Child Care Center Director

Child Care Center Director

St. Mary’s Early Childhood Center is seeking a caring, dependable, and hands-on Director to join our faith-based child care team. Our center serves children from infancy through preschool age, and teamwork is at the heart of how we operate.

We believe quality care comes from a team that communicates, shares responsibilities, and supports one another. Our center has a Scheduler, Activities Coordinator, and Office Manager, allowing the Director to focus primarily on supporting teachers, children, and families throughout the day.

The Director is an active presence on the floor—working alongside staff, offering guidance, helping with classroom needs, and building strong relationships with families. This role works closely with the owner/operator and the rest of the team to provide a safe, welcoming, and consistent care environment.

Our Team Approach

• The Scheduler coordinates staff schedules and collaborates with the Director on staffing and coverage needs.
• The Activities Coordinator plans activities and works with the Director and teachers to support meaningful, developmentally appropriate learning.
• The Office Manager handles billing, much of the paperwork, and administrative responsibilities, partnering with the Director on communication and follow-up.
• The Director provides daily leadership on the floor, supports classroom practices, responds to staff and family needs, and helps the team maintain quality care and licensing compliance.

Responsibilities

• Provide hands-on leadership and support throughout the center.
• Work alongside teachers during classroom routines, transitions, and daily challenges.
• Offer clear, respectful guidance, encouragement, and constructive feedback to staff.
• Help maintain appropriate supervision, classroom ratios, and a safe, nurturing environment.
• Collaborate with the Scheduler to identify coverage needs and respond to daily staffing changes.
• Partner with the Activities Coordinator and teachers to support engaging classroom experiences.
• Build positive relationships with families and address questions about their child’s care and classroom experience.
• Communicate regularly with the Office Manager to coordinate family needs, required documentation, and follow-up.
• Work with the leadership team to maintain North Dakota child care licensing compliance.
• Assist with hiring, orientation, training, and staff performance evaluations.
• Provide classroom care and coverage as needed.
• Support our Christian mission through kindness, respect, prayer, and age-appropriate faith experiences.

Qualifications

• Must meet North Dakota licensing qualifications for a child care center director.
• Experience in early childhood education or a licensed child care setting.
• Previous supervisory or leadership experience preferred.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to lead with patience, professionalism, and consistency.
• Understanding of child development and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Flexibility and willingness to help wherever needed.
• Ability to complete required background checks, training, and CPR/First Aid requirements.
• Willingness to support the mission and values of a Catholic, faith-based early childhood center.

Our Ideal Candidate

You are approachable, reliable, and a team player who enjoys being involved in the daily life of a child care center. You listen to others, recognize their strengths, and offer support while providing clear direction and follow-through.

Whether you are helping a teacher through a challenging transition, comforting a child, or talking with a parent, you bring a calm, caring presence. You value shared responsibility and help create a workplace where everyone feels respected and supported.

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person