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Child Development Director Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

... Child) 5. Health care and dependent care Flexible Spending Accounts 6. Pre-tax commuter and parking benefits 7. 401(k) Savings and Investment Plan with company match 8. Paid time off: Flexible ...

... Child) 5. Health care and dependent care Flexible Spending Accounts 6. Pre-tax commuter and parking benefits 7. 401(k) Savings and Investment Plan with company match 8. Paid time off: Flexible ...

... Child) 5. Health care and dependent care Flexible Spending Accounts 6. Pre-tax commuter and parking benefits 7. 401(k) Savings and Investment Plan with company match 8. Paid time off: Flexible ...

Partnering closely with the Center Director, you'll help guide daily operations while maintaining ... Associate or higher degree in early childhood education, education, or child development related ...

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Child Development Director information

See Tennessee salary details

$14.5K

$86.9K

$161.6K

How much do child development director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for child development director in Tennessee is $86,867.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,200.00 and $103,900.00 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 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 Tennessee? The most popular types of Child Development jobs in Tennessee are:
What are popular job titles related to Child Development Director jobs in Tennessee? For Child Development Director jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Child Development Director jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Child Development Director jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Child Development Director jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Child Development Director job openings:
Infographic showing various Child Development Director job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,867 per year, or $41.8 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 6 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.