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Child Development Director Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Kidz World Childare Inc

Director

Henderson, KY · On-site

Activity planning for child development program. * Theories of parent-child relationships ... Plan and direct the activities of the Child Care Program * Plan, develop, organize, and evaluate ...

Child Development Schools

Childcare Center Cook

Georgetown, KY · On-site

$11.75 - $15.50/hr

Every meal and snack you prepare is a direct investment in a child's growth, energy, and development. You will work in a fast-paced but purposeful kitchen environment, preparing nutritious food that ...

Child Development Schools

Childcare Center Cook

Georgetown, KY · On-site

$11.75 - $15.50/hr

Every meal and snack you prepare is a direct investment in a child's growth, energy, and development. You will work in a fast-paced but purposeful kitchen environment, preparing nutritious food that ...

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Child Development Director information

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 popular job titles related to Child Development Director jobs in Kentucky? For Child Development Director jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Child Development Director jobs in Kentucky look for? The top searched job categories for Child Development Director jobs in Kentucky are:
What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Child Development Director jobs? Cities in Kentucky with the most Child Development Director job openings:
Child Development Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Child Development Director job openings in Kentucky as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Director, Child Development Center

Neighborhood House

Louisville, KY • On-site

$50K - $58K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 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.