Early Childhood Center Director

Job Description

Job Description

Center Director

Position Title: Center Director
Location: Port Washington Children's Center, Port Washington, NY
Salary: $65,000 annually
Employment Status: Full-Time

Position Summary

The Port Washington Children's Center (PWCC) is seeking an experienced, passionate, and dedicated Center Director to oversee the daily operations of our early childhood education program. The Center Director is responsible for ensuring the delivery of a high-quality educational experience while maintaining compliance with all New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) regulations.

The ideal candidate is a strong leader with a background in early childhood education who is committed to creating a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment where children, families, and staff can thrive.

Essential Responsibilities

Leadership & Operations

• Oversee the daily operations of the childcare center.
• Ensure a safe, healthy, and welcoming environment for children, families, and staff.
• Maintain compliance with all New York State OCFS regulations, policies, and licensing requirements.
• Manage enrollment, staffing schedules, and classroom operations.

Staff Leadership

• Recruit, hire, train, supervise, mentor, and evaluate teaching staff.
• Foster a positive, collaborative, and professional team culture.
• Provide ongoing coaching and professional development opportunities.
• Conduct regular staff meetings and performance evaluations.

Curriculum & Program Development

• Develop and implement age-appropriate curriculum and educational activities that foster children's cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development.
• Ensure classrooms maintain high-quality educational standards.
• Support teachers in lesson planning and classroom management.
• Promote developmentally appropriate practices throughout the center.

Family Engagement

• Build strong, positive relationships with parents and families.
• Maintain open and effective communication regarding children's development and center activities.
• Address parent concerns professionally and promptly.
• Promote family involvement within the center community.

Compliance & Safety

• Ensure all staff maintain required OCFS training and certifications.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation required by OCFS.
• Oversee health and safety procedures, emergency preparedness, and risk management.
• Ensure CPR, First Aid, and emergency protocols are followed at all times.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Education 5 years in Teaching Experience
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in a childcare or educational leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of child development and best practices in early childhood education.
• Thorough understanding of New York State OCFS regulations and licensing requirements.
• CPR and First Aid Certification (required).
• Must successfully complete all required OCFS background checks, fingerprinting, and State Central Register (SCR) clearance.
• Excellent leadership, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Proven ability to inspire, motivate, and develop a high-performing team.
• Ability to create and maintain a nurturing, inclusive, and supportive learning environment for all children.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to move throughout the center and supervise classrooms and outdoor play areas.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds when necessary.
• Ability to respond quickly in emergency situations.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary of $65,000
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Supportive and collaborative work environment

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Port Washington Children's Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and the families we serve.