1

Child Development Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$92K - $143K/yr

All federal employees are required to have direct deposit * This announcement may result in a 120 ... Specialized experience is experience in managing a large, complex child development program ...

Be Seen First

The Child Development Specialist works under the supervision of the Director of Early Care and Education and with the guidance of the Head of Educational Excellence. The Child Development Specialist ...

Director of Child Development Bethlehem, PA in partnership with LVHN Westgate | Full Time, Salary; Monday-Friday Flexible between 6:00am-6:00pm | $63,000 - $70,000 We believe great minds are nurtured ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Child Development Director information

See salary details

$16K

$95.7K

$178K

How much do child development director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for child development director in the United States is $95,708.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,000.00 and $114,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a child development director do?

A Child Development Director oversees the daily operations of early childhood education programs, such as preschools or daycare centers. They are responsible for managing staff, developing curriculum, ensuring regulatory compliance, and fostering a safe and supportive learning environment for young children. Their role also includes communicating with parents, setting policies, and maintaining the overall quality of the program. In addition, Child Development Directors often handle budgeting and enrollment processes to ensure the center runs smoothly.

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

To thrive as a Child Development Director, you need expertise in early childhood education, program management, and a relevant degree—often with state-specific director credentials. Knowledge of child assessment tools, curriculum planning software, and regulatory compliance systems is typically required. Leadership, strong communication, and relationship-building skills help foster positive environments for children, staff, and families. These abilities ensure high-quality programming, regulatory adherence, and supportive learning environments that promote healthy child development.

What are some common challenges faced by a child development director, and how can they be effectively managed?

A Child Development Director often navigates challenges such as balancing administrative duties with fostering a positive, engaging environment for both children and staff. Managing staff turnover, maintaining compliance with state regulations, and ensuring high-quality curriculum implementation can also be demanding. Effective communication, ongoing staff training, and building strong relationships with parents and the community are essential strategies to address these challenges. Staying organized and proactive in problem-solving helps create a supportive and thriving learning environment.

What is the difference between Child Development Director vs Preschool Director?

AspectChild Development DirectorPreschool Director
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's or master's in early childhood education or related field, along with experience in child developmentOften requires a high school diploma or associate's degree, with experience in preschool management
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple programs or facilities, focusing on child development policies and staff supervisionManages daily operations of a preschool, including staff, curriculum, and parent relations
Industry UsageUsed in non-profit, government, or large childcare organizationsCommon in private preschools and daycare centers

The Child Development Director typically has a broader scope, focusing on program development and child welfare across multiple settings, while the Preschool Director manages daily operations within a specific preschool. Both roles require early childhood education credentials but differ in scale and responsibilities.

More about Child Development Director jobs

What cities are hiring for Child Development Director jobs?

Cities with the most Child Development Director job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Child Development jobs?

The most popular types of Child Development jobs are:

Who are the top companies hiring for Child Development Director jobs?

The top employers for Child Development Director jobs are:

What states have the most Child Development Director jobs?

States with the most job openings for Child Development Director jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Child Development Director jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Child Development Director jobs are:

Infographic showing various Child Development Director job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,708 per year, or $46 per hour.

CHILD DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

US Department of the Air Force

Sheppard Air Force Base, TX

$74K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information.
The primary purpose of this position is to exercise supervisory and managerial authorities over a Child Development Center.Qualifications:In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Professional and Scientific Positions, to include the Individual Occupational Requirements (IOR) for the GS-1701, General Education and Training series.
BASIC REQUIREMENT OR INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT: A Bachelor's degree (or higher degree) that included or was supplemented by major study in child development, early childhood education, home economics (early childhood emphasis), elementary education, special education, or other fields appropriate to the position to be filled. NOTE: You must submit a copy of your transcripts.
OR
COMBINATION OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION
--courses equivalent to a major in child development, early childhood education, home economics (early childhood emphasis), elementary education, special education, or in a subject-matter field appropriate to the position, plus appropriate experience or additional course work that provided knowledge comparable to that normally acquired through the successful completion of the 4-year course of study described above. NOTE: You must submit a copy of your transcripts.
AND

In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-09, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes providing child development services for DOD military, civilian, and dependent populations. The participant community consists of military members, DOD civilians, and DoD Contractors. Programs include early childhood development (CD) and preschool programs designed to promote children's physical, social, emotional and cognitive growth from infancy to school age. These programs also provide a variety of developmental services to assure the basic health, safety and well being of dependent children ages 6 weeks to 6 years. This includes full day care, part day care (preschool), hourly care (including weekend, respite, on-site and surge care during exercises and contingencies), and special needs. The program segment or work directed is administrative, technical, complex clerical, or comparable in nature. The functions, activities, or services provided have large geographic coverage and support most of the activities comprising a typical agency field office, and area office, a medium to large military installation, or comparable activities within agency program segments. Applies professional knowledge and skills in evaluating the soundness of project proposals, providing technical assistance on techniques and methodology, assessing project performance, and identifying potential changes. Note: You must submit a copy of official transcripts.
OR
EDUCATION:
Successful completion of three (3) years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the work of the position. NOTE: You must submit a copy of your transcripts.
OR
COMBINATION OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:
A combination of education and experience may be used to quality for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. NOTE: You must submit a copy of your transcripts.
FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-09 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-11 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks. NOTE: Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS civil service employees within the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:
1. Knowledge of a wide variety of principles, concepts, and child growth and development within the Air Force Child Development Programs.
2. Knowledge of safety and security regulations, practices, and procedures.
3. Ability to plan, organize, and direct the functions and mentor, motivate, and appraise the staff of an organization through subordinate supervisors.
4. Ability to analyze, plan, and adjust work operations of one or more organizational segments to meet program requirements and objectives within available resources.
5. Ability to communicate both orally and in writing.
PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.
VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.Education:IF USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY: If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcriptswith the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience, transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.Employment Type: OTHER