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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 ...

Director Child Development

Fort Myers, FL · On-site

$27.78 - $37.50/hr

Lee Memorial Child Development Center -2335 Clifford St.Fort Myers FL 33901 Department: LMH Day ... Director Credential required within 6 months of employment. License: N/A Other: Strong ...

Director Child Development

Fort Myers, FL · On-site

$27.78 - $37.50/hr

Lee Memorial Child Development Center - 2335 Clifford St. Fort Myers FL 33901 Department: LMH Day ... Director Credential required within 6 months of employment. License: N/A Other: Strong ...

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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 ...

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Child Development Director information

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$16K

$95.7K

$178K

How much do child development director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 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 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 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 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:
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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,708 per year, or $46 per hour.

Child Development Teacher-Full-Time

St Lukes Community House

Nashville, TN

$21.64/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Pay Based on Education and Experience

  • High School Diploma - $17.00 per hour starting pay
  • Associates Degree - $20.20 per hour starting pay
  • Bachelor's Degree - $21.64 per hour starting pay

This is an excellent full-time career opportunity, working Monday through Friday.

We offer very competitive benefits

Paid time off

Medical, Dental and Vision benefits

Employer paid life insurance

Employer paid short term and long term disability insurance

401(k) retirement plan with employer match

Employees are also eligible for discounted onsite childcare

Meals during work hours are provided at no charge.

Paid Training

Financial support for CDA or ECE Education

Potential for annual merit pay raise

St. Luke's Community House Preschool in West Nashville is seeking an enthusiastic, energetic and motivated Child Development Teacher to join our dedicated staff. This is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact in the community and assist us in our efforts to change and improve the lives of our local families. This role reports to the Child Development Director and is responsible for providing a safe, healthy, learning environment to children ages 6 weeks to 5 years.

If you want to learn a little bit more about St. Luke's, you can visit our website at www.stlch.org

Position Responsibilities

  • Responsible for maintaining best practices as outlined by St. Luke's Child Development Center and NAEYC.
  • Follows all policies and procedures outlined in St. Luke's Employee Handbook and Job Description.
  • Supports the program's philosophy-regarding how children learn through play, positive discipline, making students, families, and co-workers feel safe and loved.

Implementation of the Curriculum

  • Is proficient in the curriculum and the use of Conscious Discipline for children as appropriate.
  • Is responsible for completion, submission, and execution of weekly lesson plans with any necessary assistance from the Instructional Coach, Supervisor, or Child Development Director. Assures children's goals are addressed in lesson plans.
  • Maintains personal file information on assigned groups of children. Responsible that all necessary notes and documentation are made for each child's progress.

Communication

  • Develops and maintains positive partnerships with fellow staff, supervisors, and parents.
  • Arrives to program with a positive attitude.
  • Presents concerns and/or negative information with tact and handles communication with empathy and courtesy with families and staff.
  • Communicates directly, respectfully, and consistently with parents/families and staff.
  • Communicates with parents and teachers about developmental milestones, early learning standards, curriculum, and our social-emotional learning philosophy.
  • Attends all scheduled training, staff meetings, in-service and parent meetings, as directed.

Licensing Requirements

  • Responsible for being knowledgeable and following DHS childcare guidelines.
  • Contributes to annual evaluation of their assigned classroom by maintaining classroom environment and materials in accordance with DHS regulation and NAEYC accreditation.
  • Obtains the minimum number of training hours as required by DHS and/or the Child Development Director.

Classroom Management

  • Is present in the classroom ready to work at the assigned start time of the shift
  • Works with assigned group of children or youth on individual developmental milestone and goals.
  • Shares the day-to-day responsibilities of the classroom with other co-workers.
  • Provides list of supplies as needed to Child Development Director, Supervisor.
  • Maintains a neat and clutter free environment.
  • Performs all emergency drills in accordance with St. Luke's policies and procedures.
  • Maintains first aid kit as specified by DHS.
  • Greets, encourages, and supervises volunteers in attendance of the preschool program and ensures that they follow guidelines established by St. Luke's.

Minimum Requirements

Education and Experience

  • High school diploma. Bachelor's degree preferred
  • CDA or CDA in progress preferred.
  • Experience in a licensed, quality childcare, accredited preferred.
  • Personnel supervision skills

Skill Competencies

  • Good organizational and communication skills
  • Commitment to customer service
  • Remains calm in tense situations; maintains a level head and communicates effectively

Physical Requirements

  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be required to communicate with peers/general public.
  • Job performance will require the ability to move throughout the building as well as sit or remain stationary for extended periods of time.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to talk or hear, sit, stand, walk, reach, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, taste or smell.
  • Ability to move 40 pounds.

Other Requirements

The candidate must be able to pass a drug test, have a clear background check and meet the Department of Human Services Requirements for the State of Tennessee.

Send a message to jobs@stlch.org to setup a tour and view our center. We look forward to

speaking with you about this opportunity.

St. Luke's Community House is an equal opportunity employer.