Director, Day Care Center

Albany Medical Center•Albany, NY

1d•$77,075 - $119,466

About The Position

The Day Care Center Director leads the development and management of a safe, high-quality, inclusive, and nurturing childcare program. The Director ensures the center meets the needs of children, families, and staff, complies with regulatory standards, and fosters a positive, engaging environment. The role oversees program quality, staff development, family and community engagement, daily operations, financial management, and regulatory reporting. The work takes place in a fast-paced, dynamic childcare setting and requires flexibility, problem-solving, and the ability to manage multiple priorities. The position also requires a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The role may involve access to sensitive information, including HIPAA Protected Health Information, and requires limiting access and disclosure to the minimum necessary while protecting information from unauthorized access and modification.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field.
At least two years of experience as a director, assistant director, or equivalent in a childcare or early childhood program.
Strong leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
Knowledge of child development, curriculum planning, and regulatory requirements.
Flexibility, problem-solving ability, and ability to manage multiple priorities.
Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Follow information-protection requirements, including minimum-necessary access and safeguarding sensitive information.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree.
State teaching certification or equivalent credentials.

Responsibilities

Design, implement, and continuously improve early childhood programs that support children’s development and learning.
Ensure programs meet or exceed state and local regulatory requirements and early childhood education best practices.
Foster a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for children, families, and staff.
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.
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.
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.
Prepare and manage the annual budget, monitor expenses, and ensure fiscal responsibility.
Maintain accurate records and ensure confidentiality of sensitive information.
Ensure adherence to 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.
Ensure sensitive information is accessed and disclosed only to the minimum extent necessary and is protected from unauthorized access and modification.