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Childcare Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

St. Luke's Community Childcare

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Childcare Director

Fort Collins, CO · On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

Childcare Director St. Luke's Community Childcare opened for full day infant through preschool care in 2024. Over the first two years we enrolled students near to capacity, hired teachers and ...

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St. Luke's Community Childcare

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Childcare Director

Fort Collins, CO · On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

Childcare Director St. Luke's Community Childcare opened for full day infant through preschool care in 2024. Over the first two years we enrolled students near to capacity, hired teachers and ...

New

St. Luke's Community Childcare

Be Seen First

Childcare Director

Fort Collins, CO · On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

Childcare Director St. Luke's Community Childcare opened for full day infant through preschool care in 2024. Over the first two years we enrolled students near to capacity, hired teachers and ...

New

TINY TOTS UNIVERSITY LLC

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Childcare Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

$45K - $55K/yr

Childcare director will oversee the daily operations of the daycare program, managing staff, ensuring a safe learning environment, develop programs, and maintaining relationships with families and ...

TINY TOTS UNIVERSITY LLC

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Childcare Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

$45K - $55K/yr

Childcare director will oversee the daily operations of the daycare program, managing staff, ensuring a safe learning environment, develop programs, and maintaining relationships with families and ...

YMCA

Childcare Director

Attleboro, MA · On-site

$52K - $56K/yr

Under the general direction of the Senior Childcare Director, the Childcare Director is responsible for the development, coordination, planning, administration, supervision, and delivery of the ...

Cityteam

Childcare Director

San Jose, CA · On-site

$85K/yr

The Childcare Center Director for San Jose Women's Programs is a key member of our team. Your leadership will ensure that children receive the support they need to thrive while empowering their ...

CityTeam Ministries

Childcare Director

San Jose, CA

$85K/yr

The Childcare Center Director for San Jose Women's Programs is a key member of our team. Your leadership will ensure that children receive the support they need to thrive while empowering their ...

Northstar Preschools

Childcare Director

Pleasant View, UT · On-site

$41K - $55K/yr

We are seeking an experienced and motivated individual to join our team as a Director in our childcare center. As a Director, you will work alongside the Assistant Director to manage daily operations ...

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Northstar Preschools

Childcare Director

Pleasant View, UT

$41K - $55K/yr

We are seeking an experienced and motivated individual to join our team as a Director in our childcare center. As a Director, you will work alongside the Assistant Director to manage daily operations ...

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Childcare Director information

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$28.5K

$52.3K

$80.5K

How much do childcare director jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for childcare director in the United States is $52,327.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,000.00 and $57,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Do you need your CDA to be a director?

A Childcare Director typically does not need a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential to hold the position, but many employers prefer or require it as part of their qualifications. Instead, directors often need relevant experience in early childhood education, management skills, and sometimes state-specific licensing or certification requirements. Having a CDA can enhance job prospects and demonstrate a commitment to professional development, but it is not universally mandatory for all director roles.

What does a Childcare Director do?

A Childcare Director oversees the daily operations of a childcare center or preschool, ensuring a safe, nurturing, and educational environment for children. They manage staff, develop curriculum, handle administrative duties, and ensure compliance with state and federal regulations. Childcare Directors also communicate with parents, handle budgeting, and implement policies to maintain high standards of care. Their leadership ensures that both children and staff have a positive and productive experience at the center.

What are some common challenges a Childcare Director faces in managing staff and maintaining high-quality care standards?

Childcare Directors often encounter challenges in balancing administrative duties with supporting staff and ensuring high-quality care. They must navigate staffing shortages, provide ongoing professional development, and address varying needs of children and families. Maintaining compliance with licensing regulations and fostering a positive team culture are also key responsibilities. Successful directors use strong communication and organizational skills to lead their teams and create a nurturing environment for both children and staff.

What degree is needed to be a daycare director?

A childcare director typically needs a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent, but many employers prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree in early childhood education, child development, or a related field. Relevant experience in childcare and certifications such as CPR and first aid are also important for the role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Childcare Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Childcare Director, you need expertise in early childhood education, staff management, and regulatory compliance, usually supported by a degree in early childhood education or a related field and appropriate state licensing. Familiarity with childcare management software, budgeting tools, and compliance tracking systems is important. Strong leadership, communication, and conflict resolution skills help create a positive environment for staff, children, and families. These competencies are crucial for ensuring safe, high-quality care, regulatory adherence, and a supportive workplace culture.

What is the role of a director in childcare?

A childcare director oversees the daily operations of a childcare facility, manages staff, ensures compliance with licensing regulations, and maintains a safe and nurturing environment for children. They often handle administrative tasks, develop programs, and communicate with parents to support children's development and well-being.

What is the highest paying childcare job?

The highest paying childcare-related role is often a Childcare Director or Childcare Center Administrator, who typically earns higher salaries due to management responsibilities, advanced certifications, and experience. Executive-level positions in early childhood education or private childcare businesses can also offer higher compensation. These roles often require leadership skills, business acumen, and relevant credentials such as a degree in early childhood education or administration.

What is the difference between Childcare Director vs Childcare Coordinator?

AspectChildcare DirectorChildcare Coordinator
ResponsibilitiesOversees entire childcare facility, manages staff, develops policies, ensures complianceAssists in daily operations, supports staff, coordinates activities and schedules
Required CredentialsChild development or early childhood education degree, relevant certificationsSimilar credentials, often with less administrative focus
Work EnvironmentAdministrative office and childcare facilityChildcare centers, classrooms, and activity areas
Industry UsageHigh-level management role in early childhood educationSupport role within the same industry, focusing on daily operations

The main difference between a Childcare Director and a Childcare Coordinator lies in scope and responsibilities. The Childcare Director holds a leadership role, overseeing the entire facility and staff, while the Childcare Coordinator focuses on supporting daily activities and operations. Both roles require relevant early childhood education credentials, but the Director typically has more administrative duties and authority.

More about Childcare Director jobs
What cities are hiring for Childcare Director jobs? Cities with the most Childcare Director job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Childcare jobs? The most popular types of Childcare jobs are:
What states have the most Childcare Director jobs? States with the most job openings for Childcare Director jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Childcare Director jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Childcare Director jobs are:
Childcare Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Childcare Director job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 3% Temporary. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,327 per year, or $25.2 per hour.

Childcare Director

St. Luke's Community Childcare

Fort Collins, CO • On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 hours ago

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Job description

About St. Luke’s Community Childcare

St. Luke’s Childcare Center is a ministry of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. At St. Luke’s we believe in the inherent goodness and dignity of all people. Children are loved and nurtured in a community of caring adults who provide play-based, developmentally appropriate opportunities for them to grow as human beings and as learners. Our center is inspired by the Italian approach to education called Reggio Emilia. We hope that the director can continue fostering this play based, art centered way of early childhood education. St. Luke’s also seeks to be a community of caring parents, teachers, clergy and others who will support one another in raising children. The director will work to enhance community, teacher and church connections. St. Luke’s is a partner in ministry with the Interfaith Solidarity and Accompaniment Coalition (ISAAC) and our childcare center seeks to support migrant families in our community.

Although St. Luke’s is a religious organization, an employee’s religious affiliation is immaterial. However, sensitivity to the identity and mission of St. Luke’s and the Episcopal Church is necessary for effectiveness in this role.

Childcare Director Job Description

St. Luke’s Community Childcare opened for full day infant through preschool care in 2024. Over the first two years we enrolled students near to capacity, hired teachers and developed our program. We are excited to begin the next chapter with our new Childcare Director in 2026. St. Luke’s seeks a Director who loves young children and has a passion for play-based learning that incorporates the arts and outdoor play in academic growth. The Director should be a great communicator and team builder with parents and with teachers. The Director should be able to effectively train, lead and coach teachers to help them grow. The director will also be someone who can deepen the relationship with the church and train volunteers. Of paramount importance is the Director’s responsibility to follow Colorado Licensing rules and protect the safety of the children. More detailed responsibilities are listed below.

  • Develop relationships with the children, families and staff
  • Develop and grow the Community Childcare Center’s mission, culture, and values to build and maintain an inclusive and supportive environment for children, families, and staff
  • Oversee day-to-day operations of the childcare center, including new enrollments and meeting licensing requirements
  • Oversee and hire teachers and staff, as needed, including background checks and new hire paperwork.
  • Develop training for teachers in Early Childhood education and development.
  • Develop and enhance the teacher team community
  • Manage and submit timecards to accountant for bi-monthly payroll for all childcare staff
  • Develop processes, documents, and informational materials to inform the Fort Collins and St. Luke’s communities about the center
  • Proactively communicate with families, community partners, staff, and licensing
  • Conduct the daily responsibilities of operating the center, including guiding the center team, providing teacher-relief support, and providing feedback to help each employee grow.
  • Serve as a “floating teacher” in the classrooms
  • Manage the childcare budget, including review of monthly tuition income and monthly expenses
  • Explore community partnerships with nonprofits, city, and county partners.

Requirements:

Candidates must pass required background checks, and meet minimum education and experience requirements for a licensed large center director.

● Bachelor’s or associate's degree in early childhood education or related field highly preferred.

At least three years of center supervisory experience in a high-quality program and experience working in a NAEYC-accredited center strongly preferred

Hours

This is a full time position of 40 hours per week. Your work hours will be Monday through Friday, approximately 7:30-4:30pm. Some opening and closing hours may shift from time to time based on staffing availability.

To apply

  • Please submit your resume and cover letter