1

Child Development Director Jobs in Columbia, SC (NOW HIRING)

Child Care Center Cook

Columbia, SC · On-site

$12 - $16/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

Columbia, SC · On-site

$12 - $16/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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Child Development Director information

See Columbia, SC salary details

$14.8K

$88.5K

$164.7K

How much do child development director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for child development director in Columbia, SC is $88,543.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,500.00 and $105,900.00 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 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 Columbia, SC?

The most popular types of Child Development jobs in Columbia, SC are:

What job categories do people searching Child Development Director jobs in Columbia, SC look for?

The top searched job categories for Child Development Director jobs in Columbia, SC are:

What cities near Columbia, SC are hiring for Child Development Director jobs?

Cities near Columbia, SC with the most Child Development Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Child Development Director job openings in Columbia, SC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,543 per year, or $42.6 per hour.

ASSISTANT CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER DIRECTOR

Air Combat Command

Shaw Air Force Base, SC • On-site, Remote

$74K - $97K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Assist the Child Development Center Director in the daily operations of the Child Development Center.

  • Help develop, implement, and evaluate child development and educational programs for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years.

  • Support supervisory personnel management responsibilities and advise employees on policies and procedures.


Job description

Summary
Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
Help
SUMMARY:
The primary purpose of this position is: To serve as a first level supervisor and assist the Child Development
Center Director in the supervision of the day to day operation of a Child Development Center. Assists with the supervision of the Child Development Center to provide specialized developmental childcare and instruction for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years of age. The position develops, implements, and administers child development programs; provides an overall safe and healthy environment to stimulate and sustain the interest of children; assists with administration; and organizes the educational and developmental programs managerial authorities.
DUTIES:
  • Assists the Child Development Center Director in the daily operations of the Child Development Center.
  • Assists in the administration and evaluation of ongoing programs of individual and group developmental and educational activities for staff implementation and execution.
  • Exercises supervisory personnel management responsibilities. Advises and provides counsel to employees regarding policies, procedures, and directives of management.
  • Provides assistance in the management of funds and resources to include developing the annual NAF and APF budgets, which includes submission and prioritization of program component requirements.
  • Assists the director in the administration of the USDA nutrition/food program.

Requirements
Help
Conditions of employment
  • U.S. Citizenship Required
  • Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov
  • This position is subject to provisions of the DoD Priority Placement Program
  • Disclosure of Political Appointments
  • Full/part-time employees occupying direct childcare positions are eligible for discounts IAW DAF AFSVC/CC Memo, 30 Sep 22; first child 100% / each additional child 25%. Other assigned CYP and FCC personnel are eligible for 25% discount.
  • This position has been identified as having "regular contact with children". In accordance with (IAW) Public Law 101-647 Section 231, and Public Law 102-190, Section 1094.
  • A FBI fingerprint and State Criminal History Repository (SCHR) Check will be completed on any person selected for this position
  • IAW AFI 34-248 and DoD certification requirements, a pre-employment physical examination with a renewal at least every 3 years and specified immunizations are required
  • Incumbent must be able to obtain Food Handler's, First Aid, and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certifications and complete additional training requirements
  • The work may require the employee to drive a motor vehicle. Incumbent must possess and be able to maintain an appropriate, valid driver's license. An annual driving record check is required
  • If the position requires to operate a motor vehicle, the incumbent is subject to random testing for drug use IAW AFI 90-508, Attachment 2, Category I, Type 2: Motor Vehicle Operators
  • At a minimum, meet qualification requirements stipulated by the US Office of Personnel Management for the 1701 occupational series
  • Incumbent may occasionally be required to work other than normal duty hours to include weekends, holidays and evenings. Incumbent may be required to work a split shift to meet supervisory or program requirements
  • Work involves physical exertion such as standing, walking, lifting up to 40 lbs. (small children or center supplies), and some involvement in all aspects of the center and playground area arrangement and maintenance
  • This is a Mission-Essential position performing a Mission-Critical-Function which must continue uninterrupted after the occurrence of an emergency and continued through full resumption of all functions
  • This is a Supervisory Position. A one (1) year supervisory probationary period is required if applicant selected has not previously met this requirement
  • Position is not Centrally Managed and PCS is not authorized

Qualifications
In order to qualify, you must meet the basic requirement and specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Professional and Scientific Positions, to include the Individual Occupational Requirements (IOR) for the GS-1701, General Education and Training series.
Basic Requirement for GS-1701 Child Development Director and Assistant Director Positions: A Bachelor's degree (or higher degree) which education must have been in child development, early childhood education, home economics (early childhood emphasis), elementary education, special education, or other fields appropriate to the position to be filled.NOTE: You must submit copies of your transcripts.
OR
COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: courses equivalent to a major in education, or in a subject-matter field appropriate to the position, plus appropriate experience or additional course work that provided knowledge comparable to that normally acquired through the successful completion of the 4-year course of study described above. NOTE: You must submit copies of your transcripts.
AND
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicant must have (1) one year of specialized experience for GS-1701-11, which includes professional knowledge of child development theory, methodology, and practices relating to physical, intellectual, social and special education needs and center management. Knowledge of and the ability to interpret and apply laws and regulations governing childcare to include regulatory requirements, policies and practices. Knowledge of financial, budget, resource management practices and principles, and analytical and evaluative methods and techniques. Knowledge of the USDA food program requirements. Skill in educating, counseling and advising childcare providers and parents; assessing training and children's developmental needs. Skill in conducting regular and periodic audits, studies, and inspections, evaluating the results, determining the feasibility of necessary improvements and coordinating corrective action. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the GS-09 grade/level or equivalent in the federal service.
OR
EDUCATION: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position NOTE: You must submit copies of your transcripts.
OR
COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. NOTE: You must submit copies of your transcripts.
FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-09 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-10 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks. NOTE: Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS civil service employees within the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:
1 . Professional knowledge of child development theory, methodology, and practices relating to physical, intellectual, social and special education needs and center management.
2. Knowledge of and the ability to interpret and apply laws and regulations governing child care to include regulatory requirements, policies and practices.
3. Knowledge of financial, budget, resource management practices and principles, and analytical and evaluative methods and techniques.
4. Knowledge of the USDA food program requirements.
5. Skill in educating, counseling and advising child care providers and parents; assessing training and children's developmental needs.
6. Skill in conducting regular and periodic audits, studies, and inspections, evaluating the results, determining the feasibility of necessary improvements and coordinating corrective action.
PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.
VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Education
IF USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY: If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcriptswith the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience, transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.
Additional information
Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): For information on how to apply as an ICTAP eligible click here. To be well-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, displaced Federal employees must be rated well qualified or above for this position. You must submit a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location.
Employed Annuitants (Reemployed Annuitants): Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants. Click here for more information.
Current Federal Civilian employees may apply for temporary and term positions and if selected, a break in service may be required prior to appointment to the position.
Temporary and Term Appointments: If you are selected for a temporary or term position in the competitive service, your appointment may be extended to the maximum period allowed by law without further competition.
120-Day Register: This announcement may result in a 120-day register that may be used to fill like vacancies for 120 days after the closing date. Applicants may be referred for consideration as vacancies occur.
Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible: MSP applicants, if determined best qualified, must be selected and placed at the highest grade for which they applied. You must include a completed copy of the DD Form 3145-4, Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility for MSP. Click here to obtain/download a copy of the DD Form 3145-4, Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist.
Priority Placement Program (PPP) Applicant Eligible: PPP Applicants, if determined well qualified and selected, will be placed at the at the full performance level. You must include the applicable completed copy of the PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility as a PPP Applicant. Click here to obtain/download a copy of the applicable PPP Self-Certification Checklist (DD3145-1 through DD3145-4, select the appropriate checklist for your claimed preference). To determine the applicable PPP Self-Certification Checklist required to substantiate the eligibilities you are claiming, refer to the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide located in the Required Documents section of this vacancy announcement.
Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit.
Disabled veteran leave is available to a Federal employee hired on/after 5 Nov 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more. For more information, click here.
If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here.
Expand Hide additional information
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
Help
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligi