Child Care Director

Job Description

Job Description

DLS Child Care is seeking a dedicated, experienced, and highly motivated Childcare Center Director to lead our early childhood education program. The Director will be responsible for overseeing daily center operations, supporting staff, maintaining compliance, building strong relationships with families, and ensuring a safe, nurturing, and high-quality learning environment for children.

• Oversee the daily operations of the childcare center.

• Ensure compliance with Pennsylvania DHS childcare regulations, Keystone STARS requirements, and applicable health and safety standards.

• Supervise, support, and evaluate teaching and administrative staff.

• Assist with staff hiring, onboarding, orientation, scheduling, and professional development.

• Maintain accurate child, staff, attendance, enrollment, and compliance records.

• Monitor classroom quality, curriculum implementation, child assessments, and lesson planning.

• Support completion and review of ASQ and other developmental assessments.

• Ensure appropriate staff-to-child ratios and classroom coverage.

• Communicate effectively with parents and guardians regarding children's needs, concerns, and progress.

• Address parent concerns professionally and work toward positive resolutions.

• Conduct tours, assist with enrollment, and support efforts to increase program enrollment.

• Maintain a welcoming, professional, and family-centered environment.

• Coordinate emergency preparedness, drills, health and safety procedures, and required inspections.

• Ensure staff maintain required clearances, health assessments, certifications, and professional development.

• Participate in staff meetings, parent meetings, training, and community outreach.

• Maintain confidentiality of children, families, and employees.

• Work collaboratively with the Executive Director and leadership team.

• Perform other duties necessary to support the successful operation of the center.

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, or a related field preferred.

• Previous childcare center management or administrative experience required.

• Strong knowledge of Pennsylvania childcare regulations and DHS requirements.

• Experience with Keystone STARS preferred.

• Experience supervising early childhood teaching staff.

• Strong communication, organizational, leadership, and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to work effectively with children, families, staff, and community partners.

• Must be dependable, professional, flexible, and able to manage multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced childcare environment.

• Must meet all Pennsylvania DHS requirements for employment in a childcare facility, including required background clearances and health requirements.

• Keystone STARS

• PHLpreK

• CACFP

• Child assessments/ASQ

• Staff supervision and professional development

• Brightwheel or other childcare management software

• Enrollment and family engagement

• Pennsylvania DHS licensing and compliance

• Supportive leadership team

• Professional growth opportunities

• Collaborative work environment

• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on children and families

• A nurturing, family-centered program with 25+ years of experience