Daycare & Preschool Director

Job Description

Job Description

Job description:

A Children's Place is seeking an experienced, collaborative, and organized Director to lead our licensed daycare and preschool program. The Director is responsible for the overall operation of the center, ensuring compliance with New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) regulations while fostering a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment for children.

This position provides leadership to staff, partners with families, oversees curriculum and programming, manages administrative and financial responsibilities, and works closely with the Assistant Director and the Childcare Committee to support the continued success and growth of the program.

The Director is committed to providing high-quality early childhood education while ensuring compliance with OCFS licensing regulations and, where applicable, New York State Education Department (NYSED) requirements governing Universal Pre-K programming. The Director works collaboratively with Jamestown Public Schools and community partners to support children's successful transition to kindergarten.

Primary Responsibilities

• Provide leadership, supervision, and support for all childcare and preschool staff.
• Ensure compliance with all New York State OCFS licensing regulations and requirements.
• Oversee daily operations, staffing, scheduling, enrollment, and overall program quality.
• Recruit, train, coach, evaluate, and mentor staff while promoting professional growth.
• Maintain a safe, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate learning environment.
• Oversee curriculum implementation consistent with the New York State Early Learning Standards and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Build strong, positive relationships with children, families, staff, Jamestown Public Schools, and community partners.
• Maintain required licensing records, inspections, reports, and program documentation.
• Develop, implement, and enforce center policies and procedures.
• Assist with budgeting, grant administration, enrollment management, and program planning.
• Lead continuous quality improvement initiatives that strengthen the program and support positive outcomes for children.

Qualifications

Required

• Meet or be eligible to meet New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) qualifications for a Child Day Care Center Director.
• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, or a related field that satisfies OCFS Director requirements.
• Minimum of one year of teaching experience in an early childhood education or licensed childcare setting.
• Minimum of one year of supervisory or administrative experience in an early childhood program or related educational setting.
• Knowledge of New York State OCFS regulations and best practices in early childhood education, or the ability to quickly become proficient.
• Demonstrated leadership, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience supervising, coaching, and evaluating staff.
• Ability to successfully complete all required OCFS background checks, fingerprinting, and clearances.

Preferred

• New York State Teaching Certification (Birth–Grade 2, Early Childhood, or other appropriate certification), particularly for candidates who oversee Universal Pre-K programming.
• Experience administering or teaching in a Universal Pre-K (UPK) program.
• Knowledge of NYSED requirements for UPK programs and experience collaborating with public school districts.
• Experience with grant administration, budgeting, CACFP, enrollment management, and regulatory compliance.
• Experience preparing for licensing inspections, quality assessments, and state monitoring visits.

Desired Leadership Qualities

The successful candidate will:

• Lead with integrity, professionalism, and compassion.
• Build positive relationships with children, families, staff, and community partners.
• Foster a collaborative, respectful, and supportive workplace culture.
• Demonstrate sound judgment and effective decision-making.
• Be committed to continuous improvement and high-quality early childhood education.
• Promote an inclusive environment where children and families feel welcomed and supported.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary starting at $48,000 , with higher compensation based on qualifications and experience.
• 401(k) with employer match after one year of eligibility.
• Paid sick leave (40 hours annually; prorated during the first year).
• Paid vacation (80 hours annually; prorated during the first year), increasing with years of service.
• Employer-paid basic life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance.
• Paid holidays, including New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Indigenous Peoples' Day, Thanksgiving (two days), Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and the day after Christmas.

About A Children's Place

A Children's Place is a licensed childcare and preschool program dedicated to providing a safe, welcoming, and developmentally appropriate environment where children learn, grow, and thrive. We follow New York State OCFS regulations and partner with Jamestown Public Schools and local families to provide high-quality early childhood education and prepare children for lifelong success.

Benefits:

 

• 401(k)
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan