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Child Care Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Stevens Point Area YMCA

Child Care Director

Wautoma, WI · On-site

$44K - $54K/yr

Child Care Director Reports To: Waushara Community YMCA Branch Executive Department: Child Care & Preschool PAY: $44,000 -$54,000/year BENEFITS: * Complimentary Individual or Household YMCA ...

Healthtrax Fitness & Wellness

Child Care Director

Enfield, CT · On-site

$42K - $57K/yr

Child Care Director with experience opening and operating a new day care business Director is responsible for initial set-up, licensing process, enrollments and daily hands on management of the daily ...

American Care Academy

Child Care Director

Dallas, TX · On-site

$40K - $55K/yr

Child Care Director Credential * Associate Degree in Early Childhood Development , Business Administration, or closely related field, or appropriate college credit hours; nine (9) in child ...

American Care Academy

Child Care Director

Dallas, TX · On-site

$40K - $55K/yr

Child Care Director Credential * Associate Degree in Early Childhood Development , Business Administration, or closely related field, or appropriate college credit hours; nine (9) in child ...

The Salvation Army

Child Care Director

Menasha, WI

$43K - $58K/yr

The Child Care Director is responsible for the development and administration of the Children's Learning Center. Serves as a member of the Management Team of The Salvation Army, Fox Cities, works ...

New

Christian Preschool Centers

Child Care Director

Lubbock, TX · On-site

$36K - $48K/yr

Need to have or qualify for your Director's license per Texas Child Care Minimum Standards 746.1015: must be at least 21 years of age, have a high school diploma or its equivalent, and meet one of ...

Kids 'R' Kids Concord

Child Care Director

Concord, NC · On-site

$38K - $51K/yr

... and Child Care Resources* We are looking for a Director who has a genuine love for children and a strong commitment to excellence in education. This distinguished leadership role requires the ...

Kids 'R' Kids Concord

Child Care Director

Concord, NC

$39K - $53K/yr

... and Child Care Resources* We are looking for a Director who has a genuine love for children and a strong commitment to excellence in education. This distinguished leadership role requires the ...

Primrose School

Child care Director

Franklin, MA · On-site

$42K - $57K/yr

Build a brighter future for all children As Child Care Director of Primrose School of Franklin, your dedication to the success of our next generation will ensure we deliver on our mission of bringing ...

The Goddard School

Child Care Director

Round Rock, TX · On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

Must meet Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Child Care Regulation requirements for a Childcare Director. * Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education ...

Kids 'R' Kids Concord

Child Care Director

Concord, NC · On-site

$38K - $51K/yr

... and Child Care Resources* We are looking for a Director who has a genuine love for children and a strong commitment to excellence in education. This distinguished leadership role requires the ...

Kids 'R' Kids Concord

Child Care Director

Concord, NC · On-site

$38K - $51K/yr

... and Child Care Resources* We are looking for a Director who has a genuine love for children and a strong commitment to excellence in education. This distinguished leadership role requires the ...

The Learning Experience

Child Care Director

Round Rock, TX · On-site

$39K - $53K/yr

Child Care Center Director Join the fastest-growing Academy of Early Education in the nation where "Happy Happens Here"! At The Learning Experience, we are dedicated to providing a platform for ...

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Child Care Director information

See salary details

$28.5K

$52.3K

$80.5K

How much do child care director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for child care director in the United States is $52,327.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,000.00 and $57,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Child Care Director vs Child Care Center Supervisor?

Child Care DirectorChild Care Center Supervisor
Oversees multiple programs, manages staff, develops policies, and handles administrative tasks.Manages daily operations of a specific classroom or group, supervises staff, and ensures compliance with regulations.

Both roles require similar credentials such as early childhood education certifications and experience. The Child Care Director typically has broader responsibilities, including strategic planning and staff hiring, while the Child Care Center Supervisor focuses on daily classroom management. Employers in the industry often use these titles interchangeably, but the Director usually holds a higher-level position overseeing the entire center or multiple locations.

What does a child care director do?

A Child Care Director oversees the daily operations of a child care center or preschool, ensuring a safe, nurturing, and educational environment for children. Their responsibilities include managing staff, developing curriculum, maintaining compliance with state and local regulations, and communicating with parents. They also handle budgeting, enrollment, and may organize events or programs for the center. The role requires strong leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills to effectively manage both administrative tasks and child development needs.

What degree do I need to be a child care director at a daycare?

Child care directors typically need a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent, but many employers prefer a bachelor's degree in early childhood education, child development, or a related field. Relevant experience in childcare and certifications such as CPR and first aid are also important for this role.

What are some of the most common challenges faced by a child care director, and how can they be managed effectively?

One of the most common challenges for a Child Care Director is balancing administrative responsibilities with providing high-quality care and education. Directors must manage staffing, regulatory compliance, budgeting, and parent communication, all while ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for children. Effective time management, strong leadership, and clear communication with staff and families are essential to address these challenges. Building a supportive team and staying updated on best practices in early childhood education can also help streamline operations and foster a positive work environment.

What is a child care director?

A child care director is the head of a daycare center or preschool. The duties of child care directors are much like the responsibilities of school principals. They develop educational programs, plan budgets, and supervise staff. A child care director is in charge of the maintenance and care of the facilities, and for paying the bills and tracking payroll. Many were former teachers with backgrounds in education or child development.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a child care director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Child Care Director, you need a background in early childhood education, childcare licensing knowledge, and leadership experience, often supported by a degree in education or child development. Familiarity with child care management software, regulatory compliance systems, and first aid certification is commonly required. Strong interpersonal communication, organizational skills, and problem-solving abilities help you lead staff and build trust with families. These skills ensure a safe, nurturing environment and smooth daily operations that foster children's growth and staff effectiveness.
More about Child Care Director jobs
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What are the most commonly searched types of Child Care jobs? The most popular types of Child Care jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Child Care Director jobs? The top employers for Child Care Director jobs are:
What states have the most Child Care Director jobs? States with the most job openings for Child Care Director jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Child Care Director jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Child Care Director jobs are:
Child Care Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Child Care Director job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,327 per year, or $25.2 per hour.

Child Care Director

Stevens Point Area YMCA

Wautoma, WI • On-site

$44K - $54K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Waushara Community YMCA
Position Title: Child Care Director
Reports To: Waushara Community YMCA Branch Executive
Department: Child Care & Preschool
PAY: $44,000 -$54,000/year
BENEFITS:
  • Complimentary Individual or Household YMCA Membership
  • 50% Employee and Dependents Discount on YMCA Programs
  • 40% Child Care Discount
  • CPR/AED/First Aid Certification Provided Upon Employment
  • Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, retirement, and paid time off.

GENERAL FUNCTION
Under the direction of the Branch executive with support from the Senior Director of Child Care, the Child Care Services Director provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for all Child Care and Preschool programs. This position is responsible for ensuring safe, high-quality, mission-driven programming while maintaining compliance with Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) licensing regulations, YMCA standards, accreditation requirements, and organizational policies.
The Child Care Services Director oversees program development, staff leadership, family engagement, budgeting, risk management, child abuse prevention, and continuous program improvement. This position serves as a member of the YMCA leadership team and promotes a culture of safety, excellence, collaboration, and accountability while advancing the YMCA's mission of strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education & Experience
  • Must meet Wisconsin DCF qualifications for a Child Care Center Director under DCF 251.
  • Bachelor's degree preferred in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, Human Services, or a related field.
  • Minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in licensed childcare or early childhood education.
  • Previous supervisory and leadership experience preferred.
  • Experience managing department budgets and financial performance.
  • Experience with state licensing inspections, accreditation processes, and regulatory compliance.
  • Experience recruiting, supervising, training, and developing staff and volunteers.

Certifications
  • CPR/AED/First Aid Certification (within 60 days of employment)
  • YMCA New Employee Orientation
  • Child Abuse Prevention Training
  • Bloodborne Pathogens Training
  • OSHA and Safety Training
  • Wisconsin DCF required continuing education
  • Maintain all certifications and professional development required by the YMCA and state licensing.

Knowledge & Skills
  • Thorough knowledge of Wisconsin DCF Child Care Licensing Rules.
  • Knowledge of child growth and development.
  • Strong understanding of risk management and child abuse prevention practices.
  • Knowledge of positive behavior guidance and classroom management.
  • Budget development and financial management.
  • Excellent leadership and staff development skills.
  • Strong conflict resolution and problem-solving abilities.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Strong organizational and time management skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, childcare management software, and other technology platforms.

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES
The Child Care Services Director demonstrates:
  • Integrity and ethical leadership
  • Professional judgment
  • Accountability
  • Initiative
  • Collaboration
  • Adaptability
  • Excellent customer service
  • Effective communication
  • Confidentiality
  • Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging
  • Commitment to the YMCA Core Values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Program Leadership & Administration
  • Provide leadership and oversight for all Child Care and Preschool programs.
  • Develop, implement, evaluate, and continuously improve programs and services.
  • Ensure programs meet YMCA quality standards, licensing requirements, accreditation standards, and community needs.
  • Develop annual department goals and action plans.
  • Evaluate participation trends and implement strategies to increase enrollment, retention, and program quality.
  • Ensure classrooms provide safe, welcoming, developmentally appropriate learning environments.
  • Maintain accurate program records and documentation.

Staff Leadership
  • Recruit, hire, onboard, supervise, coach, mentor, and evaluate full-time, part-time, seasonal, and substitute staff.
  • Develop staff schedules and ensure appropriate staffing levels.
  • Conduct regular observations, coaching sessions, and performance evaluations.
  • Facilitate staff meetings and ongoing professional development.
  • Promote employee engagement, recognition, and retention.
  • Ensure all staff complete required certifications and mandatory trainings.

Child Safety & Risk Management
  • Ensure compliance with all YMCA Child Abuse Prevention Policies.
  • Promote a culture of child safety through active supervision and accountability.
  • Conduct routine program observations and safety audits.
  • Ensure mandatory reporting requirements are followed.
  • Investigate incidents and complete required documentation.
  • Maintain emergency preparedness procedures and Emergency Action Plans.
  • Ensure compliance with OSHA, licensing, and YMCA risk management standards.
  • Monitor facilities, classrooms, playgrounds, and equipment to ensure safe operating conditions.

Licensing & Compliance
  • Maintain compliance with Wisconsin DCF Child Care Licensing Rules.
  • Coordinate licensing inspections and accreditation visits.
  • Maintain required licensing documentation and staff records.
  • Ensure staff-to-child ratios remain compliant.
  • Monitor continuing education requirements.
  • Implement corrective action plans as needed.

Financial Management
  • Develop and administer department budgets.
  • Monitor revenues and expenditures.
  • Recommend pricing strategies and program improvements.
  • Monitor payroll and staffing costs.
  • Manage scholarship requests according to YMCA policies.
  • Purchase equipment and supplies within approved budgets.

Family & Community Engagement
  • Build positive relationships with children, families, staff, and community partners.
  • Respond promptly and professionally to parent questions and concerns.
  • Collaborate with schools, colleges, licensing agencies, and community organizations.
  • Promote YMCA programs through community outreach and relationship building.
  • Assist with marketing efforts and member communications.

Organizational Leadership
  • Serve as an active member of the YMCA Leadership Team.
  • Support YMCA fundraising events and community initiatives.
  • Demonstrate and communicate the YMCA mission, vision, values, and strategic priorities.
  • Collaborate with other departments to enhance member experience.
  • Perform additional duties as assigned.

Requirements
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
The employee must be able to:
  • Supervise children through sight and sound.
  • Move throughout classrooms, playgrounds, and program areas.
  • Frequently stand, walk, bend, kneel, squat, climb, and reach.
  • Lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds.
  • Participate in classroom activities and outdoor programming.
  • Respond quickly during emergencies.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS
Success in this position is demonstrated through:
  • Full compliance with Wisconsin DCF licensing requirements.
  • Consistent implementation of YMCA Child Abuse Prevention standards.
  • Safe, welcoming, and high-quality learning environments.
  • Strong staff recruitment, retention, and professional development.
  • Achievement of department budget and enrollment goals.
  • High family satisfaction and positive member experiences.
  • Strong collaboration with YMCA departments and community partners.
  • Accurate and timely completion of documentation and reports.
  • Continuous improvement of program quality and operational efficiency.
  • Leadership that reflects the YMCA mission and core values.

Salary Description
$44,000 - $54,000/year

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