Director of the Child Development Center

Primary Purpose:


Provide leadership and oversight for the daily operations of the district's Child Development Center. Ensure high-quality childcare and early education services by planning, implementing, and maintaining programs in compliance with Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) regulations and district policies.

Minimum Qualifications:


Candidates must meet one of the following education and experience requirements:

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university, including:

• At least 12 college credit hours in child development,
• At least 6 college credit hours in management,
• Minimum of 1 year of experience in a licensed child-care center, early childhood center, or elementary teaching experience, and/or
• Campus-level administrative experience, such as serving as an Assistant Principal or Principal, is strongly preferred.

Additional Requirement:

• All candidates must successfully pass a fingerprint-based background check. A non-refundable fee (approximately $50.00) is the responsibility of the employee.

Knowledge/Skills:

• Working knowledge of early childhood curriculum and instructional best practices
• Ability to evaluate instructional programs and assess teaching effectiveness
• Strong skills in budget development and personnel management
• Proficient in implementing policies and procedures in alignment with DFPS and district guidelines
• Ability to analyze and interpret data to inform instructional and operational decisions
• Skilled in managing and supporting staff in classroom management and student behavior strategies
• Capable of coordinating center-wide functions and daily operations
• Excellent organizational, communication, public relations, and interpersonal skills

Major Responsibilities and Duties:


The statements listed above are intended to describe the general purpose and responsibilities of the position. They should not be interpreted as an exhaustive list of all duties, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with the role. Additional tasks may be assigned as needed to meet the needs of the district.

Professionalism


The Educators' Code of Ethics, as outlined in the Texas Administrative Code, establishes the standards for professional conduct and practices expected of all Texas educators. This includes ethical responsibilities toward students, colleagues, school officials, parents, and the broader community.

• Rule §247.1 - Purpose and Scope; Definitions
• Rule §247.2 - Code of Ethics and Standard Practices for Texas Educators

All employees are expected to uphold these standards in all professional interactions and decision-making.

Instructional Management

The Director promotes continuous improvement of instruction through the following activities:


Vision and Program Design:

• Establish a clear, compelling, and shared vision for the center.
• Design, implement, supervise, and evaluate instructional programs.
• Demonstrate knowledge of curriculum and effective instructional strategies to support student academic achievement.

Professional Development and Support:

• Plan and lead professional development aligned with instructional goals.
• Provide instructional resources and materials to support effective teaching.
• Foster collegiality, team building, and shared decision-making among staff.

Data-Driven Instruction:

• Use assessment data to guide instructional planning and intervention strategies.
• Monitor student achievement and attendance to ensure progress and growth.

Instructional Innovation and Collaboration:

• Assist teachers in designing engaging and developmentally appropriate learning experiences.
• Encourage the development and piloting of innovative instructional programs.
• Collaborate with district-level departments to strengthen instructional programs.

Instructional Operations and Technology:

• Ensure the effective integration of technology as both an instructional and administrative tool.
• Ensure classroom staff prepare instructional materials in advance of instruction.
• Support transition activities for children across age groups and developmental stages.
• Assign appropriate duties to staff and student aides in the absence of scheduled personnel.

Organization Improvement


The Director fosters leadership and drives continuous improvement through the following activities:

• Support teachers and instructional staff in developing and implementing research-based practices that promote children's language, literacy, concept development, and background knowledge.
• Guide the selection and purchase of instructional materials and resources to align with program goals.
• Provide leadership and support in all aspects of center operations, especially during emergencies or critical incidents.
• Facilitate ongoing, interactive communication with district leadership, staff, students, parents, and community stakeholders.
• Promote the continuous renewal and improvement of curriculum, instructional methods, center policies, and procedures.

Communication and Community Relations


The Director fosters a positive and collaborative environment for both the school and community through the following activities:

• Prepare and deliver reports and presentations on student performance, program goals, and expectations to various stakeholders, including staff, parents, and the community.
• Develop effective systems for communicating program goals, objectives, and updates to all involved parties.
• Coordinate informational training sessions for parents to support their children's academic progress and development.
• Engage with staff, volunteers, and visitors in a welcoming, professional, and effective manner.
• Cultivate a friendly, approachable, and supportive atmosphere for parents and staff at all times.
• Ensure all staff demonstrate patience, understanding, and respect for children, parents, and volunteers.
• Be consistently visible and available in classrooms to support staff and engage with children.
• Treat each child with dignity and respect, taking into account their cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Stay informed about the special needs or concerns of individual students and respond appropriately.
• Serve as a positive role model for children, families, and staff, demonstrating appropriate behavior and professionalism.
• Greet each child upon arrival, assisting with health checks as necessary to ensure the well-being of all children.
• Oversee the health and safety of all children in the center, ensuring that proper protocols are followed.
• Model appropriate interactions, behaviors, and communication styles for staff, students, and parents.

Organization Management


The Director ensures effective and responsible management of administrative, fiscal, and facilities functions through the following activities:

• Develop and implement rubrics to guide program improvement and ensure continuous enhancement of instructional practices.
• Design systems for ongoing coaching and professional support for teachers to improve their instructional effectiveness.
• Develop and maintain clear communication systems for disseminating program goals and objectives to staff and stakeholders.
• Adhere to telephone procedures and maintain professional communication with all callers.
• Ensure that children's, staff's, and training folders are well-organized and up-to-date with relevant information.
• Monitor and maintain proper documentation and follow up to ensure maximum daily attendance for all children.
• Report any suspected child abuse to the appropriate authorities promptly and in accordance with district policies.
• Oversee Early Childhood assessment processes to evaluate children's progress and developmental needs in daycare.
• Ensure compliance with all licensing standards, maintaining these standards in the day-to-day operations of the center.
• Collaborate with the Family Advocate to support the needs of families and children.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive information at all times.
• Perform routine cleaning and organizational tasks as needed to ensure the center's cleanliness and safety.
• Ensure compliance with facility inspections, fire safety regulations, and other safety practices.
• Adhere to the district's dress policy and model professional attire at all times.
• Regularly check and maintain the condition of equipment used by children to ensure safety and functionality.
• Assist in maintaining accurate inventory records for all center property and supplies.
• Fill in as necessary to ensure the smooth operation of the center and perform additional duties as required.

Professional Growth and Development


The Director provides instructional leadership and promotes staff development through the following activities:

• Design and deliver research-based professional development aligned with district goals, initiatives, and instructional priorities.
• Stay current with trends in instructional innovation and educational research; share relevant findings and strategies with staff.
• Plan and lead staff meetings and center-based professional development sessions.
• Observe classroom instruction, provide constructive feedback, and support teachers in implementing improvements and innovative practices.
• Model effective instructional strategies through direct interaction with students in the classroom.
• Participate in national and state-level professional organizations to remain informed of emerging best practices.
• Read, synthesize, and share current research and resources from a variety of media, including books, journals, websites, and professional networks.
• Engage in professional learning opportunities, including workshops, conferences, and in-service training, to support personal and professional growth.

Qualities of an Effective Director


The Director is expected to demonstrate high standards of professional conduct and integrity through the following:

• Comply with all district and campus policies and procedures, as well as applicable state and federal laws and regulations.
• Adhere to the standards of conduct outlined in Board Policy DH (Legal) and DH (Local), along with all other relevant policies, regulations, and guidelines.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of student, staff, and center-related information.
• Exhibit a high level of personal integrity, ethical behavior, and a collaborative leadership style.
• Stay informed of and comply with policies and regulations that impact school operations and early childhood education.
• Compile, maintain, and submit all required reports, records, and documentation in an accurate and timely manner.
• Maintain regular, punctual attendance is an essential function of this position.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Supervise all center staff and student aides, ensuring adherence to center policies, instructional quality, and a safe, supportive environment for all children.

Equipment:

• Personal computer, printer, scanner, copier, fax machine, telephone, washer, dryer, dishwasher, children's instructional equipment, and toys.

Working Conditions:

Mental Demands / Physical Demands / Environmental Factors

• Maintain emotional control under stress.
• Work with frequent interruptions.
• Work irregular and extended hours, including holidays and weekends, as required.
• Frequent walking, standing, stooping, bending, pulling, and pushing.
• Occasional light lifting and carrying (15-44 pounds); may include textbooks and classroom equipment.
• Frequent district-wide travel; occasional travel outside the district or statewide.
• Prolonged use of a computer requiring repetitive hand motions.
• Frequent exposure to temperature and humidity extremes, noise, low or intense lighting, and vibration.
• Occasional exposure to biological hazards (e.g., communicable diseases, bacteria), outdoor elements, moving equipment or vehicles, and uneven surfaces.

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or skills required. Additional duties may be assigned as needed to meet the needs of the district.