ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Child Development Director Jobs in Maine (NOW HIRING)

Bright Horizons

Child Care Center Director

Portland, ME · On-site

$73K - $91K/yr

Join Bright Horizons at Portland as a Child Care Center Director , where your leadership helps ... Associate or higher degree in early childhood education, education, or child development related ...

Commander, Navy Installations Command

$35.11 - $42.78/hr

Summary The purpose of the Child and Youth Program (CYP) Training and Curriculum (T&C) Specialist ... the Director for the selection of developmentally appropriate toys, materials and equipment.

Commander, Navy Installations Command

$24.18 - $28.21/hr

This position is located in a child Development Center (CDC) but may assist with food preparation ... Participation in Direct Deposit/Electronic Fund Transfer within the first 30 days of employment is ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsChild Development JobsChild Development Director JobsChild Development Director Jobs in Maine

Child Development Director information

See Maine salary details

$15.5K

$92.7K

$172.3K

How much do child development director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for child development director in Maine is $92,665.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,600.00 and $110,900.00 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.

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

The most popular types of Child Development jobs in Maine are:

What are popular job titles related to Child Development Director jobs in Maine?

For Child Development Director jobs in Maine, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

What cities in Maine are hiring for Child Development Director jobs?

Cities in Maine with the most Child Development Director job openings:

Child Development Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Child Development Director job openings in Maine as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,665 per year, or $44.6 per hour.

Director of Child Care (Main Branch)

Penobscot Bay YMCA

Rockport, ME

$58K - $62K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

Description

Ready to lead a high-quality early learning program where children, families, and staff can thrive?


The Penobscot Bay YMCA is seeking an experienced and passionate Child Care Director to lead our early childhood programs at our Main Branch in Rockport, Maine. This position provides both strategic and operational leadership for our licensed child care programs, ensuring a safe, nurturing, and enriching environment for children while supporting and developing a dedicated team of educators.


As a mission-driven leader, you will oversee daily operations, staff development, family engagement, enrollment, program quality, and regulatory compliance. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on children, families, and the broader community through high-quality early childhood education.


The Penobscot Bay YMCA is a community cornerstone where all people can connect, grow, and thrive. In this role, you bring that mission to life every day for the children and families we serve.


What You'll Do


  Lead daily operations of the child care program, ensuring a high-quality experience for children and families
Supervise, coach, train, and develop child care staff through ongoing support and professional development
Provide classroom support and coverage as needed
Guide implementation of age-appropriate curriculum that supports children's development
Maintain a safe, clean, and nurturing environment
Oversee scheduling, enrollment, and day-to-day program operations
Build strong, responsive relationships with families
Maintain accurate records, including attendance, incidents, and licensing documentation
Develop and monitor program budgets with support from senior leadership
Lead staff meetings, trainings, and team development initiatives
Support community engagement, family events, and YMCA fundraising activities
Connect families with YMCA programs and resources 


Essential Functions


  Direct and oversee early learning programs to ensure high-quality services and a safe learning environment
Ensure compliance with Maine licensing regulations, accreditation standards, and YMCA policies
Monitor program quality, participation, and outcomes, making improvements as needed
Respond appropriately to medical situations, behavioral concerns, and emergencies
Foster an inclusive, welcoming environment for children, families, and staff
Support outreach efforts, enrollment growth, and community partnerships
Perform additional duties as needed to support overall program success 


Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field OR Associate's degree and at least two years of direct child care experience
Two years of management or supervisory experience preferred
Strong understanding of child development, classroom practices, and child care licensing requirements
Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment
Commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive environment
Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office and Google Workspace
Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people

Required trainings include Mandated Reporter and YMCA Child Abuse Prevention Training (completed during onboarding), with CPR, First Aid, AED, and Bloodborne Pathogens certification required within 30 days of hire.


Schedule & Additional Benefits


Monday-Friday daytime schedule
Monthly State of Maine stipend (currently $240+) in addition to base pay

Full-time exempt position 

Requirements


Why Join the Y?


Competitive salary: $58,000-$62,500 depending on experience
Comprehensive health insurance options
Vision and dental insurance available
Employer-paid life insurance
YMCA Retirement Fund participation with potential eligibility for a 10% YMCA contribution after 2 years

Generous PTO package
Twelve paid holidays annually
Complimentary family YMCA membership
20% discount on YMCA programs
Monthly State of Maine child care workforce stipend (currently $240+ per month)
Meaningful work that directly impacts children, families, and the community 


Work Environment & Physical Demands


 This is an active, hands-on leadership role. The Director should be able to:

Lift up to 40 pounds as needed
Bend, kneel, twist, and move throughout the day
Actively supervise children in indoor and outdoor settings
Respond quickly and appropriately to safety needs
Work outdoors in all seasons

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Apply