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Child Development Director Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

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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Child Development Director information

See Florida salary details

$12K

$71.5K

$133K

How much do child development director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for child development director in Florida is $71,522.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,300.00 and $85,600.00 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Child Development jobs in Florida? The most popular types of Child Development jobs in Florida are:
What are popular job titles related to Child Development Director jobs in Florida? For Child Development Director jobs in Florida, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Child Development Director jobs in Florida look for? The top searched job categories for Child Development Director jobs in Florida are:
What cities in Florida are hiring for Child Development Director jobs? Cities in Florida with the most Child Development Director job openings:
Infographic showing various Child Development Director job openings in Florida as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,522 per year, or $34.4 per hour.
Director Child Development

Director Child Development

Lee Health

Fort Myers, FL

$27.78 - $37.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago


Lee Health rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 194 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

449th of 886 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Location:Lee Memorial Child Development Center -2335 Clifford St.Fort Myers FL 33901

Department: LMH Day Care Center

Work Type: Full Time

Shift: Shift 1/8:00:00AM to 4:30:00PM

Minimum to Midpoint Pay Rate:$27.78 - $37.50 / hour

Summary

Oversee the daily operations of the Child Development Center, including staff supervision, program quality, regulatory compliance, family engagement, and fiscal management. Ensures a safe, developmentally appropriate environment that supports the needs of children and families.

Requirements

Education: Bachelors degree in early childhood or education required.

Experience: Minimum of 3 years experience in Supervision required.

Certification: American Heart Association Heartsaver (HRTSVR) First Aid CPR AED required. Director Credential required within 6 months of employment.

License: N/A

Other:Strong Interpersonal, communication, customer service, computer, organizational and basic mathematical skills.

US:FL:Fort Myers


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About Lee Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Lee Health is one of the largest public health systems in the U.S. and one of the largest not-for-profit public health systems in Florida. With 4 acute care hospitals; Lee Memorial, Healthpark Medical Center, Cape Coral Hospital and Gulf Coast Medical Center, two specialty hospitals; Gaisano Children's Hospital and The Rehab Hospital. Lee Physician Group with over 80 practices throughout Southwest Florida, a Regional Cancer Center, seven outpatient centers, three walk-in clinics and two pediatric outpatient facilities. HEALTHGRADES ranks Lee Healths four acute care hospitals in the top 5% in the nation for overall clinical excellence in 2019, 2020, 2021 AND 2022 and is included in America's 250 Best Hospitals

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Fort Myers, FL, US

Year founded

1916