Center Director

The Center Director is responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and quality of education, for all children within the center’s care. The Center Director is directly accountable for overall operational management in accordance with well-established guidelines, including curriculum development, staff and facilities management, legal and budgetary considerations, and long range planning. The Center Director ensures that the needs of the students and the goals of the center are met appropriately.

• Establish quality vision for the center. Manage adherence to quality standards in accordance with the vision and with state and local requirements. Maintain quality effectiveness measurements.
• Develop general educational curriculum; collaborate with staff to develop positive learning activities; manage adherence to state and local regulations.
• Maintain student records in accordance with established enrollment procedures and guidelines.
• Maintain communications with parents of current and prospective students through direct conversation, newsletters and parent handbook; implement community outreach activities to maintain and promote positive community relationships.
• Approve menus and food purchases.
• Maintain positive relationships with regulatory agencies; ensure legal and financial compliance.
• Oversee all office functions including payroll, accounts payable and receivable, tuition billing and payment, human resources and personnel management (staff supervision) and purchasing.
• Resolve conflicts (including corrective action when necessary) to ensure a positive experience for everyone.
• Manage budget planning and review.
• Establish illness and emergency procedures; ensure staff is trained appropriately.
• Implement strategic plan and goals in keeping with mission of program.
• Maintain personal professional development plan to ensure continuous quality improvement.

Be at least 21 years of age and have a high school diploma or equivalent AND a minimum of two years’ experience as a childcare lead teacher or Center Director. Previous experience must have occurred in a licensed childcare center.

In addition to the minimum education requirements, the Center Director must also complete at least ONE of the following training requirements prior to assuming the role:

-       Four credited courses in early childhood education from an institute of higher learning. In addition to these courses, the Center Director must complete Center Administrator credentials within three years of assuming the role of Center Director. As many as two courses used towards the WI Child Care Administrator Credential may be used to meet the early childhood education requirement as long as those courses were completed successfully before the assuming the role of Center Director. 

Four non-credit department-approved courses in early childhood education (or approved equivalent). In addition to these courses, the Center Director must complete Center Administrator credentials within three years of assuming the role of Center Director.

Any additional mandates as stipulated by WI state licensing requirements

• Pass an initial background check, physical examination, and Tuberculosis test.

• Obtain and/or maintain current first aid and CPR training.