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Child Development Director Jobs in Bellingham, WA

Seamar

Child and Family Therapist

Mount Vernon, WA · On-site

$61K - $76K/yr

... development, compliance with WACs and RCWs, and other administrative tasks, as directed. This does ... The Child and Family Therapist must sign a permanent oath of confidentiality covering all patient ...

Seamar

Child and Family Therapist

Bellingham, WA · On-site

$57K - $71K/yr

Assists in developing and implementing policies and procedures asdirected by the Program Director ... Provide developmentally and culturally appropriate formal andinformal diagnostic assessments for ...

Opportunity Council

Support Services Aide

Bellingham, WA · On-site

$20 - $21/hr

Our mission is to help people improve their lives through education, support, and direct assistance ... Child Development Associate (CDA) or coursework in ECE preferred. * One year of volunteer or work ...

Opportunity Council

Classroom Assistant

Bellingham, WA · On-site

$20 - $22.50/hr

Our mission is to help people improve their lives through education, support, and direct assistance ... A Child Development Associates (CDA), Associates in ECE, or Baccalaureate in any field with 12 ...

CASCADE CONNECTIONS

Home Care Aide

Bellingham, WA

$22.30 - $27.18/hr

Developmental Disability Specialty Training (if not required to take 40-hour CORE, within 120 days ... or Child Protective Services (CPS) and the Program Director. * Safeguard the confidentiality of ...

Cascade Connections

Home Care Aide

Bellingham, WA · On-site

$22.30 - $27.18/hr

Developmental Disability Specialty Training (if not required to take 40-hour CORE, within 120 days ... or Child Protective Services (CPS) and the Program Director. * Safeguard the confidentiality of ...

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All JobsChild Development JobsChild Development Director JobsChild Development Director Jobs in Bellingham, WA

Child Development Director information

See Bellingham, WA salary details

$16.6K

$99.5K

$185K

How much do child development director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for child development director in Bellingham, WA is $99,479.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,900.00 and $119,000.00 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 popular job titles related to Child Development Director jobs in Bellingham, WA?

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

What job categories do people searching Child Development Director jobs in Bellingham, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Child Development Director jobs in Bellingham, WA are:

Child Development Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Child Development Director job openings in Bellingham, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,479 per year, or $47.8 per hour.

Early Learning Center Director

Whatcom Family YMCA

Bellingham, WA • On-site

$34 - $40/hr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Lead. Inspire. Make a Lasting Impact.

At the YMCA, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. As a leading nonprofit dedicated to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, we’re looking for a passionate and experienced Early Learning Center Director to lead one of our vibrant early learning centers.

If you’re an inspiring leader who loves building strong teams, supporting families, and creating high-quality early childhood experiences, this is your opportunity to make a meaningful difference every day.

What You’ll Do

As the Early Learning Center Director, you’ll serve as the heart of your center — guiding daily operations, nurturing staff, and ensuring every child receives safe, enriching, and developmentally appropriate care.

Leadership & Operations

  • Direct and oversee daily early learning center operations
  • Manage scheduling, purchasing, meal coordination, and family communications
  • Ensure full compliance with state, county, and local licensing regulations
  • Uphold YMCA safety standards and youth protection policies

Financial & Program Management

  • Develop and manage program budgets to meet fiscal goals
  • Monitor program statistics and participation to evaluate impact
  • Support billing processes (CACFP, DCYF WCCC, and other third-party payers)
  • Assess and expand programs to meet evolving community needs

Team Development

  • Recruit, hire, train, and develop high-quality staff and volunteers
  • Ensure all certifications remain current
  • Provide performance feedback and cultivate a motivated, mission-driven team

Family & Community Engagement

  • Build strong, collaborative relationships with families and school district partners
  • Ensure programs are culturally relevant, inclusive, and welcoming
  • Assist with marketing, outreach, and fundraising efforts
  • Foster a center environment rooted in trust, safety, and belonging

Our Commitment to Equity

Everything we do at the YMCA is grounded in the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential. We are committed to eliminating barriers to access, addressing disparities in health and education, supporting working families, and nurturing the next generation of changemakers.

We proudly create inclusive spaces that welcome individuals of all:

  • Races and ethnicities
  • Gender identities and sexual orientations
  • Abilities
  • Ages
  • Religions
  • Socioeconomic backgrounds

Why Join the YMCA?

    • Purpose-driven leadership role with measurable community impact
    • Supportive, collaborative culture
    • Opportunities for professional growth and development
    • The ability to shape inclusive programs that empower children and families

    If you’re ready to lead with heart, champion equity, and create a thriving early learning environment where children and families feel supported and empowered — we’d love to meet you.

     Apply today and help shape the future, one child at a time.

    What We’re Looking For

    We’re seeking a mission-driven leader who brings both heart and operational excellence to early childhood education.

    Our ideal candidate will have:

    • Minimum 3 years of experience working with youth ages birth–five
    • Minimum 2 years of supervisory experience, including paid or volunteer roles
    • Bachelor’s degree in youth development, child development, education, recreation, outdoor education, or a related field
    • Educational and experience qualifications established by Department of Child Youth and Families (DCYF)
    • Skills in budgeting, enrollment management, and program evaluation
    • Proven success supervising, mentoring, and motivating diverse teams
    • Strong understanding of positive youth development principles
    • Excellent communication skills with youth and adults
    • Ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and teams effectively
    • Ability to relate to diverse populations across social and economic backgrounds 
    • Prior leadership experience as a classroom lead, assistant director, or center director

    WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

    The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

    • The employee needs sufficient strength, agility and mobility to perform essential functions and to safely supervise program activities.
    • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use a computer for extended periods of time and be able to communicate using a computer and phone/smart device.
    • The employee frequently is required to sit and reach, and must be able to move around the work environment.
    • The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.
    • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust.
    • The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

    Apply