DescriptionPRIMARY FUNCTION
The Child Care Center Director administers the daily operations of the early childhood center serving children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. The Director ensures high-quality care, developmentally appropriate programming, staff supervision, family engagement, facility management, and full compliance with Tennessee Department of Human Services (TN DHS) Child Care Licensing Rules and Regulations. The Director is responsible for maintaining a safe, nurturing, and educational environment that supports the growth and development of young children while ensuring operational excellence.
KEY ROLES (Job Responsibilities)
Program and Child Development Oversight
- Establishes and oversees developmentally appropriate programs and learning environments for infants, toddlers, and preschool children.
- Ensures daily activities support early childhood development including social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth.
- Oversees implementation of curriculum aligned with early learning standards.
- Monitors classroom environments to ensure quality care, supervision, and engagement with children.
- Ensures age-appropriate learning materials, equipment, and activities are available and maintained.
Licensing, Compliance, and Safety
- Ensures the center operates in full compliance with TN DHS Child Care Licensing Rules, policies, and procedures.
- Maintains required licensing documentation, records, and reports.
- Ensures staff meet required training hours, background checks, and qualifications.
- Maintains proper staff-to-child ratios and group sizes in accordance with state regulations.
- Oversees implementation of health, safety, and sanitation practices.
- Ensures emergency preparedness plans, evacuation procedures, and safety drills are conducted and documented.
- Ensures adherence to policies related to medication administration, incident reporting, and child health requirements.
Staff Leadership and Development
- Recruits, supervises, and leads childcare staff including teachers, assistants, and support personnel.
- Manages staff scheduling to ensure proper classroom coverage and ratio compliance.
- Provides training, coaching, and professional development opportunities for staff.
- Conducts staff evaluations and supports continuous improvement in classroom quality and care.
- Promotes a positive, collaborative, and professional work environment.
Family Engagement and Communication
- Builds trusting relationships with parents and guardians.
- Serves as the primary point of contact for family communication and concerns.
- Ensures clear communication regarding policies, child progress, incidents, and center operations.
- Encourages family involvement and supports positive partnerships between families and staff.
Facility and Operational Management
- Ensures the center environment remains clean, safe, organized, and developmentally appropriate for young children.
- Oversees maintenance of classrooms, playgrounds, equipment, and learning materials.
- Manages daily operations including enrollment, attendance tracking, and documentation.
Financial and Administrative Oversight
- Manages the center budget in accordance with approved priorities, standards, and limits.
- Oversees enrollment levels and program capacity to maintain operational sustainability.
- Ensures timely completion of administrative reporting and documentation.
Community and Organizational Engagement
- Represents the organization with professionalism and integrity.
- Builds relationships with community partners, families, and local organizations.
- Promotes the center’s mission and supports community awareness of early childhood education.
- Works collaboratively with leadership to ensure program quality and operational success.
QualificationsREQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in child care, early childhood education, or a related field, preferably in a leadership role.
- Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Knowledge of Tennessee Department of Human Services Child Care Licensing Rules and Regulations.
- Experience supervising staff and managing teams.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills with children, families, and staff.
- Ability to build trust and maintain positive relationships with diverse groups.
- Experience with budgeting, administrative tasks, and program management.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Demonstrated passion for supporting the growth and development of young children.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / WORK ENVIRONMENT
- Working conditions are typical of a child care center environment.
- Must be able to lift up to 40 pounds (to assist young children when necessary).
- Must be able to stand, bend, sit on the floor, and move throughout classrooms and playground areas for extended periods.
- Must remain alert, attentive, and energetic to supervise young children.
- May require occasional local travel for meetings or training.
- Must be able to respond quickly to children’s safety and supervision needs.
