Child Care Director

DEBORAHS LITTLE SHEPHERDS INC; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Supportive leadership team

Professional growth opportunities

Collaborative work environment

Meaningful impact on children andfamil

Nurturing, family-centered program (25

Job summary

DLS Child Care in Philadelphia seeks a dedicated Center Director to lead our early childhood education program. The Director will oversee daily operations, support staff, ensure compliance, and foster strong relationships with families to provide a safe, nurturing learning environment.

The role entails supervising teaching and administrative staff, hiring and professional development, managing records, ensuring safety standards, and promoting program enrollment and family engagement within a 25+

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, or a related field preferred.
• Previous childcare center management or administrative experience required.
• Strong knowledge of Pennsylvania childcare regulations and DHS requirements.
• Experience supervising early childhood teaching staff.
• Strong communication, organizational, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• Must meet all Pennsylvania DHS requirements for employment in a childcare facility, including required background clearances and health requirements.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operations of the childcare center.
• Ensure compliance with Pennsylvania DHS childcare regulations, Keystone STARS requirements, and applicable health and safety standards.
• Supervise, support, and evaluate teaching and administrative staff.
• Assist with staff hiring, onboarding, orientation, scheduling, and professional development.
• Maintain accurate child, staff, attendance, enrollment, and compliance records.
• Monitor classroom quality, curriculum implementation, child assessments, and lesson planning.
• Support completion and review of ASQ and other developmental assessments.
• Ensure appropriate staff-to-child ratios and classroom coverage.
• Communicate effectively with parents and guardians regarding children's needs, concerns, and progress.
• Address parent concerns professionally and work toward positive resolutions.
• Conduct tours, assist with enrollment, and support efforts to increase program enrollment.
• Maintain a welcoming, professional, and family-centered environment.
• Coordinate emergency preparedness, drills, health and safety procedures, and required inspections.
• Ensure staff maintain required clearances, health assessments, certifications, and professional development.
• Participate in staff meetings, parent meetings, training, and community outreach.
• Maintain confidentiality of children, families, and employees.
• Work collaboratively with the Executive Director and leadership team.
• Perform other duties necessary to support the successful operation of the center.

Skills

Bachelor's degree in ECE/Child Dev

Experience in childcare center mgmt

Knowledge of PA DHS regulations

Staff supervision

Communication and leadership

Background clearances compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education/related field

Tools

Brightwheel

Job description

DLS Child Care is seeking a dedicated, experienced, and highly motivated Childcare Center Director to lead our early childhood education program. The Director will be responsible for overseeing daily center operations, supporting staff, maintaining compliance, building strong relationships with families, and ensuring a safe, nurturing, and high-quality learning environment for children.

Position Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operations of the childcare center.
• Ensure compliance with Pennsylvania DHS childcare regulations, Keystone STARS requirements, and applicable health and safety standards.
• Supervise, support, and evaluate teaching and administrative staff.
• Assist with staff hiring, onboarding, orientation, scheduling, and professional development.
• Maintain accurate child, staff, attendance, enrollment, and compliance records.
• Monitor classroom quality, curriculum implementation, child assessments, and lesson planning.
• Support completion and review of ASQ and other developmental assessments.
• Ensure appropriate staff-to-child ratios and classroom coverage.
• Communicate effectively with parents and guardians regarding children's needs, concerns, and progress.
• Address parent concerns professionally and work toward positive resolutions.
• Conduct tours, assist with enrollment, and support efforts to increase program enrollment.
• Maintain a welcoming, professional, and family-centered environment.
• Coordinate emergency preparedness, drills, health and safety procedures, and required inspections.
• Ensure staff maintain required clearances, health assessments, certifications, and professional development.
• Participate in staff meetings, parent meetings, training, and community outreach.
• Maintain confidentiality of children, families, and employees.
• Work collaboratively with the Executive Director and leadership team.
• Perform other duties necessary to support the successful operation of the center.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, or a related field preferred.
• Previous childcare center management or administrative experience required.
• Strong knowledge of Pennsylvania childcare regulations and DHS requirements.
• Experience with Keystone STARS preferred.
• Experience supervising early childhood teaching staff.
• Strong communication, organizational, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively with children, families, staff, and community partners.
• Must be dependable, professional, flexible, and able to manage multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced childcare environment.
• Must meet all Pennsylvania DHS requirements for employment in a childcare facility, including required background clearances and health requirements.

Preferred Experience

• Keystone STARS
• PHLpreK
• CACFP
• Child assessments/ASQ
• Staff supervision and professional development
• Brightwheel or other childcare management software
• Enrollment and family engagement
• Pennsylvania DHS licensing and compliance

Schedule

• Full-Time | Monday–Friday
• Schedule may vary based on program needs and center operations.

What We Offer

• Supportive leadership team
• Professional growth opportunities
• Collaborative work environment
• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on children and families
• A nurturing, family-centered program with 25+ years of experience

Experience the DLS Difference!