Center Director Early Childhood Education

Job Description

Job Description

This is not your typical child care Director role.

At Children’s Playhouse, you will operate as a key leader within a structured organization supported by HR, Operations, Finance, and Executive Leadership. This role is designed for a results-driven leader who can build strong teams, ensure compliance across multiple funding streams, and drive high-quality program outcomes.

About Us

Children’s Playhouse Early Learning Centers is a high-quality, community-based organization committed to excellence in early childhood education, family engagement, and program leadership. We operate programs aligned with Keystone STARS, Head Start, PHLpreK, and Pre-K Counts, serving diverse communities across Philadelphia.

Position Summary

The Center Director is responsible for the overall performance of the site, including program quality, compliance, staffing, enrollment, and daily operations. This role leads the center with accountability and autonomy while working in close alignment with organizational leadership.

You will not be expected to operate in isolation—this position is supported by a centralized leadership structure that allows you to focus on leading your team and driving results.

Organizational Leadership & Support Structure

The Center Director is part of the organization’s leadership team and works in close partnership with:

• Executive Director (strategic leadership and performance alignment)
• Human Resources (staffing, onboarding, compliance)
• Operations (program quality, systems, regulatory support)
• Finance (budgeting, payroll, reporting)
• Maintenance (facility operations and safety)

This structure allows the Director to focus on program leadership, team development, and center performance , rather than managing every function independently.

Salary Range

Bachelor’s Degree: $58,000 – $65,000 annually
Master’s Degree: $65,000 – $72,000 annually

Compensation is based on education, experience, and demonstrated ability to lead high-quality early childhood programs.

Benefits

• Paid Holidays
• Paid Sick Time & Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) Plan with Employer Match
• Childcare Reimbursement
• Annual Performance Bonuses
• Professional development and growth opportunities

Key Responsibilities

Center Leadership & Operations

• Lead daily operations to ensure a safe, organized, and high-functioning center
• Ensure classrooms are fully staffed, supported, and operating effectively
• Address operational challenges proactively and efficiently

Compliance & Program Quality

• Maintain full compliance with DHS licensing, health and safety regulations, and funding requirements
• Prepare for and successfully navigate audits, monitoring visits, and licensing reviews
• Oversee curriculum implementation and instructional quality
• Monitor child outcomes using assessment tools (TSG, ASQ, etc.)

Staff Leadership & Development

• Supervise, coach, and evaluate all center staff
• Build a strong, accountable, and positive team culture
• Lead staff meetings and support ongoing professional development

Enrollment & Staffing

• Maintain full enrollment and active waitlists
• Lead recruitment, hiring, and retention efforts
• Monitor trends and adjust strategies to support growth

Funding, Data & Reporting

• Ensure compliance with Head Start, PHLpreK, Pre-K Counts (PKC), ITCS, and other funding streams
• Maintain accurate data systems, reporting, and documentation
• Use data to inform decision-making and program improvement

Financial Oversight

• Operate within the approved site budget
• Monitor spending and support financial decision-making

Family & Community Engagement

• Build strong, professional relationships with families
• Address concerns effectively and in a timely manner
• Represent the center within the community

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field (required)
• Minimum 3–5 years of leadership experience in early childhood education
• Director Credential (or willingness to obtain within required timeframe)
• Strong working knowledge of DHS regulations, Keystone STARS, and funded programs

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field
• Experience leading a STAR 3 or STAR 4 program
• Experience with systems such as TSG, ASQ, COPA, or ChildPlus

Core Competencies

• Leadership & Team Management
• Regulatory Compliance & Accountability
• Program Quality & Instructional Oversight
• Data-Driven Decision Making
• Communication & Problem-Solving

Why Join Children’s Playhouse?

• Structured leadership support—you are not operating alone
• Opportunity to lead a high-quality, well-established program
• Clear expectations with organizational alignment
• Professional growth within a mission-driven organization
• Meaningful impact on children, families, and the community

Equal Opportunity Employer

Children’s Playhouse Early Learning Centers is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Apply Today

If you are a passionate and experienced leader ready to make a meaningful impact, we encourage you to apply.

Company Description

About Children’s Playhouse
Where Passion Meets Purpose in Early Childhood Education

At Children’s Playhouse, we aren’t just a childcare center—we are a cornerstone of the Philadelphia community. With three high-performing locations in South Philadelphia and Fairhill, we have earned a reputation for excellence, currently maintaining a STAR 4 rating (the highest possible) for our commitment to quality, safety, and child development.
For more information, visit:

Company Description

About Children’s Playhouse\r\nWhere Passion Meets Purpose in Early Childhood Education\r\n\r\nAt Children’s Playhouse, we aren’t just a childcare center—we are a cornerstone of the Philadelphia community. With three high-performing locations in South Philadelphia and Fairhill, we have earned a reputation for excellence, currently maintaining a STAR 4 rating (the highest possible) for our commitment to quality, safety, and child development.\r\nFor more information, visit: