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Child Development Center Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

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Child Development Center information

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How much do child development center jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for child development center in Kentucky is $18.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.18 and $21.11 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Child Development Center vs Preschool Teacher?

AspectChild Development CenterPreschool Teacher
Required CredentialsChild Development Associate (CDA) or equivalent, early childhood education creditsTypically CDA or early childhood education certification, sometimes a degree
Work EnvironmentChildcare facilities, early learning centers, community programsPreschools, private or public early childhood classrooms
Employer & Industry UsageChildcare providers, early childhood education industryPreschool programs, early education sector
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Child Development Centers focus on comprehensive early childhood care and development, often serving a broader age range and providing various services. Preschool Teachers primarily focus on early childhood education within classroom settings, preparing children for kindergarten. Both roles require similar credentials and are used within the early childhood education industry, but their scope and environment differ slightly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Child Development Center Teacher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Child Development Center Teacher, you need a solid understanding of early childhood education, child psychology, and age-appropriate instructional strategies, often supported by a degree or certification in early childhood education. Familiarity with classroom management software, developmental assessment tools, and state licensing requirements is typically necessary. Patience, creativity, and strong communication skills help foster positive relationships with children, parents, and colleagues. These skills ensure a safe, nurturing environment that supports children’s learning, growth, and well-being.

What are some common challenges faced by staff working in a Child Development Center, and how can they be addressed?

Staff in a Child Development Center often encounter challenges such as managing varying developmental needs among children, maintaining effective communication with parents, and addressing behavioral issues in a positive way. These challenges can be addressed by participating in ongoing professional development, fostering strong teamwork among staff, and utilizing evidence-based strategies for classroom management. Open communication with families and regular team meetings also help ensure that each child's needs are met while supporting a positive work environment.

What is a Child Development Center?

A Child Development Center is a facility that provides care, education, and developmental support for young children, typically from infancy through preschool age. These centers focus on promoting physical, cognitive, emotional, and social growth through structured activities and play. Staffed by trained professionals, Child Development Centers offer age-appropriate curricula, nutritious meals, and a safe environment. They also support working families by offering reliable childcare during standard work hours.
What are popular job titles related to Child Development Center jobs in Kentucky? For Child Development Center jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Child Development Center jobs in Kentucky look for? The top searched job categories for Child Development Center jobs in Kentucky are:
What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Child Development Center jobs? Cities in Kentucky with the most Child Development Center job openings:
Child Development Center jobs near you
Infographic showing various Child Development Center job openings in Kentucky as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,885 per year, or $18.2 per hour.
Director, Child Development Center

Director, Child Development Center

Neighborhood House

Louisville, KY • On-site

$50K - $58K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

About Neighborhood House
Neighborhood House is a historic community center operating on a unique "twinkle to the wrinkle" intergenerational model. We serve our community at every stage of life. Our Child Development Center (CDC) is a vital community hub dedicated to promoting equity and unconditional acceptance and to delivering exceptional early childhood outcomes, including a 100% kindergarten readiness rate.
Summary of Function
The CDC Director is a community-oriented leader responsible for the total operational, financial, and educational success of our early childhood program. This role requires an individual who can flawlessly navigate the Kentucky regulatory landscape while fostering a trauma-informed, equity-centered learning environment. The ideal candidate views themselves as a mentor to teachers, a partner to families, and a champion for intergenerational community building.
Agency Duties and Responsibilities
  1. Supports the mission, vision and philosophy of Neighborhood House and embraces our values of equity, accountability, belonging, relationships, courage and joy.
  2. Supports and ensures all applicable procedures are followed to attain and maintain compliance with regulatory agencies.
  3. Provides leadership and positive interaction with others as evidenced by professional maturity, respect for others, a team-centered approach, maintenance of confidential information, and an appreciation of a multicultural workplace.
  4. Exhibits sound stewardship by effectively managing financial resources and physical resources to achieve the objectives of Neighborhood House.
  5. Exhibits regular and punctual attendance.

Key Responsibilities
Kentucky-Specific Compliance & Quality Assurance
  • Regulatory Oversight: Ensure absolute compliance with all Kentucky Child Care Licensing Regulations (922 KAR 2:090), including strict adherence to staff-to-child ratios, rigorous background check compliance, and stringent health/safety mandates.
  • Kentucky All STARS Academy: Maintain and elevate the center's rating within Kentucky's All STARS quality rating and improvement system. Document, track, and achieve specific benchmarks to guarantee top-tier care and kindergarten readiness.

Trauma-Informed & Equity-Centered Leadership
  • Trauma-Informed Care: Implement positive behavior interventions across classrooms, ensuring staff understand how adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and poverty impact early brain development. Champion supportive, non-punitive measures that avoid suspension or expulsion.
  • Wrap-Around Service Collaboration: Partner closely with the Neighborhood House team to provide holistic support, seamlessly connecting CDC families to our emergency food bank, financial resources, and other agency programs.
  • Reggio Approach: child-centered and project-based learning, with focus on social and emotional skills.

Staff Recruitment, Retention & Mentorship
  • Recruitment and Retention: Hire, train, and evaluate the performance of all Child Development Center personnel. This includes Human Resource functions, including scheduling time-off and disciplinary measures. Provide training for staff as needed and oversee staff training and education/licensing records.
  • Teacher Mentorship: Cultivate a supportive, collaborative workplace culture to actively mitigate burnout. Act as a coach and mentor to early childhood educators, ensuring they feel motivated, professionally developed, and valued.
  • Pipeline Development: Lead recruitment strategies in the Louisville area by building strong relationships with local Child Development Associate (CDA) programs, Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) early childhood pipelines, and local universities (such as UofL or Spalding).

Financial, Grant, and Administrative Management
  • Budgeting Oversight: Develop and implement approved budgets for assigned programs. Manage revenue and expenses in a manner consistent with the budget.
  • CCAP Administration: Oversee and manage the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) billings, enrollment tracking, and state authorizations to maximize funding and smoothly support eligible families.
  • Grant & Food Program Compliance: Manage and accurately report on federal and state funding streams, including the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), ensuring all nutritious meals and snacks are fully documented for reimbursement.

Intergenerational Programming & Cultural Alignment
  • Intergenerational Collaboration: Actively design and implement shared programming that safely and creatively brings CDC children and families together with other Neighborhood House members and programs.
  • Values Leadership: Embody and instill Neighborhood House's core values: practicing equity, ensuring unconditional acceptance, and actively finding and celebrating joy every day.
    • Communicate with program stakeholders, including parents, local service providers and volunteers, regarding program needs and events. This includes creating a monthly parent newsletter, as well as a weekly bulletin.
    • As an agency Director, participate in agency functions and needs, including assistance with public relations, community events, inter-agency events, facilities maintenance, etc. Plan and oversee all Child Development Center events.
    • Be available on call as needed for emergency or staffing/programming issues.
  • Partner Management: Create and maintain community partnerships that support Neighborhood House, our Child Development Center, and our children and families.

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