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Director- Child Care Center
Career Insights for Preschool / Childcare Director
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Scorecard
Based on Washington data
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What they do
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.
$58,092 / year median in Washington
+13% projected growth
Job Description
Early Learning:
At Wee Care, we believe learning is fun. Children learn best through nurturing relationships, purposeful play, hands-on exploration, and meaningful experiences. We create environments where children feel safe, valued, and encouraged to explore, build relationships, develop independence, solve problems, and grow with confidence. Our educational program uses The Creative Curriculum and Teaching Strategies GOLD to support intentional teaching, ongoing observation and assessment, individualized learning, and strong partnerships with families. What We Look for in aCenter Director:
We are looking for a leader who can develop a strong team while balancing the educational, operational, and regulatory responsibilities of a busy early learning center.The ideal candidate will have:
- Education and professional experience in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field
- At least two years of management or leadership experience
- At least two years of experience working as an early childhood teacher
- Strong knowledge of child development and developmentally appropriate practices
- Experience coaching, supporting, and training employees
- Strong communication, organization, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
- The ability to build positive relationships with children, families, employees, and community partners
- Knowledge of Washington State child care licensing requirements
- Knowledge of or experience with Early Achievers
- Experience with The Creative Curriculum®, Teaching Strategies GOLD®, CACFP, and Procare is preferred
Essential Responsibilities:
- Lead the daily operation of the center and maintain a safe, welcoming, organized, and high-quality early learning environment.
- Maintain compliance with DCYF licensing requirements, required teacher-to-child ratios, health and safety standards, and company policies.
- Train, coach, and support employees while establishing clear expectations and promoting teamwork and professional growth.
- Oversee implementation of The Creative Curriculum, Teaching Strategies GOLD, developmental screening, lesson planning, classroom environments, schedules, routines, and developmentally appropriate teaching practices.
- Observe classroom practices and provide teachers with coaching, resources, and support to strengthen curriculum implementation, interactions, classroom management, and individualized learning.
- Build strong partnerships with families through tours, enrollment, orientation, ongoing communication, and responsive support throughout each child's enrollment.
- Partner with families and staff when children need additional developmental, behavioral, health, or individualized support and coordinate with community professionals and resources when appropriate.
- Oversee center enrollment, staffing, attendance, family accounts, required documentation, and confidential child, family, and employee files.
- Oversee implementation and documentation of the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).
- Support the center's participation in Early Achievers, professional development, and ongoing quality-improvement efforts.
- Maintain effective communication with Wee Care administration, DCYF licensing, schools, community partners, and other agencies as appropriate.
- Support emergency preparedness, facility safety, and other center operational needs.
- Work collaboratively as part of the center team and provide classroom or operational support when needed.
Qualifications Required:
- At least 18 years of age and a high school diploma or equivalent
- Meet Washington State DCYF educational and professional requirements for a Center Director
- Early Childhood Education State Certificate or approved equivalent, as required by Washington State licensing
- Two years of experience working as a teacher with children
- Two years of management or leadership experience
- Ability to obtain and maintain all required DCYF background clearances, training, First Aid/CPR certification, Food Worker Card, and other required credentials
Preferred :
- Associate's degree or higher in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, or a related field
- Five or more years of experience in licensed early learning or child care
- Previous Center Director, Assistant Director, Program Supervisor, or comparable leadership experience
- Experience with Early Achievers, The Creative Curriculum, Teaching Strategies GOLD, CACFP, and Procare
- Clean driving record and ability to safely operate company vehicles, including passenger vans
Position Details:
Job Type:
Full-time Schedule :
Monday-Friday, day shiftCompensation:
$80,170 per year, salaried Benefits include:- 401(k) & 401(k) matching
- Medical Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Paid Time Off and Sick Time
- Holiday Pay
- Employee child care discount Professional development and continuing education opportunities