Child Care Center Director
Oak & Ivy Kids Academy
Louisville, KY – West End
Full-Time
Lead the Future of Early Childhood Education
Oak & Ivy Kids Academy is opening a brand-new childcare center in the heart of Louisville's West End, serving children 6 weeks through 12 years of age. We are seeking an exceptional Child Care Center Director who is passionate about developing children, building strong teams, supporting families and creating a center known for excellence.
This is more than a management position. We are looking for a leader who will establish the culture, develop staff, build relationships with families and ensure every child receives the highest quality care and education.
If you are an experienced childcare leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys mentoring teachers and is committed to creating an outstanding learning environment, we encourage you to apply.
Position Summary
The Center Director is responsible for the overall operation of the childcare center, including licensing compliance, staff supervision, enrollment, curriculum oversight, family engagement, budgeting, safety and daily operations. The Director will work closely with ownership to ensure Oak & Ivy Kids Academy becomes one of Louisville's premier childcare programs.
ResponsibilitiesLeadership
- Hire, train, coach and supervise all center employees.
- Build a positive, respectful and professional team culture.
- Conduct employee evaluations and provide ongoing coaching.
- Lead staff meetings and professional development.
- Ensure classrooms maintain high-quality interactions and learning experiences.
- Promote teamwork, accountability and excellent customer service.
Center Operations
- Ensure compliance with all Kentucky Child Care Licensing Regulations.
- Keep the center inspection-ready at all times.
- Maintain all licensing files, staff records and required documentation.
- Develop staff schedules while maintaining proper staff-to-child ratios.
- Monitor attendance, enrollment and classroom capacities.
- Maintain a clean, organized and welcoming facility.
Educational Excellence
- Oversee programs serving infants, toddlers, preschool, pre-kindergarten and school-age children.
- Support teachers in implementing engaging, developmentally appropriate learning experiences.
- Ensure classrooms are safe, organized and inviting.
- Promote positive guidance techniques and social-emotional development.
- Monitor classroom quality and provide coaching for continuous improvement.
Family Engagement
- Build meaningful relationships with children and families.
- Conduct professional tours for prospective families.
- Maintain strong enrollment and family retention.
- Respond promptly and professionally to parent questions and concerns.
- Foster open communication and exceptional customer service.
Safety & Compliance
- Maintain a safe environment for children and staff.
- Ensure all required monthly and quarterly emergency drills are completed.
- Oversee medication administration and health records.
- Complete incident and accident reporting.
- Ensure all employees meet required training and background check requirements.
Administrative Responsibilities
- Manage daily center operations.
- Maintain classroom supplies and inventory.
- Assist with budgeting and expense management.
- Monitor payroll hours and staffing needs.
- Collaborate with ownership on strategic planning and center growth.
- Support marketing and community outreach efforts to increase enrollment.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, Business Administration or a related field OR a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential OR Director Credentials that meet Kentucky Child Care Director requirements.
- Must meet Kentucky qualifications to serve as a Licensed Child Care Director.
- Minimum of three years of leadership or management experience in a licensed childcare center.
- Strong knowledge of Kentucky childcare licensing regulations.
- Experience supervising and developing staff.
- Strong organizational, leadership and communication skills.
- Experience with enrollment and family engagement.
- CPR and First Aid Certification or willingness to obtain.
- Ability to successfully pass all required background checks.
Preferred Qualifications
- Five or more years of childcare leadership experience.
- Experience opening a new childcare center.
- Experience supervising programs serving children ages 6 weeks through 12 years.
- Experience using Brightwheel or similar childcare management software.
- Knowledge of Montessori-inspired classrooms and developmentally appropriate practices.
- Strong problem-solving, coaching and conflict-resolution skills.
Benefits
- Competitive salary based on experience
- Free childcare
- Paid time off
- Paid holidays
- Professional development opportunities
- Career advancement opportunities
- Supportive ownership team
- Opportunity to lead a brand-new childcare center from the ground up
Schedule
- Full-time
- Monday through Friday
- Occasional evening or weekend meetings, trainings or family events as needed
The Ideal Candidate
You are a confident leader who is passionate about early childhood education and committed to developing both children and staff. You lead by example, communicate effectively, hold high expectations and create a positive workplace culture. You understand that building strong relationships with families and maintaining high standards are essential to the success of a childcare program.
If you're ready to help build one of Louisville's premier childcare centers and make a lasting impact on children, families and the West End community, we'd love to hear from you.
Pay: $35,000.00 - $41,600.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Tuition reimbursement
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Required)
Experience:
- Childcare: 2 years (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Louisville, KY 40211 (Required)
Work Location: In person
