1. The Roles of a Childcare Director
Job Description, Duties and Outlook: Learn about the
education and preparation needed to become a child care
center director. Get a quick view of the requirements as well
as details about education, job duties and licensure
requirements to find out if this is the career for you.
2. Essential Information
Child care center directors oversee the day-to-
day operations of a child care center.
Professionals in this career come from a
variety of educational backgrounds, including
high school graduates and those with an
associate's or bachelor's degree. Licensing is
typically necessary, with states mandating the
specific requirements. Another commonly
required credential is Child Development
Associate (CDA) certification. Prior work in
early childhood education is also essential in
most states.
3. Education and Outlook
Required Education
High school diploma; some positions
require an associate's or bachelor's degree
Other Requirements
License and CDA often required; early
childhood education experience usually
necessary
Projected Job Growth (2012-2022)* 17%
Median Salary (2013)* $44,890 annually
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
4. Job Description
• The job description of a child care center director is similar to that of any
school administrator. However, child care center directors mainly oversee
facilities that house younger children. They work in preschools, nursery
schools, daycare centers, pre-kindergarten programs, group homes and, in
some cases, school systems to oversee and coordinate child care and
educational programs.
5. Job Duties
• Child care center directors are responsible for setting the tone for the facility,
managing the curriculum, overseeing physical facilities, hiring staff and
managing the overall image of the center. They sometimes also ensure
compliance with all local and federal laws governing child care, both in regard
to the physical environment and the staff, and manage the financial affairs of
the child care facility.
6. Curriculum Development
• Center directors work with qualified center staff to develop an appropriate
curriculum and ensure that it complies with state and federal requirements. In
the case of specialized schools, such as Montessori schools, the center
director ensures that the curriculum complies with the specific requirements
of that designation.
7. Facilities Management
• Child care center directors make sure that the center's physical facilities
comply with local, state and federal laws and are a safe and appropriate
environment for children. Directors have knowledge of local, state and federal
laws regarding safety requirements and inspection and certification
procedures, and ensure that the center complies with those requirements.
The center director also evaluates and purchases equipment and supplies for
the center or approves requests to purchase materials and equipment.
8. Staffing Management
• Child care centers are generally staffed by teachers, teacher aides, assistants
and other individuals; for example, larger centers might have administrative or
custodial staffs. The center director manages this staff, developing job
descriptions, interviewing candidates, maintaining staff development and
education and, if necessary, managing disciplinary processes.
• The director ensures that all staff meet the requirements for their jobs; for
example, the director orders staff background checks and confirms that
necessary licenses are valid. Child care directors are also responsible for
maintaining their own qualifications; most states require child care center
directors to complete continuing education courses each year, in addition to
other requirements.
9. Financial Responsibilities
• Child care center directors are responsible for the financial management of
the center. This means that they develop budget, manage the accounting and
oversee accounts payable and receivable. The director also develops the
marketing plan for the center, developing public relations and advertising
campaigns as necessary.
10. Parental Communication and Involvement
• While for many parents, their child's teacher is the primary point of contact in
the school, the director often serves as the 'face' of the school, managing
communication with parents and the community. The director develops
policies for the school and communicates the policies to parents. Directors
also often meet with parents of prospective students to determine whether the
school is a good fit for the family.
11. Career Outlook and Salary Information
• According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the demand for child
care center directors is expected to grow faster than average, at 17%,
between 2012 and 2022 (www.bls.gov). The BLS suggests that the growth in
this field is attributable to the increase in state-sponsored early childhood
education and a growing acceptance of the need for pre-kindergarten
education. As more families send their young children to early childhood
education programs, the demand for these services and qualified directors
increases.
• As of May 2013, the median annual wage for a preschool and child care
center administrator was $44,890.
12. The Roles of a Childcare Director
*** Summary ***
• Responsible for the operation and
instructional leadership at a daycare or
preschool facility. Trains and supervises
staff, sets instructional objectives, and
works to build a rapport with parents.
13. Primary responsibilities:
• Create instructional resources for use in the classroom.
• Develop academic programs.
• Monitor students and teachers for progress.
• Train, encourage, and mentor teachers and other staff.
• Manage career counseling.
• Administer record keeping.
• Supervise teachers, counselors, librarians, and other support staff.
• Manage day-to-day activities at a preschool.
• Maintain rapport with parents.
• Handle tours and marketing.
14. Primary responsibilities continued:
• Prepare budgets and annual reports.
• Work actively with teachers to maintain high curriculum standards.
• Formulate mission statements.
• Establish performance goals and objectives.
• Explain or answer procedural questions.
• Hire, train, and evaluate teachers.
• Visit classrooms and observe teaching methods.
• Examine learning materials.
• Review instructional objectives and adjust accordingly.
• Meet with other administrators
