Director, Day Care Center

About the role

Department/Unit: Day Care Center

Work Shift: Day (United States of America)

Salary Range

$77,075.00 - $119,466.00

The Day Care Center Director leads the development and management of a safe, high-quality, inclusive, and nurturing childcare program. This role ensures the center meets the needs of children, families, and staff while maintaining compliance with all regulatory standards and fostering a positive, engaging environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Program Leadership & Quality
• Design, implement, and continuously improve early childhood programs that support children’s development and learning.
• Ensure all programs meet or exceed state and local regulatory requirements and best practices in early childhood education.
• Foster a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for children, families, and staff.
• Staff Management & Development
• Recruit, hire, train, and mentor qualified staff and volunteers.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations and provide ongoing professional development opportunities.
• Promote a collaborative and supportive team culture.
• Family & Community Engagement
• Build strong relationships with families through effective communication and responsive support.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for parent inquiries, feedback, and concerns.
• Connect families with community resources, including social services and early intervention programs as needed.
• Operational Oversight
• Manage enrollment, waiting lists, and classroom ratios to maximize utilization and maintain compliance.
• Develop and implement center policies and procedures in alignment with organizational goals.
• Oversee daily operations, including health, safety, and emergency protocols.
• Financial Management
• Prepare and manage the annual budget, monitor expenses, and ensure fiscal responsibility.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure confidentiality of all sensitive information.
• Regulatory Compliance & Reporting
• Ensure adherence to all licensing, health, and safety regulations.
• Prepare for and participate in inspections, audits, and quality assessments.
• Maintain up-to-date documentation and reporting as required by governing agencies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field is required. Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of two years’ experience as a director, assistant director, or equivalent in a childcare or early childhood program.
• State teaching certification or equivalent credentials preferred.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of child development, curriculum planning, and regulatory requirements.

Work Environment

• Fast-paced, dynamic childcare setting.
• Requires flexibility, problem-solving, and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

• Thank you for your interest in Albany Med Health System!
• Albany Med Health System is an equal opportunity employer.

This role may require access to information considered sensitive to Albany Med Health System, its patients, affiliates, and partners, including but not limited to HIPAA Protected Health Information and other information regulated by Federal and New York State statutes. Workforce members are expected to ensure that:

Access to information is based on a “need to know” and is the minimum necessary to properly perform assigned duties. Use or disclosure shall not exceed the minimum amount of information needed to accomplish an intended purpose. Reasonable efforts, consistent with Albany Med Health System policies and standards, shall be made to ensure that information is adequately protected from unauthorized access and modification.