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Child Development Director Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Child Care Cook

Cordova, TN · On-site

$11.50 - $15.50/hr

Follow the daily menu provided by the Director which incorporates USDA, licensing, and/or health ... development in a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment. As experts in childcare and early ...

Must have a four year degree in Early Childhood Education or a related area of Child Development * Must have two years of experience as a Director or Assistant Director in a child care school * Must ...

Must have a four year degree in Early Childhood Education or a related area of Child Development * Must have two years of experience as a Director or Assistant Director in a child care school * Must ...

Child Care Center Cook

Memphis, TN · On-site

$11.50 - $15.50/hr

Follow the daily menu provided by the Director which incorporates USDA, licensing, and/or health ... development in a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment. As experts in childcare and early ...

Child Care Center Cook

Cordova, TN · On-site

$11.50 - $15.50/hr

Follow the daily menu provided by the Director which incorporates USDA, licensing, and/or health ... development in a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment. As experts in childcare and early ...

Child Care Center Cook

Memphis, TN · On-site

$11.50 - $15.50/hr

Follow the daily menu provided by the Director which incorporates USDA, licensing, and/or health ... development in a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment. As experts in childcare and early ...

Child Care Center Cook

Cordova, TN · On-site

$11.50 - $15.50/hr

Follow the daily menu provided by the Director which incorporates USDA, licensing, and/or health ... development in a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment. As experts in childcare and early ...

Showing results 21-40

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.

Director, Child and Family Grants Program

The University of Tennessee

Martin, TN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description


The University of Tennessee at Martin invites applications for the Program Director of
the Child and Family Grants Program (CFGP). The Program Director provides
strategic oversight and hands-on leadership for three programs with a total annual
budget of just over $3 million in state and federal grants supporting children and
families through prevention, education, and developmental services. We are seeing
an experienced leader who can lead programs that make measurable differences in
early childhood outcomes and family well-being.
The Program Director reports to the Chair of the Department of Family and
Consumer Sciences at UT Martin and collaborates closely with the university's
offices of Finance & Administration and Research & Sponsored Programs. This is a
non-faculty administrative position with no formal teaching or research obligations,
though collaboration with academic programs is encouraged. The CFGP employs
approximately 36 employees; the Director is supported by three Program Managers,
an Outreach Liaison, and a Financial Assistant.
The CFGP is supported by multi-year federal and state grants with a strong history of
renewal and institutional support.
Responsibilities
The Program Director leads the operational and administrative aspects of the
Healthy Families/Healthy Start, Parents as Teachers, and Infant Stimulation
programs, within established university and grant guidelines, including:
• Program planning and evaluation
• Staff development and supervision
• Budget management
• Grant compliance and reporting
• Alignment with university policies and procedures
• Supervision and mentorship of program managers
Performance is evaluated annually based on program compliance, measurable
family outcomes, staff development, and success in sustaining funding.
Qualifications
A bachelor's degree in child development, early childhood education, family
studies, social work, family and consumer sciences, or a closely related field is
required. An advanced degree in one of these areas is preferred.
Two to three years of experience supervising four or more staff, managing
organizational budgets, and working with children and families is required.
Additional experience supervising staff and budgeting, along with training and
experience writing grants and overseeing grant-funded programs, is preferred.
Application materials must include: 1) a current resume, 2) a letter of interest
stating how your experiences and qualifications match the job description; and 3)
name, title, and complete contact information for three professional references,
noting the relationship with each.
Application deadline: Applicant review will begin March 27th and continue until a successful candidate has been hired.