Childcare Programs Director: Safety, Growth & Impact

LSS of South Dakota; Sioux Falls (SD); On-site; USD 42,500 - 57,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hiring bonus

PTO Frontload

Paid holidays

401(k) match

Medical, dental, vision

Life insurance

Career development

PSLF eligibility

Job summary

Lutheran Social Services in Sioux Falls, SD is seeking an Associate Director to lead a child-centered program across three locations, ensuring safety, licensing compliance, and high-quality operations.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, CPR/First Aid, and the ability to manage staff, training, enrollment, and collaboration with families, billing, and program directors.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education (ECE) or related field is required.
• CPR and First Aid certifications required per SD regulations.
• Background checks including criminal history and other verifications required.
• Bilingual English & Spanish is a plus but not required.
• Must be at least 21 years old.
• Must have valid auto-insurance and driver’s license or ability to obtain one.
• Must complete agency background checks as specified.

Responsibilities

• Create and maintain a safe, structured educational environment at three locations.
• Ensure program philosophy and activities align with agency policies and licensing accreditation.
• Coordinate daily lesson plans, student awards, behavior management, family nights, field trips, and other operations.
• Provide parent communication and act as point of contact for parents.
• Assist with ongoing training related to Education and Disabilities for all programs.
• Assist with student recruitment and enrollment.
• Ensure staffing meets the program’s needs and collaborate with billing for compliance.
• Assist with meetings and staff development sessions.
• Maintain a safe, healthy, and organized working environment.
• Provide back-up to staff and maintain proper staff-to-child ratios.

Skills

CPR Certification

First Aid Certification

Mandatory Reporting Certification

Bilingual English/Spanish

Education

Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education (ECE) or related field

Job description

Lutheran Social Services in Sioux Falls, SD is seeking an Associate Director to lead a child-centered program across three locations, ensuring safety, licensing compliance, and high-quality operations.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, CPR/First Aid, and the ability to manage staff, training, enrollment, and collaboration with families, billing, and program directors.