Childcare Director

Thompson Child & Family Focus•Charlotte, NC

About The Position

Get to know Thompson! Thompson was founded in 1886 as an orphanage and has grown into an organization operating across the Carolinas, Florida Tennessee and Kentucky. Thompson’s continuum of care encompasses three domains: prevention, mental health services and foster care. All Thompson programs are trauma-informed and evidence-based/evidence-informed with the intention of building resilience in our clients (ages 0-18) and their families, both virtually and in person. Our values are Excellence, Innovation, Commitment, Caring and Integrity. What will you do as a Childcare Director? The position of Childcare Director of the Thompson Child Development Center (TCDC) at Thompson is a multifaceted leadership role responsible for the daily operations, regulatory compliance, staff supervision, and strategic development of the center. Core Responsibilities The Director is accountable for the operational oversight and performance of the child development center. This includes: Leadership and Supervision : The Director leads a team of educators and support staff, providing proactive coaching and feedback to foster professional development. Regulatory Compliance : Ensures adherence to standards set by the NC Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE), NC Department of Public Health and NCDHHS Child and Adult Care Food Program. Curriculum and Classroom Oversight : Oversees curriculum implementation and classroom management, ensuring high-quality learning environments and appropriate staff-to-child ratios. Financial and Program Performance : Success is measured through financial performance, staff retention and engagement, and program quality outcomes. Community Engagement : Maintains a positive public image and builds partnerships with community organizations to support center operations. Daily Operational Duties The Center Director Duties matrix outlines specific daily tasks, including: Supervising teachers and ensuring curriculum fidelity. Managing documentation for compliance and audits. Conducting tours for prospective families. Coordinating staff schedules and substitute coverage. Monitoring security and facility operations . Strategic and Cultural Leadership The Director is expected to embody Thompson’s trauma-informed CARE principles: Developmentally Focused, Family Involved, Relationship Based, Competence Centered, Trauma Informed, and Ecologically Oriented. They are also seen as a cultural leader, modeling Thompson’s values of commitment, innovation, integrity, excellence, and caring . Organizational Context TCDC is a 5-star rated center serving children from birth to age five. It operates under the broader mission of Thompson Child & Family Focus, which emphasizes early childhood development, family stability, and mental health support. A typical day as a Childcare Director includes: Ensuring all classrooms are staffed and ready. Checking security points, including playgrounds and classroom access. Coordinating staff schedules, including substitute coverage to maintain required staff-to-child ratios. The Director supervises teachers, ensuring curriculum fidelity and classroom quality. Professional development tracking is also part of the routine, ensuring all staff meet training requirements. Conducts tours for prospective families and community partners. Engages with families and staff, addressing concerns or celebrating milestones (e.g., Picture Day feedback, staff transitions). Strategic planning, including staffing, classroom reorganization, and program development. Team meetings and leadership check-ins to align on goals and address challenges (e.g., summer camp staffing, state compliance updates). Community engagement, such as coordinating events or responding to inquiries from external partners.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
As a Leader of Leaders- Exposure to leadership/management experiences either through short term project management, coordination, training or actual leadership positions years of experience working in the field related to the programs under their chain of command.
Exposure to leadership/management experiences either through short term project management, coordination, training or actual leadership positions.
Displays the capacity/coachability for future growth and development as a leader.
Must have a valid Driver’s License and meet any credentialing, licensing and privileging standards as it pertains to the program (s) you lead
All potential job candidates must pass a drug screening test, and an extensive background check is required.

Responsibilities

Leadership and Supervision
Regulatory Compliance
Curriculum and Classroom Oversight
Financial and Program Performance
Community Engagement
Supervising teachers and ensuring curriculum fidelity
Managing documentation for compliance and audits
Conducting tours for prospective families
Coordinating staff schedules and substitute coverage
Monitoring security and facility operations

Benefits

3 weeks paid time off (PTO) first year plus 10 paid holidays!
Health, Dental, Vision, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability and Life insurance options
401K Match
Education Reimbursement
Referral Bonus
Eligibility to apply for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through FAFSA after 10 years of service
Eligibility to apply for the state loan repayment program that repays up to $50,000 of student loans
Paid time off for volunteering in the community
Free EAP services
Mileage Reimbursement
iPhone and Laptop provided for eligible roles
Multiple opportunities for growth