Childcare Center Director

Job Description

Job Description

About This Role

We are looking for a passionate, experienced, and dependable Childcare Center Director to lead our early learning program and support a team of educators in providing high-quality care and education to young children.

The Center Director is responsible for the overall day-to-day operation of the center, including staff leadership, licensing compliance, enrollment, family relationships, curriculum oversight, staffing, and maintaining a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate learning environment.

We are seeking a leader who is organized, approachable, accountable, and confident in making decisions while also being willing to work alongside their team when needed.

The ideal candidate has strong Early Childhood Education experience and understands that successful childcare leadership means balancing children, families, staff, licensing requirements, and the business needs of the center.

What You'll Do

Leadership & Staff Management

• Lead, supervise, and support teachers and support staff.
• Set clear expectations and hold staff accountable to center policies and professional standards.
• Conduct staff meetings, check-ins, observations, and performance evaluations.
• Support staff with classroom management, curriculum planning, and professional development.
• Assist with staff scheduling, classroom coverage, breaks, and maintaining required staff-to-child ratios.
• Foster a positive, respectful, collaborative workplace culture.
• Recognize staff accomplishments and address performance concerns professionally and consistently.
• Support onboarding and orientation of new employees.

Licensing & Compliance

• Maintain compliance with Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) licensing requirements and applicable WAC regulations.
• Ensure required staff records, training, certifications, background checks, and professional development documentation are maintained.
• Monitor classroom ratios, group sizes, supervision, health and safety practices, and facility requirements.
• Ensure required licensing documents and records are accurate and up to date.
• Prepare the center for licensing visits, inspections, and monitoring.
• Implement and maintain center policies and procedures.
• Ensure required incident reports, attendance records, enrollment records, and other documentation are completed accurately and timely.

Program & Curriculum

• Oversee implementation of a developmentally appropriate curriculum.
• Support teachers in creating engaging, inclusive, and culturally responsive learning environments.
• Ensure classroom environments meet program expectations and licensing requirements.
• Promote positive guidance, social-emotional development, and trauma-informed practices.
• Support individualized strategies for children with behavioral, developmental, or other identified needs.
• Ensure the program's educational philosophy is understood and implemented consistently by staff.

Family & Community Relationships

• Build positive and professional relationships with enrolled families.
• Communicate effectively with parents and guardians regarding their children's care and development.
• Respond to parent concerns and work collaboratively toward solutions.
• Support enrollment, tours, orientations, and family retention.
• Connect families with appropriate community resources when needed.
• Maintain confidentiality of children, families, and staff.

Center Operations

• Oversee daily center operations and ensure the center runs safely and efficiently.
• Monitor enrollment and maintain an accurate waitlist.
• Oversee classroom staffing and coverage.
• Assist with supply inventory and ordering.
• Monitor facility cleanliness, safety, and maintenance.
• Support meal and food program operations and ensure required records are maintained accurately.
• Work collaboratively with ownership/administration to meet center goals and maintain a high-quality program.

Requirements

Applicants must meet Washington State requirements for a licensed childcare Center Director.

• Must be at least 18 years of age .
• Must have an ECE State Certificate or an approved equivalent , as required by Washington State and verified through the Department's electronic workforce registry.
• Must have at least 2 years of experience teaching children in an early learning program .
• Must have at least 6 months of experience in administration or management , or an approved Washington State plan.
• Must complete applicable Washington State preservice requirements and required orientation .
• Must maintain required professional development and documentation.
• Must be able to successfully complete all required background checks.
• Must have a strong understanding of Washington State childcare licensing requirements and WAC 110-300.
• Must have strong communication, leadership, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Must be dependable and able to manage a fast-paced childcare environment.
• Must be able to work collaboratively with staff, families, and administration.
• Must be comfortable providing leadership while also stepping into the classroom when necessary.

Education and credentials must be approved and verified through the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) electronic workforce registry when applicable. Washington's current rules specifically require center directors to have an ECE state certificate or equivalent and maintain documented professional-development progress.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's or Associate degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, or a related field.
• Previous Childcare Center Director or Assistant Director experience.
• Experience managing a licensed childcare center.
• Strong knowledge of WAC 110-300 and Washington childcare licensing requirements.
• Experience with DCYF licensing visits and compliance.
• Experience using Procare or other childcare management software.
• Experience with CACFP/KidKare or other childcare food program systems.
• Experience with staff scheduling and classroom ratio management.
• Experience with enrollment management and maintaining waitlists.
• Experience coaching and developing early childhood educators.
• Experience working with children with challenging behaviors, developmental delays, or complex needs.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care and positive guidance strategies.
• Strong understanding of developmentally appropriate practices.
• Bilingual or multilingual skills are a plus.

Benefits

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Paid Leave
• Sick Leave
• Tuition Assistance
• Child Care Discount