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Child Development Director Jobs in Mississippi (NOW HIRING)

Child Care Provider/Teacher

Pearl, MS · On-site

$11.75 - $15/hr

Plan activities compatible to the development of the whole child concept. * Monthly overview and weekly lesson plans are to be given to the director. Include objectives. * Supervise students in Early ...

Child Care Provider/Teacher

Pearl, MS · On-site

$11.75 - $15/hr

Plan activities compatible to the development of the whole child concept. * Monthly overview and weekly lesson plans are to be given to the director. Include objectives. * Supervise students in Early ...

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Distribute developmentally appropriate activities and resources to promote the parent as the child ... Additional Responsibilities Performs other duties and assignments as directed by the supervisor.

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Child Development Director information

See Mississippi salary details

$15.2K

$90.6K

$168.6K

How much do child development director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for child development director in Mississippi is $90,642.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,100.00 and $108,400.00 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 Mississippi?

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

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

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

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

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

Before & After Care Site Director (FT)- Mississippi

YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South

Olive Branch, MS • On-site

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description

Description

POSITION SUMMARY:

Consistent with the Christian mission and vision of the YMCA of Memphis & Mid-South, and in cooperation with other YMCA staff, under the direction of the Regional and/or Area Coordinator, the Site Director is responsible for planning and implementing7 all activities and executing daily lesson plans for a School Age Before and After School site according to MSDH and YMCA policies and procedures. The Site Director will supervise site staff and their activities. The Site Director will be responsible for providing a School Age program that will ensure the participants' safety at all times and foster children's social, physical, spiritual, and mental growth and adheres to YMCA program guidelines and MSDH standards. The Site Director will maintain positive relationships with YMCA staff, school staff, and School Age participants. This is a full time position with all of the benefits and responsibilities afforded full time employees of the YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South. 


ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Model the YMCA core values: Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility.
  • Oversee the operation of a before/after school site, additionally supporting seasonal camp sites.
  • Maintain all state and local policies and procedures; adhere to state licensing standards; conduct a licensing inspection at the site.
  • Implement a daily curriculum that meets YMCA guidelines and direct staff and children in the daily activities outlines and weekly lesson plans given. Keep up with calendars, and maintain daily record keeping including rosters.
  • Actively lead and engage a group of 15 to 20 (MSDH maximum is 20) children in activities outlined in the curriculum given, either inside or outside program areas and during transition times.
  • Set up and take down program space so that area is transformed into a child-friendly environment; this includes moving, cleaning, picking up and putting back furniture and equipment ensuring program space is left in organized fashion.
  • Supervise staff including schedules, staff coverage, assist in training and developing group leaders and assistant site directors.
  • Attend all staff meetings and in-service training as required by the program staff.
  • Develop and maintain a positive relationship with the school community to include; principals, assistant principals, teachers, and support staff.
  • Develop and maintain communication with parents that meet MSDH requirements; attend and/or conduct parent conferences.
  • Maintain MSDH child care licensing individual files for staff and children and to ensure that they are current and complete according to SOP's.
  • Provide communication to families regarding their students and sometimes sensitive matters.
  • Assist in controlling and maintaining supplies and inventory on site and maintain meal time.
  • Participate in YMCA volunteer programs and the Annual Giving Campaign.
  • Expected to be mobile across the entire system for fill in.
  • Work and support special events
  • Help facilitate trainings of part time staff
  • Be available for some weekend work
  • Carry out special projects and perform office duties as assigned by program staff.


QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Passion, enthusiasm, and commitment to the mission and cause of the YMCA
  • An enthusiastic personality with the desire to serve members, volunteers, guests, participants and staff to create a culture of service
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community
  • Must present a professional image and possess conflict resolution skills, and demonstrate sound judgment and initiative
  • Must be highly organized with the ability to work under pressure and handle multiple tasks
  • Must be able to maintain confidentiality of information
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends
  • Minimum 21 years of age

Education/Experience:

  • A bachelor's degree in early childhood education, child development, elementary education, child care, special education, psychology (with emphasis on child psychology), or family and consumer sciences (with emphasis on child development), or equivalent degree from another child related field or course of study.
  • o A two-year associate degree from an accredited community or junior college in child development technology which must include a minimum of 480 hours of practical training, supervised by college instructors, in a college operated child care learning laboratory.
  • o A two-year associate degree from an accredited community or junior college in child development technology or child care and two years paid experience in a licensed child care facility.
  • o Two years paid experience as a caregiver in a licensed child care facility, and either (1) a current Child Development Associate (CDA) credential from the Council for Early Childhood Professional Recognition (CECPR), or (2) a Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) Division of Early Childhood Care and Development (DECCD) Child Care Director's Credential.

Certifications Required:

Before start of 1st shift:

  • New Hire Orientation training
  • MSDH Background Disclosure Form & Fingerprint appointment
  • Abuse Registry Check
  • Proof of education
  • Completed references report
  • Past Employment reference
  • Pre-service training Within 30 days of hire:
  • CPR/First Aid/AED (Infant/Pediatric)
  • Must maintain annual training requirements

Information Security and Sensitivity Conditions:

  • This position requires elevated security permissions (administrative) to one or more systems which store or maintain sensitive and/or confidential information
  • This position requires access to sensitive and confidential information
  • All system activity performed by individuals working in this position is subject to periodic system audits
  • This position may be subject to privileged information such as organization changes, staffing changes, security events or other sensitive communications and is expected to protect and keep sensitive or confidential communications and/or information private
  • Failure to comply with any security and/or sensitivity related duties as defined in this section will result in disciplinary action which may include termination.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

1. Ability to walk, stand, and sit (including on the floor) for long periods of time.

2. Must be able to lift/carry food and supplies weighing up to 20 pounds.

3. Ability to lift/assist a small to average child.

4. Position may require bending, leaning, kneeling, and walking.

5. Ability to speak concisely and effectively communicate.

6. Visual and auditory ability to respond to critical situations and physical ability to act swiftly in an emergency


YMCA LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:


Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Y's values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others

and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with

them. Supports fund-raising.


Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions.

Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person's point of view, and

remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes

effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.


Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another.

Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establishes goals,

clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and

procedures, and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver

a high-value experience for members.


Personal Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to

change, and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths

and limitations and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills

required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in

technology.


The YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South aims to provide quality and safe youth programs for all. We are committed to making a continuous effort to prevent the abuse of children: verbally, physically, emotionally and sexually. All allegations or suspicions of child abuse are taken seriously and will be reported to the State for investigation with full cooperation from the YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South.