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Child Development Director Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

Bachelor's degree in child development, education, or a related field * Two years' experience teaching or planning and directing a children's educational or service program, or equivalency (one year ...

Preschool Teacher

Nephi, UT · On-site

$25.45 - $26.93/hr

Thorough knowledge of child development and developmentally appropriate teaching practicesStrong communication skills, both verbal and writtenComputer literacy skillsAbility to handle/re-direct child ...

Showing results 21-40

Child Development Director information

See Utah salary details

$14.6K

$87.1K

$162K

How much do child development director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for child development director in Utah is $87,130.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,400.00 and $104,200.00 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 Utah?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Child Development Director job openings in Utah as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 35% Full Time, 55% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 7% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,130 per year, or $41.9 per hour.

Early Chldhood Spec

University of Utah

Salt Lake City, UT • On-site

$47K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 16 days ago


University Of Utah rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 159 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

385th of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Announcement
Details
Open Date
07/29/2026
Requisition Number
PRN45784B
Job Title
Early Chldhood Spec
Working Title
Early Childhood Curriculum Specialist
Career Progression Track
C
Track Level
FLSA Code
Administrative
Patient Sensitive Job Code?
No
Standard Hours per Week
40
Full Time or Part Time?
Full Time
Shift
Day
Work Schedule Summary
M-F days, may have occasional night or weekend shifts.
VP Area
President
Department
00291 - Student Parent Support Center
Location
Campus
City
Salt Lake City, UT
Type of Recruitment
External Posting
Pay Rate Range
$47,000
Close Date
08/15/2026
Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time)
Job Summary
Job Summary
Develops and conducts training programs, orientation, and continuing education for new and current employees specific to a department or function. Assesses training and coaching needs of staff and monitors the effectiveness of the training program.
Responsibilities
  • Plans and oversee the training and coaching for six UKids Child Care Programs. Develops and conducts training in department and regulatory procedures, documentation requirements, and department specific computer operations.
  • Assists practitioners in implementing The Creative Curriculum into classroom settings for children birth-5 years. Trains and assists Child Care Programs with TS Gold assessment programs.
  • Creates or obtains training and orientation materials. Provides training for all new employees in all required topics.
  • Identifies and assesses employee skill level and training needs. Trains and assists Child Care Programs with TS Gold assessment programs.
  • Trains and mentors early childhood practitioners in preparing program plans and observing and interpreting children's behavior.
  • May assist teachers and practitioners to meet with parents to discuss children's progress.
  • Documents observations regarding teacher's professional development and learning goals and reports back to their supervisors.
  • Provide in-service training on DAP, children's environments and other curriculum development. Maintains documentation of training, education, and new employee orientations.
  • Collects and organizes resource materials and equipment needed for activities.
  • Observe and evaluate staff in classrooms
  • Assists in maintaining NAEYC and state licensing standards
  • Assists in family events (Parent and Me, PNO, etc.)
  • Develops and implements a monthly/quarterly training schedule.
  • Steps into classrooms when needed as substitutes.
  • Attends child development workshops and conferences.
  • Problem solving
  • Other Duties as Assigned
  • The incumbents in the is position are expected to be familiar with the department's policies and procedures and are required to have a working knowledge of University and department organizations and procedures in order to answer and assist staff and visitors.

Work environment and level of frequency typically required:
  • Nearly continuously: office environment, occasional early childhood classroom environment, and standing during training sessions.

Minimum Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in child development, education, or a related field
  • Two years' experience teaching or planning and directing a children's educational or service program, or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience)
  • Demonstrated human relations skills; and a commitment to provide excellent customer service required.
  • Master's degree may be preferred.

Department-Specific Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in child development, education, or a closely related field
  • Two years' experience teaching or planning and directing an early childhood (birth - 5) educational or service program with at least one year supervisory or mentoring duties, or equivalency in a child care, preschool, Head Start, early care and education program or Child Care Resource and Referral setting
  • Prior experience with Creative Curriculum
  • Demonstrated human relations skills and a commitment to provide excellent customer service required.
  • Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.
  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Must demonstrate effective communication with professionals, parents and children
  • Must demonstrate an ability to work independently but show a willingness to take direction from the supervisor
  • Must be warm, energetic and enjoy working with families, young children, early childhood staff. Will be asked to conduct a health and safety training at interview.
  • Must pass a BCI and fingerprint background check.
  • Must be willing to obtain first aid training
  • Must be willing to obtain Early Childhood Coaching certificate within year of employment.
  • Demonstrated skills in Microsoft Office and management software.
  • Must meet physical characteristics needed for the performance of all job duties (with or without the use of aids)
  • Speak and write with ease and fluency.
  • Sufficient vision to read small, printed material as well as long distances across playgrounds and classrooms for child supervision.
  • Sufficient hearing to hear normal and telephone conversation
  • Ability to speak in an understandable manner.
  • Tone with sufficient volume to be heard in an office and/or a busy classroom environment.
  • Lift small children (up to 50 lbs.)
  • Carry small children in arms for short distances.
  • Move about on hands and knees and sit on the floor with children.
  • Exhibits physical stamina necessary for daily interaction with young children (walking, kneeling, sitting on floor, lifting up to 50 lbs., etc.) as well as several hours standing while training.
  • Ability to sit at computer and perform repetitive motions.
  • Physical dexterity to use a pen or pencil in a legible format, operate a computer keyboard and other devices.

Preferences
Associates or Bachelor's or equivalent in early childhood education preferred and more than the minimum two year child care center experience. National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and Department of Health Child Care Licensing rules and regulations experience preferred.
Type
Benefited Staff
Special Instructions Summary
Additional Information
The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems ("URS"). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS' post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.
This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.
The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.
Veterans' preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran's status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.
To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX (OEO). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator's office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the: University of Utah Non-Discrimination page.
Online reports may be submitted at https://oeo.utah.edu
https://publicsafety.utah.edu/safetyreport/ This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.
As per University of Utah policy 5-108: Transfer of Benefits Eligible Staff Members, a new hire to the University of Utah who is still serving a 12 month probationary period will not be hired into another University of Utah job (a transfer) until the successful completion of the probationary period.

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About University of Utah

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The University of Utah is the state’s flagship institution of higher education, with 18 schools and colleges, more than 100 undergraduate majors and graduate programs, and an enrollment of more than 38,000 students. It is a member of the Association of American Universities—an invitation-only, prestigious group of 71 leading research institutions. The U is advancing a new national model for higher education that delivers societal impact through education, research, health care, and community service, while making social, economic, and cultural contributions that improve lives across Utah and around the world.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Salt Lake City, UT, US

Year founded

1850