Child Care Center Director
NextGen Early Care and Child Development Center
Milwaukee, WI
Job Summary
NextGen Early Care and Child Development Center is seeking an experienced, motivated, and visionary Child Care Center Director to oversee the daily operations of our licensed early childhood education program. The ideal candidate is an educational leader who is passionate about providing high-quality care, supporting staff development, maintaining regulatory compliance, and creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment for children and families.
The Director will provide leadership to all staff, ensure compliance with Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) licensing regulations, manage enrollment, oversee center operations, and build strong relationships with families and the community.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the overall operation of the child care center.
- Ensure compliance with all Wisconsin DCF licensing requirements and center policies.
- Recruit, hire, train, supervise, and evaluate teachers and support staff.
- Maintain proper child-to-staff ratios and classroom coverage.
- Promote a positive, professional, and collaborative work environment.
- Develop and implement policies that support quality early childhood education.
- Support curriculum implementation and continuous program improvement.
- Maintain children's records, staff files, licensing documentation, and required reports.
- Prepare the center for state licensing inspections and quality assessments.
- Monitor classroom quality and provide coaching and professional development to staff.
- Manage enrollment, waitlists, tours, and family orientation.
- Build strong relationships with parents by addressing questions and concerns professionally.
- Develop and monitor operating budgets while managing expenses responsibly.
- Ensure the facility is clean, safe, and well-maintained.
- Coordinate emergency preparedness, health, and safety procedures.
- Work closely with ownership to achieve enrollment, financial, and program goals.
- Foster a culture of respect, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, Business Management, or a related field.
- Meet Wisconsin DCF qualifications to serve as a Child Care Center Director.
- Minimum of five (5) years of leadership or management experience in a licensed child care center or preschool.
- Strong knowledge of Wisconsin DCF licensing regulations.
- Experience supervising and developing staff.
- Excellent leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and child care management software such as Procare is preferred.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, or a related field (Master's preferred)
- Master's degree in Early Childhood Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field.
- Wisconsin Child Care Administrator Credential.
- Experience managing multi-classroom or large enrollment centers.
- Experience with budgeting, payroll oversight, and financial reporting.
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift up to 40 pounds.
- Ability to sit, stand, bend, kneel, and move throughout the center.
- Ability to respond quickly during emergencies.
Why Join NextGen?
- Competitive salary based on experience.
- Leadership growth opportunities.
- Supportive ownership team.
- Professional development and continuing education.
- Opportunity to make a lasting impact on children, families, and staff.
- Positive, team-oriented work environment.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $27.00 - $30.00 per hour
License/Certification:
- CPR Certification (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
