Child Care Center Director

Childcare Center Director

The Barrington School | New Albany-West
Full-Time | Monday–Friday

The Barrington School is seeking an experienced, organized, and people-focused Childcare Center Director to lead our early childhood program.

This is a hands-on leadership position for someone who understands that a successful childcare center requires strong relationships, clear expectations, consistent systems, and a team that feels supported and accountable.

Our Director plays an important role in the day-to-day operations of the school while also looking ahead—developing teachers, strengthening family relationships, maintaining compliance, supporting enrollment, and continually improving the overall quality of the program.

About The Barrington School

The Barrington School is a family-owned early childhood education program committed to providing children and families with a high-quality experience.

Our schools are known for maintaining lower student-to-teacher ratios, providing freshly prepared organic meals, offering enrichment opportunities, and supplying many of the everyday essentials families need, including diapers, wipes, linens, and more.

Most importantly, we believe strong early childhood programs begin with strong teams.

What You'll Do: Lead the Day-to-Day Operations

• Oversee the daily operations of the school and ensure classrooms are appropriately staffed and supported.
• Maintain safe, consistent staffing ratios throughout the day.
• Build schedules that support both the needs of the children and the operational needs of the school.
• Step into classrooms when needed while continuing to maintain oversight of the center.
• Identify operational challenges and work proactively to find solutions.

Lead & Develop the Team

• Create a positive, professional, and accountable school culture.
• Coach teachers and administrative team members through ongoing feedback and development.
• Set clear expectations and follow through consistently.
• Recognize strong performance while addressing concerns directly and constructively.
• Support recruiting, interviewing, onboarding, and retention of high-quality educators.
• Build relationships with staff and understand what they need to be successful.

Maintain Licensing & Compliance

• Maintain a strong working knowledge of Ohio childcare licensing requirements.
• Ensure the school consistently meets ODJFS/OCLQS, health, safety, and licensing standards.
• Conduct regular classroom and building observations.
• Maintain accurate required documentation and records.
• Coordinate required emergency drills, trainings, and compliance procedures.
• Prepare the center and team for licensing inspections.

Support Children & Families

• Maintain a visible presence throughout the school and build relationships with children and families.
• Partner with families and respond to questions or concerns in a timely and professional manner.
• Work with teachers and families to support children's individual needs.
• Ensure families consistently receive the high level of service and communication expected at Barrington.

Support Enrollment & School Growth

• Partner with the leadership team to support enrollment and retention goals.
• Conduct tours and create a welcoming experience for prospective families.
• Follow up with prospective and current families.
• Understand classroom availability and enrollment needs throughout the school.
• Help grow the center while protecting program quality and maintaining appropriate staffing.

Manage the Business

• Monitor staffing and labor needs throughout the week.
• Help manage center expenses and identify opportunities for operational improvement.
• Maintain accurate administrative systems and reporting.
• Use technology and school management systems confidently.
• Communicate regularly with company leadership regarding staffing, enrollment, operations, and center needs.

What We're Looking For

The right candidate can balance people leadership with operational leadership.

You should be comfortable walking into a busy morning, assessing what the building needs, supporting a teacher, talking with a parent, adjusting staffing, preparing for an inspection, and still keeping the bigger picture in mind.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous leadership experience in a licensed early childhood education or childcare center.
• Director or Assistant Director experience strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of Ohio childcare licensing rules and regulations.
• Experience leading, coaching, and developing employees.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Organized and comfortable managing multiple priorities.
• Able to remain calm, solutions-focused, and professional during challenging situations.
• Comfortable having both supportive and accountable conversations with team members.
• Strong attention to detail and follow-through.
• Experience with childcare management systems, OCCRRA, OCLQS, Microsoft Office, or similar platforms is helpful.
• Must meet all Ohio requirements for childcare center administrators.
• Must successfully complete required background checks.

The Leader We're Looking For

We're looking for someone who:

• Leads by example.
• Communicates clearly and consistently.
• Notices what is happening throughout the building.
• Builds trust while still holding high expectations.
• Is comfortable making decisions.
• Doesn't wait for problems to become emergencies.
• Understands that teachers need both support and accountability.
• Values relationships with children, families, and staff.
• Can create structure without losing the warmth that makes a childcare center feel like a community.
• Wants to help strengthen and grow a school—not simply maintain it.

Why Barrington?

At Barrington, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on an entire school community.

You'll work closely with a leadership team that values communication, continuous improvement, and high-quality early childhood education.

We offer:

• Competitive compensation
• Paid time off
• Health insurance options
• Professional development opportunities
• Tuition/childcare benefits
• Opportunities for continued professional growth

Compensation: $55,000-$65,000 annual salary, based on experience and qualifications.

Schedule: Full-time, Monday–Friday

Work Location: In person

If you are an experienced early childhood leader who enjoys developing people, building strong systems, solving problems, and creating an exceptional experience for children and families, we'd love to hear from you.

Pay: $55,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person