Child Care Center Director

Center Director – St. Clair Shores

The Joyful Jungle Christian Learning Center is looking for a Center Director to join our St. Clair Shores location!

The Joyful Jungle has been serving children and families in our community for over 10 years. We provide high-quality care and education for children ages 6 weeks–12 years old, with a strong focus on education, health and safety, nutrition, and faith.

As a Center Director, you will play an important role in creating a positive, supportive environment for children, families, and staff. We are looking for someone who is confident leading a team, passionate about early childhood education, and committed to creating a classroom and center culture where everyone can thrive.

Our Core Values

Our core values guide the way we care for children, support families, and work together as a team. We believe every team member should contribute positively to our culture.

We are Faithful – We incorporate our faith into our classrooms through Bible stories, prayer, and faith-based lessons.

We are Joyful – We look for the positive, bring energy to what we do, and maintain a positive attitude even when things get challenging.

We are Family – We build lasting relationships with the families we serve and create an environment where families feel comfortable, welcomed, and confident in our care.

We are Supportive – We support our teachers, families, and one another. We work together to solve problems and make sure our team has the resources and support they need.

Our Mission: Driven by faith to grow people and their families.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field preferred
• Minimum of 18 credit hours toward an Associate degree in ECE or a related field
• At least 1 year of experience leading a classroom with children ages Infants–Pre-K
• At least 1 year of experience leading or supervising a team
• Knowledge of Michigan childcare licensing rules and regulations
• Experience with HighScope Curriculum preferred
• Strong communication, organization, and leadership skills
• Ability to handle challenging situations calmly and professionally
• Familiarity with Google Meet, Intelli-Kids, ChildPilot, and/or ADP is preferred but not required
• Must be available Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM

Responsibilities

As Center Director, you will be responsible for the overall daily operations, staff, families, and educational environment of the center. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Lead, motivate, and support the center team
• Build a positive and productive staff culture
• Provide guidance, coaching, and professional development to teachers
• Maintain strong relationships and proactive communication with families
• Address parent concerns promptly and professionally
• Support enrollment efforts and work toward center enrollment goals
• Monitor daily operations and ensure classrooms are properly staffed and ratios are maintained
• Oversee weekly staff scheduling and ensure staffing needs are met
• Ensure staff timecards are accurate and up to date
• Maintain accurate tuition and billing information
• Audit account charges and credits and cross-reference attendance
• Ensure center policies and procedures are consistently followed
• Maintain compliance with Michigan licensing requirements
• Stay current on Michigan's Quality Rating System and work toward maintaining a 5-star rating
• Maintain knowledge of GSRP requirements and participate in meetings as needed
• Ensure HighScope Curriculum and our faith-based curriculum are being implemented consistently throughout the center
• Plan and lead effective staff meetings
• Identify problems quickly and take appropriate action
• Maintain a calm, professional, and solution-focused approach when handling difficult situations
• Participate in community events and represent The Joyful Jungle positively
• Maintain positive relationships with local businesses, vendors, and community partners
• Use our CRM and other center systems on a daily basis
• Attend weekly and monthly Director meetings
• Support classrooms when needed to maintain ratios and ensure quality care
• Help create an environment where children, families, and teachers feel valued and supported
• And much more!

Benefits

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance*
• 401(k) with up to 4% company match*
• 3 weeks of PTO + Paid Holidays*
• Childcare Discount*
• Paid Maternity Leave*
• TEACH Scholarship
• Paid Professional Development
• Tuition Assistance for Early Childhood Education
• Salary Pay

*Waiting periods and eligibility requirements apply.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $45,000.00 - $55,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Childcare
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Associate (Preferred)

Experience:

• Childcare Leadership: 2 years (Required)

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Required)

Work Location: In person