Executive Director

Healthy Child Care Colorado; Black Hawk (CO); On-site; USD 55,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Retirement plan options

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Healthy Child Care Colorado is seeking an Executive Director to lead a rural child care center, guiding strategy, operations, and staff to deliver high-quality early childhood education for infants to preschoolers.

The ED will partner with the Board, oversee budgeting, curriculum, licensing compliance, fundraising, and community engagement, while mentoring leadership and ensuring a safe, nurturing environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Business Administration, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• Minimum 5–7 years in early childhood education with at least 3 years in leadership/management.
• Knowledge of licensing/regulatory standards and best practices in early childhood education.
• Proven experience in financial management including budgeting and reporting.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication for diverse stakeholders.
• Director’s Qualifications Letter or ECPC Level III+ credential required.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic vision and leadership to meet the center’s mission and goals.
• Oversee daily operations including program development, staffing, curriculum, and compliance.
• Lead and mentor center leadership team and ensure staff are trained and supported.
• Oversee budgeting, tuition management, and fundraising with the Board.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organizational

Interpersonal

Fundraising

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s preferred

Job description

The Executive Director (ED) is responsible for the overall leadership, management, and operational success of the childcare center, providing high-quality early childhood education and care for children ranging from infants to preschool-aged. The ED will work closely with the Board of Directors, staff, parents, and the community to ensure that the center provides a nurturing, educational, and safe environment for young children.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leadership & Management:
  • Provide strategic vision and leadership to ensure the center’s mission and goals are met.
  • Oversee daily operations, including program development, staffing, curriculum implementation, and compliance with licensing and regulatory standards.
  • Ensure that all staff are well-trained, supported, and motivated to deliver high-quality services.
  • Lead, supervise, and mentor center leadership team (e.g., program coordinators, administrative staff).
  • Establish and enforce policies and procedures that reflect best practices in early childhood education.
• Financial Oversight:
  • Manage the center’s budget, ensuring financial sustainability and efficient resource allocation.
  • Work with the Board of Directors to develop and implement strategies to achieve and maintain a balanced budget, including tuition collection and fundraising efforts.
  • Analyze financial statements and prepare reports for the Board of Directors, highlighting financial performance, trends, and recommendations.
  • Oversee all aspects of billing, including tuition management and payments.
• Curriculum & Program Development:
  • Oversee the development and implementation of an age-appropriate curriculum that meets the developmental needs of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.
  • Promote best practices in early childhood education, ensuring the curriculum aligns with state standards and reflects the latest research.
  • Regularly assess the effectiveness of the educational programs and make adjustments based on feedback from staff, parents, and observations.
• Parent and Community Engagement:
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with parents, ensuring open communication and involvement in the center’s activities and development.
  • Develop and implement programs and activities that support family engagement, including parent education, workshops, and community outreach events.
  • Represent the center within the local community, cultivating partnerships with local organizations, businesses, and other early childhood education providers.
• Staff Development & HR Management:
  • Recruit, hire, train, and retain qualified staff for all positions within the center.
  • Develop and implement ongoing professional development opportunities for staff, ensuring they are well-equipped to meet the needs of children and families.
  • Manage performance evaluations and provide feedback and coaching to staff as needed.
  • Ensure compliance with state and local employment laws and regulations, including child safety, health, and background checks.
• Compliance & Quality Assurance:
  • Ensure the daycare center operates in full compliance with state and local licensing regulations, health and safety standards, and child care policies.
  • Regularly conduct facility audits and risk assessments to ensure the safety and cleanliness of the environment.
  • Work with accreditation agencies and maintain all necessary certifications, ensuring the center meets high standards of care and education.
• Marketing & Public Relations:
  • Oversee the center’s marketing efforts, ensuring a positive and consistent brand presence within the community.
  • Develop and execute strategies for increasing enrollment, including community outreach, partnerships, and promotional activities.
  • Respond to inquiries from prospective parents and provide tours of the facility, ensuring all potential families understand the center’s philosophy and programs.
• Board & Stakeholder Relations:
  • Work closely with the Board of Directors to set organizational goals, objectives, and policies.
  • Provide regular reports to the Board on financial performance, staffing, programs, and overall center health.
  • Support fundraising efforts, including grants, donations, and community partnerships.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Business Administration, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience in early childhood education, with at least 3 years in a leadership or management role.
• In-depth knowledge of early childhood education principles, licensing requirements, and regulatory standards.
• Proven experience in financial management, including budgeting, financial reporting, and resource allocation.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage with diverse groups, including staff, parents, children, and the community.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and maintaining current knowledge of best practices in early childhood education.
• The center is considered a large child care center as it has a maximum capacity of over 16 children. Therefore, a Directors Qualifications Letter or Certificate, issued by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood, OR a current Early Childhood Professional Credential (ECPC) Level III or higher in Version 3.0 is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with program accreditation processes (e.g., Colorado Shines and NAEYC).
• Familiarity with child development software and management systems.

Work Environment:

• Full-time position, with a work schedule that may require flexibility, including evenings or weekends for events or meetings.
• The role will primarily be performed on-site at the daycare center, with occasional offsite meetings or community engagements.

Compensation:

• Hiring Range: $55,000 – $72,000 annual salary
• Benefits package including health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plan options.
• Professional development opportunities.

This role is ideal for an experienced and passionate leader who wants to make a significant impact on the lives of young children and families in a rural/mountain setting. The Executive Director will play a vital role in shaping the future of the childcare center and ensuring a high standard of care and education for all children.