CENTRAL DAY CARE CENTER
JOB DESCRIPTION
PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Supervised By: Board
Supervises: Teachers
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
General Summary
Under the general direction of the Board, and within established policies and applicable Michigan Child Care Licensing Rules, the Program Director is responsible for the educational,licensing, staffing, and child-focused operations of the childcare center. This position provides leadership for classroom programming, child development practices, staff supervision, family engagement, and regulatory compliance.
The Program Director serves as the primary program leader for the center and may serve as the designated program administrator for licensing purposes, as approved by the appropriate licensing authority. This position works to ensure that the center operates safely, effectively, financially responsibly, and in alignment with the mission of the organization.
Essential Job Functions
An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following essential functions. These examples do not include all of the duties which the employee may be expected to perform. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily.
1. Provide leadership and oversight for the center's educational programming,classroom operations, and child development practices.
2. Ensure the center maintains compliance with applicable Michigan Child Care Licensing Rules and related health and safety requirements.
3. Maintain appropriate staffing, supervision, and staff-to-child ratios in accordance with licensing requirements.
4. Oversee curriculum development, lesson planning, classroom quality, and age appropriate learning activities.
5. Supervise, coach, evaluate, and support teaching staff and classroom personnel.
6. Participate in the recruitment, hiring, onboarding, training, and retention of qualified childcare staff.
7. Ensure staff complete required training, credentialing, background checks, and professional development.
8. Serve as a primary contact for licensing inspections, classroom-related compliance matters, and corrective action plans.
9. Maintain required program records, including child files, staff qualification records, training documentation, and incident reports.
10.Communicate regularly with families regarding child development, classroom expectations, program updates, and concerns.
11.Address child behavior, family concerns, and staff performance matters in a timely and professional manner.
12.Develop, implement, and evaluate center policies related to programming, child supervision, classroom practices, and safety.
13.Provide regular updates to the Board of Directors regarding program quality, staffing, compliance, and operational needs.
14.Foster a positive, respectful, and professional culture among staff, families, and children.
15.Perform other related duties as assigned to support overall center operations.
Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Minimum Qualifications
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities and
minimum qualifications necessary to perform the essential functions of the position.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the job.
- Must meet applicable Michigan licensing requirements for a childcare program director role.
- Strong knowledge of early childhood education, child development, classroom management, and childcare licensing requirements.
- Demonstrated ability to supervise, coach, evaluate, and support childcare staff.
- Ability to maintain compliance with licensing, health, safety, and record keeping requirements.
- Strong communication skills with children, families, staff, licensing representatives, and the Board.
- Ability to manage confidential and sensitive matters with professionalism and discretion.
- Experience developing and implementing policies, procedures, curriculum, and program standards.
- Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced childcare environment.
- Current CPR and First Aid certification, or ability to obtain and maintain certification.
- Successful completion of required background checks and clearances.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, bend, kneel, sit at child level, and interact with children throughout the day. The employee may occasionally lift or carry children, materials, or classroom equipment of moderate weight.
Work is performed primarily indoors in a childcare setting, with regular exposure to outdoor play areas. Regular, consistent, and predictable attendance is required.
Preferred Leadership and Organizational Management Experience
The Board of Directors seeks a candidate who can provide strategic leadership and administrative oversight beyond the core requirements of childcare program management. While experience in early childhood education leadership remains essential, candidates with demonstrated success in broader organizational leadership are strongly encouraged to apply.
Preferred qualifications include experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Budget development, financial oversight, and long-term financial planning
- Enrollment management, family account administration, and student retention strategies
- Human resources leadership, including recruitment, hiring, onboarding, employee development, and performance management
- Development and implementation of organizational policies, procedures, and operational standards
- Facilities management, vendor relations, maintenance planning, and capital improvement oversight
- Strategic planning, organizational development, and organizational change management
- Preparing and presenting reports, recommendations, and operational updates to boards, governing bodies, or executive leadership teams
- Nonprofit management, municipal administration, or leadership of similarly complex organizations
- Oversight of administrative functions, including payroll, benefits administration, records management, and regulatory compliance
- Leading multidisciplinary teams and fostering a collaborative, positive workplace culture
Candidates who demonstrate a combination of strong early childhood education leadership and organizational management experience may receive additional consideration. The Board reserves the right to assign administrative, operational, or strategic responsibilities based on an individual's qualifications, experience, demonstrated abilities, and the evolving needs of the organization.
Compensation
Compensation will be commensurate with qualifications, experience, credentials, and assigned responsibilities. Candidates with significant experience in both childcare program leadership and organizational administration may be eligible for placement at the upper end of the approved salary range.
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
