and developmentally appropriate practices. Knowledge of Washington State childcare licensing requirements and infant care regulations. Ideal Candidate We are seeking a leader who: Is passionate about infant development and relationship-based care. Values child-led and developmentally responsive learning. Believes strong family partnerships matter. Is collaborative, nurturing, and mission-driven. Can lead with both compassion and accountability. Thrives in a nonprofit, community-centered environment. Is excited to help grow a program in partnership with C&C KIDS and Comfort and Cozy Learning Center. Additional Program Information Little Roots is growing, and this position is being added to strengthen leadership and support for our expanding infant center and staff team. Our current Program Director is not leaving the program; this role is designed to work collaboratively alongside existing leadership and staffing to enhance program quality, staff support, family partnerships, and daily operations. We believe strong programs are built through collaboration and shared leadership. This additional position reflects our commitment to maintaining high-quality care, supporting staff success, and ensuring children and families continue to receive individualized, relationship-centered support as our program grows.
Pay:
$51,000.00 - $58,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Childcare Employee discount Flexible schedule Paid time off Professional development assistance Retirement plan
