Child Care Center Administrator or Director: Essential Information
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Child care (or child development) 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. The top three majors for an associate's or bachelor's degree are early childhood education, business, and nursing. Early childhood education focuses on the teaching of children in the preschool age, while a business degree offers courses on finance and management. A nursing education offers the skills of basic healthcare and all of these majors are helpful to the childcare director responsibilities.
After a potential candidate acquires an educational degree, licensing is typically required, with states mandating the specific requirements. The license requires an extensive background check, full record of immunizations, and a training requirement. Almost all states require anyone in working in childcare to have certifications in CPR and first aid. Another commonly required credential is the Child Development Associate (CDA) certification. For most child care director jobs, it is helpful to have experience as a childcare provider or preschool teacher. One can also seek out continuing education in the form of a Director's Credential linked to their state of employment; the National Administrator Credential is also recommended for those looking to become a childcare center administrator.
| Required Education | High school diploma; some positions require an associate's or bachelor's degree (major options include early childhood education, business, and nursing) |
| Other Requirements | CPR and first aid certifications, license, and CDA often required; early childhood education experience usually necessary; National Administrator Credential recommended |
| Projected Job Growth (2019-2029) | 1% (slower than average)* |
| Median Salary (2019) | $48,210 annually* |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Child Care Director 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 serve younger children. They work in preschools, nursery schools, daycare centers, pre-kindergarten programs, group homes and school systems to oversee and coordinate child care and educational programs. These institutions can be either privately owned and operated or part of a national chain or franchise. Preschool and childcare center directors for these national centers must follow the parent organization's standards and regulations. Many independent childcare centers are often owned by program's directors. Particular childcare center, or daycare director responsibilities include:
- Supervising preschool teachers and childcare workers
- Implement professional development for employees
- Develop educational programs and standards and ensure academic excellence
- Establish and communicate employee policies
- Effective and positive communication with parents and children
- Develop budgets and allocate center funds
Child Care Director Duties and Responsibilities
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. Job duties also may include ensuring compliance with local and federal laws governing child care, both regarding the physical environment and the staff, and managing the financial affairs of the child care facility.
Curriculum Development
Curriculum development is a big part of a child care center administrator's job description. 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.
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 know 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.
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 ,implementing disciplinary measures. The ability to manage people and work well in team settings is a benefit to a daycare supervisor's job description.
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.
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.
Financial Responsibilities
Child care center directors are responsible for the financial management of the center. This means that they develop budgets, 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.
Job Outlook & Salary for Child Care Center Administrators
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the demand for child care center directors is expected to grow slower than average, at 1%, between 2019 and 2029. The BLS suggests that the growth in this field is attributable to the constant need of state-sponsored early childhood education and a growing acceptance of the need for pre-kindergarten education. However, the rising cost of childcare and the increase of stay-at-home or work-from-home parents is expected to keep the demand for childcare directors relatively the same over the next 10 years.
As of May 2019, the median annual wage for a preschool and child care center administrator was $48,210.
Child care center directors typically interact with families, communities, as well as teachers and students. They also may help to develop the curriculum. Educational background varies, but licensing is typically required as is work experience in early childhood education.
