Childcare Director

Job Description

Job Description

The Early Learning Center Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of their assigned childcare site. This position ensures high-quality service delivery to children and families, compliance with all DHS licensing standards and agency policies, and effective supervision and leadership of center staff.

Exceptional Benefits Package

✅ 100% Employer-Paid Health Insurance
✅ 100% Employer-Paid Dental Insurance
✅ 100% Employer-Paid Life Insurance
✅ Low-Cost Vision Insurance Available
✅ 5% Employer Contribution to Your 401(k) After One Year of Service — No Employee Contribution Required
✅ Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
✅ Professional Development Opportunities
✅ Meaningful Work Serving Children and Families

Specific Duties of the Job

1. Program & Service Delivery
   1. Plans, implements, monitors, and evaluates all aspects of the childcare program to ensure quality services and compliance with DHS Licensing, CACFP, and agency policies.
   2. Maintains safe, healthy, and developmentally appropriate environments for children.
   3. Supports curriculum implementation and child development practices in alignment with agency standards.
2. Staff Supervision & Leadership
   1. Directly supervises all site staff, including teachers, assistants, and support personnel.
   2. Provides leadership, mentoring, and training to ensure effective and efficient service delivery.
   3. Monitors staff performance, conducts evaluations, and ensures ongoing professional development.
3. Documentation & Compliance
   1. Oversees site-level documentation, record-keeping, and reporting requirements.
   2. Ensures compliance with DHS Licensing regulations, CACFP requirements, and other applicable childcare standards.
   3. Prepares and submits required reports, attendance records, incident reports, and other site-level documentation.
4. Fiscal & Resource Management
   1. Enters purchase requisitions for site supplies, food, and materials; submits invoices and receipts for payment.
   2. Assists in monitoring site budgets and resource use.
   3. Maintains inventory and ensures proper use of agency equipment and supplies.
5. Family & Community Engagement
   1. Provides leadership in engaging parents and families through volunteer opportunities, events, and communication.
   2. Keeps parents informed through meetings, newsletters, phone calls, and other communication methods.
   3. Develops and maintains positive relationships with community partners, local agencies, and stakeholders.
6. Site Operations Support
   1. Assists in classrooms or food service as needed to maintain program quality and staffing ratios.
   2. Ensures daily schedules, staffing, and center operations run smoothly.
   3. Responds to emergencies and ensures adherence to health and safety protocols.
7. Agency & Departmental Participation
   1. Attends and participates in meetings, trainings, and professional development activities as assigned.
   2. Supports recruitment and enrollment efforts for the childcare program.
   3. Works to obtain volunteer and in-kind contributions for the agency.
8. Other Duties
   1. Complies with all MCCAA agency policies and procedures.
   2. Maintains confidentiality of children, families, and staff information.
   3. Performs other duties as assigned by the Childcare Director.

Education and Experience Qualifications

Must meet Tennessee Department of Human Services (DHS) licensing requirements for a Child Care Center Director, which include one of the following pathways:

1. A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited 4-year college (preferred in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field); OR
2. A Registered Nurse with at least 1 year of full-time experience with children in a group setting; OR
3. Completion of 36 credit hours of approved coursework (at least 30 hours in early childhood, child/youth development, or business management) plus 2 years of full-time group childcare experience; OR
4. A High School Diploma (or equivalent) plus completion of the Tennessee Early Childhood Program Administrator Orientation (30 clock hours) and 4 years of full-time group childcare experience.

• Must complete all DHS-required director trainings (orientation, licensing rules, First Aid/CPR, safety, SIDS/infant safe sleep, transportation if applicable, and annual ongoing training of at least 24 hours).
• Previous supervisory or administrative experience in an early childhood education program strongly preferred.