Child Care Director

Job Summary

Abundant Life Church of Christ (ALCC) is seeking an experienced, compassionate, and visionary Day Care Director to lead the development and growth of our childcare ministry.

ALCC has a strong history of serving children and families through daycare, after-school care, and educational programs. As our church and surrounding community continue to grow—including new residential development near the church—we are excited about the opportunity to rebuild and expand our childcare program to meet the needs of families in our community.

The Day Care Director will be responsible for providing strong leadership and oversight of the childcare program while creating a safe, nurturing, educational, and Christ-centered environment for children. This individual will help establish the foundation for a high-quality childcare program that serves the needs of today's families while positioning ALCC for future growth.

The ideal candidate will combine early childhood education expertise, strong leadership, organizational skills, business knowledge, and a genuine love for children and families.

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Development

• Provide overall leadership and direction for the church's childcare program.
• Develop, implement, and maintain a high-quality childcare program that meets the developmental, educational, emotional, social, and physical needs of children.
• Help rebuild and grow ALCC's childcare ministry based on the needs of the surrounding community.
• Evaluate opportunities to expand services, including daycare, preschool, after-school care, summer programs, and other family-centered programs.
• Develop a long-term vision and strategic plan for the growth and sustainability of the childcare program.
• Establish programs and services that reflect the needs of working families in the community.
• Maintain a welcoming environment where children and families feel valued, respected, and supported.

Child Safety & Quality of Care

• Ensure the health, safety, security, and well-being of every child entrusted to the program.
• Establish and maintain appropriate policies and procedures for childcare operations.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable Virginia childcare licensing regulations, health and safety requirements, and church policies.
• Maintain appropriate staff-to-child ratios and classroom standards.
• Ensure proper supervision of children at all times.
• Develop and maintain emergency, illness, medication, incident, and safety procedures.
• Maintain accurate and confidential child and family records.
• Promote a culture of child protection, respect, inclusion, and accountability.

Curriculum & Early Childhood Development

• Establish age-appropriate educational and developmental programs for children.
• Ensure classroom activities support children's cognitive, social, emotional, physical, and spiritual development.
• Select or oversee the development of appropriate curriculum and learning materials.
• Encourage learning through age-appropriate play, creativity, music, movement, literacy, and hands-on activities.
• Monitor the quality of classroom instruction and child engagement.
• Support individualized approaches to meet the developmental needs of children.

Staff Leadership & Development

• Recruit, interview, hire, train, supervise, and evaluate childcare staff.
• Establish clear job expectations and performance standards for employees.
• Develop staff schedules and ensure appropriate classroom coverage.
• Provide ongoing training and professional development opportunities.
• Encourage staff to maintain required certifications, training, and credentials.
• Create a positive workplace culture built on teamwork, professionalism, respect, and accountability.
• Address employee concerns and performance issues appropriately and consistently.
• Build a team of caring, qualified, dependable, and professional childcare providers.

Family & Community Engagement

• Develop positive and lasting relationships with parents and guardians.
• Maintain open and professional communication with families regarding their children's care and development.
• Respond to parent questions, concerns, and feedback in a timely and respectful manner.
• Create opportunities for families to become engaged with the childcare program and church community.
• Build relationships with families moving into the surrounding community.
• Promote the childcare program throughout the local community.
• Identify opportunities to partner with community organizations, schools, and other family-serving resources.

Administrative & Financial Management

• Develop and manage the childcare program's operating budget in collaboration with church leadership.
• Establish appropriate tuition and fee structures based on program needs and the local childcare market.
• Monitor enrollment, staffing, expenses, revenue, and overall financial performance.
• Maintain accurate administrative and financial records.
• Develop enrollment, registration, attendance, and billing procedures.
• Establish policies for tuition payments, late payments, withdrawals, and other administrative matters.
• Work with church leadership to ensure responsible stewardship of childcare program resources.
• Identify opportunities to increase enrollment while maintaining high standards of care.
• Maintain appropriate documentation for licensing, inspections, staff records, and program operations.

Church & Ministry Partnership

• Work collaboratively with the Senior Pastor and church leadership to ensure the childcare program aligns with ALCC's mission and values.
• Help connect the childcare program with the broader mission of the church while respecting the professional standards of quality childcare.
• Develop opportunities for appropriate church involvement with children and families.
• Support church-wide family and community initiatives when appropriate.
• Represent ALCC professionally and positively within the community.

Qualifications

Required

• Experience in early childhood education, childcare administration, daycare management, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience supervising and developing childcare staff.
• Strong understanding of child development and age-appropriate learning practices.
• Knowledge of childcare licensing, health, safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Strong organizational, communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities in a busy childcare environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build positive relationships with children, parents, staff, church leadership, and community partners.
• Demonstrated commitment to providing safe, nurturing, and high-quality care for children.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
• Ability to pass required background checks and meet applicable childcare employment requirements.

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Experience as a Daycare Director, Center Director, Preschool Director, or similar leadership position.
• Experience starting, rebuilding, expanding, or managing a childcare program.
• Knowledge of Virginia childcare licensing requirements.
• Experience with enrollment management, budgeting, staffing, and program development.
• Experience with preschool, after-school, or summer enrichment programs.
• CPR/First Aid certification or willingness to obtain required certifications.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is more than an administrator. We are seeking someone who is passionate about children, committed to families, and excited about building something meaningful for the community.

The successful candidate will have the vision and leadership ability to help ALCC restore and expand a childcare program with a strong foundation and a promising future.

This individual should be:

• Compassionate and nurturing
• Professional and dependable
• A strong communicator
• An effective team builder
• Organized and detail-oriented
• Financially responsible
• Knowledgeable about early childhood development
• Committed to safety and quality
• Comfortable leading change and growth
• Community-minded and family-focused
• Passionate about creating an environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive

Opportunity for Growth

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced childcare professional to help rebuild a program with a rich history and develop it into a thriving childcare ministry for a growing community.

With new homes being developed around the church, ALCC sees an opportunity to once again become a trusted resource for families by providing exceptional childcare, educational enrichment, and family support.

The Day Care Director will play a key role in helping establish the vision, structure, culture, and quality standards that will shape the future of ALCC's childcare program

Pay: $47,000.00 - $57,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person