1

Child Development Director Jobs in Milwaukee, WI

Center Director

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$55 - $75/hr

As a Center Director, you're the heartbeat of your center. You'll lead your team, support teachers ... Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field preferred;

Assistant Teacher

Waukesha, WI · On-site

$14 - $17.75/hr

... Director in creating a safe, nurturing environment for our children. You'll assist in planning and ... An understanding of child development and a passion for working with young children. * Strong ...

Showing results 21-40

Child Development Director information

See Milwaukee, WI salary details

$15.8K

$94.3K

$175.4K

How much do child development director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for child development director in Milwaukee, WI is $94,296.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,900.00 and $112,800.00 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 Milwaukee, WI?

The most popular types of Child Development jobs in Milwaukee, WI are:

What are popular job titles related to Child Development Director jobs in Milwaukee, WI?

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

What job categories do people searching Child Development Director jobs in Milwaukee, WI look for?

The top searched job categories for Child Development Director jobs in Milwaukee, WI are:

What cities near Milwaukee, WI are hiring for Child Development Director jobs?

Cities near Milwaukee, WI with the most Child Development Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Child Development Director job openings in Milwaukee, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,296 per year, or $45.3 per hour.

$18.25 - $25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

GENERAL FUNCTIONS:

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.This position has varied responsibilities determined by the school year and summer months. This role reports to the Branch Executive Director and collaborates with Before and After School program leader.

The Camp Director is responsible for the development and implementation of all aspects in running a high-quality Summer Day Camp program during the summer months. During the school year, the role facilities schools out fun days, safety programs, and several evening family engagement events per month. This position will oversee the implementation and facilitation of innovative curriculum and activities, supervise, develop, coach, and train staff to ensurethat participant's development occurs in a fun, healthy and safe environment,and ensure program outcomes are consistently achieved. This position is responsible for supervision and management of the Child Watch department year-round. Typical work week may include weeknights and weekend events.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

  1. Responsibilities for this position are determined by the school year and summer seasons.
  2. During the summer, this role oversees and facilitates all aspects of summer day camp including hiring staff, training, and camp curriculum.
  3. During the school year this role facilitates School's Out Fun Days and is responsible for several high-profile branch engagement events per month such as Parent's Night Out (PNO), Holiday Events, Family Nights, After school Club 8-12, teen nights. This role is also responsible for youth safety training.
  4. During the school year this role may support the Before and After School sites on the afternoon shift. This support should be occasional not to exceed a couple of shifts per week.
  5. Year-round responsibilities include supervision of the child watch department including direct supervision of a Child Watch Coordinator
  6. Hires, trains and supervises program staff for camp, child watch, engagement events and School's Out Fun Days.
  7. Reviews and evaluates staff performance.Develop strategies to motivate staff and achieve goals.
  8. Assists in marketing and distribution of program information, organizes and schedules program registrations.
  9. Assists in monitoring program budget to meet fiscal objectives.
  10. Compiles program statistics. Monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of participation in programs.
  11. Monitors daily program operations to adhere to all state, local and YMCA health and safety regulations.
  12. Secures and monitors transportation for field trips.
  13. Purchases and maintains supplies for all program activities.
  14. Maintain accurate staff and child records at all times.
  15. Coordinates use of facilities for programming activities and events.
  16. Assists in YMCA fundraising activities and special events including Annual Support Campaign.
  17. Models relationship-building skills in all interactions. Responds to all member and community inquiries and complaints in a timely manner.
  18. Participate in branch, Association and program cabinet meetings as assigned.
  19. Responsible for strict adherence to all Association policies and procedures as well as State of Wisconsin licensing rules. Conducts annual review of those policies and procedures.
  20. Be a champion for overall branch membership goals, retention, and satisfaction.
  21. Performs other duties as assigned.
  22. Employees are held responsible for all duties of the job.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

  1. Must be at least 21 years of age.
  2. Have 1 of the following: WI afterschool and youth development credential, bachelor's degree in outdoor education, recreation, coaching, juvenile justice, social work, psychology, child development, or education or another camp related field or 2 or more years of supervisory or administrative experience in an organized camp or children's program.
  3. Requires a high level of energy, enthusiasm, and motivation to keep youth engaged in activities and interested in participating in programs.
  4. Minimum of one year experience, working with school-aged children preferably in a camp setting.
  5. Minimum of one year experience directly supervising employees.
  6. Must be able to enforce safety policies and procedures while keeping the camp environment fun.
  7. Minimum of one-year supervisory experience required.
  8. Ability to direct programs through supervision of staff, development and monitoring budgets, marketing and public relations, program development and fundraising activities.
  9. Ability to maneuver through different terrains both outside and indoors, to set up grounds and equipment for program activities, must be able to lift a minimum of 30 pounds.
  10. Ability to relate effectively with diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.
  11. Strong written and oral communication skills required.
  12. Successful completion of CPR and First Aid Certification required within 60 days of hire.
  13. Exhibit the core values of caring, respect, honesty, and responsibility in all aspects of their work with the YMCA.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

THE YMCA WELCOMES A DIVERSE WORKFORCE

The Y: We're for youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.