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Child Development Director Jobs in Baltimore, MD

Training & development * Opportunity for advancement Job Summary We are seeking an experienced Child Care Director to join our team! As the Director for Child Care for our Before and After-School ...

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Child Development Director information

See Baltimore, MD salary details

$15.9K

$95.1K

$176.9K

How much do child development director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for child development director in Baltimore, MD is $95,099.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,500.00 and $113,800.00 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 Baltimore, MD?

The most popular types of Child Development jobs in Baltimore, MD are:

What are popular job titles related to Child Development Director jobs in Baltimore, MD?

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

What job categories do people searching Child Development Director jobs in Baltimore, MD look for?

The top searched job categories for Child Development Director jobs in Baltimore, MD are:

What cities near Baltimore, MD are hiring for Child Development Director jobs?

Cities near Baltimore, MD with the most Child Development Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Child Development Director job openings in Baltimore, MD 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, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,099 per year, or $45.7 per hour.

Child Development Teacher

John Wallis Academy

Chestertown, MD • On-site

$21.94 - $34.01/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

Job Summary:
To assist in executing a high-quality, developmentally appropriate early childhood program for children from 6 weeks to 59 months. Assists with the care, safety, and well-being of the children, prepares lesson plans, completes assessments of children, and conducts parent teacher conferences. To serve as a member of the family support team assisting with the planning and carrying out of various programs. This position relates to people of diverse educational, cultural and economic backgrounds.
Essential Functions:
  • Implements developmentally appropriate programs for children birth-59 months.
  • Facilitates the smooth flow of the child development program and ensures its adherence to stated philosophy.
  • Oversees the care, safety, and well-being of children enrolled in the center.
  • Maintains a high-quality early childhood classroom including routine cleaning and rotating of toys and decorations.
  • Communicates with parents; coaches them how to nurture and interact with their babies and child(ren).
  • Evaluates and observes child participants to identify needs.
  • Participate in community networking and outreach. Ability to plan and organize use of resources effectively.
  • Attends trainings required by sponsoring agency and Maryland Family Network (MFN).
  • Performs other duties as required including driving center van.

Supervision:
The position reports to the Child Development Specialist with additional guidance from the Director. The position does not supervise department staff.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
The employee is expected to perform or possess the following:
  • Demonstrates understanding of child development and best practices in early childhood,
  • Ability to read and write in English to record documentation of children's development and create lesson plans,
  • Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with families, staff, and community members
  • Represents the department professionally and effectively in both internal and external interactions. Manages difficult, sensitive or challenging situations successfully. Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of cultural background, status, or position. Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views.
  • Demonstrates ability to create and work in a team-oriented environment. Builds morale and group commitment to goals and objectives. Demonstrates effective problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
  • Displays original thinking and creativity. Develops innovative approaches and ideas. Presents ideas and information in a manner that is easily understood.

Education and Experience:
  • Associate's Degree in related field or High School diploma with 90 hour Child Care certificate or Infant-Toddler CDA. Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education preferred.
  • Minimum of one year supervised classroom experience with children age zero through three years.
  • Or equivalent technical training, education or experience.

Physical and Environmental Conditions:
Work is conducted in a normal classroom setting which provides comfortable lighting, temperature, and air conditions.
Occasional light lifting may be required, such as three to four reams of paper, four or five books, or other materials (up to 50 pounds).
Work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts which require normal safety precautions typical of such places as offices or meeting rooms, e.g. use of safe workplace practices with office equipment, and/or avoidance of trips and falls, and observance of fire regulations.
Benefits:
  • This position is eligible for Health, Dental, and Vision benefits at a Cobra Rate,
  • This Position is eligible for Annual, Sick, and Personal Leave.
  • This position is required to contribute to the Maryland State Pension.

Kent County Government provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.