Daycare Center Director

The Colonie Youth Center (CYC) is seeking an experienced, dependable, and enthusiastic Daycare Center Director to lead our Little Sprouts at Shaker Place program.

The Center Director is responsible for the overall leadership and day-to-day operation of the center, including staff supervision, program quality, family relationships, enrollment, licensing compliance, and maintaining a safe, welcoming environment for children.

We’re looking for a confident leader who is organized, approachable, and able to manage the many moving pieces of a busy childcare center. The right candidate will be someone who can support and develop staff, build strong relationships with families, solve problems effectively, and create a positive center culture.

What You’ll Do

• Oversee the daily operations of the childcare center
• Lead, supervise, coach, and support center staff
• Coordinate staff schedules and maintain appropriate staffing and child-to-staff ratios
• Participate in hiring, onboarding, training, and evaluating employees
• Ensure compliance with all applicable New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) regulations and CYC policies
• Maintain accurate child, staff, training, health, safety, and licensing records
• Monitor classrooms to ensure high-quality, developmentally appropriate programming
• Ensure the health, safety, and appropriate supervision of all children
• Build positive relationships with parents and guardians and respond professionally to questions or concerns
• Oversee enrollment, attendance, classroom transitions, and center capacity
• Monitor staff training, certifications, and other compliance requirements
• Maintain a clean, safe, organized, and welcoming center environment
• Respond effectively to incidents, behavioral concerns, staffing challenges, and other day-to-day center needs
• Prepare for licensing visits, inspections, and program reviews
• Communicate regularly with CYC leadership regarding center operations, staffing, enrollment, and program needs
• Foster a positive workplace culture built on teamwork, accountability, professionalism, and respect

What We’re Looking For

Candidates must meet one of the following qualification pathways:

Option 1 – Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree, including at least 12 credits in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field
• At least 1 year of full-time experience in a child day care center, family or group family day care home, or other early childhood program
• At least 1 year of experience supervising staff in a childcare program or related field

OR

Option 2 – NYS Credential & Experience

• NYS Children’s Program Administrator Credential
• At least 1 year of full-time experience in a child day care center, family or group family day care home, or other early childhood program
• At least 1 year of experience supervising staff in a childcare program or related field

Additional Qualifications

• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced childcare environment
• Confidence handling difficult conversations, addressing concerns, and solving problems
• Knowledge of child development, health and safety practices, and positive behavior guidance
• Dependable, professional, and able to take initiative
• Ability to work collaboratively with staff, families, and CYC leadership
• Must meet all applicable requirements to serve as the Director of a licensed childcare program
• Must successfully complete all required background checks, clearances, trainings, and certifications

Why Join CYC?

At CYC, we believe great childcare starts with great people. Our programs are built around providing children with a safe, supportive, and engaging environment while giving our staff the leadership and resources they need to succeed.

As the Center Director of Little Sprouts at Shaker Place, you’ll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact every day—from developing and supporting your team to building relationships with families and creating a program where children feel safe, welcomed, and excited to learn and grow.

If you’re an experienced childcare professional who is ready to take the lead, build a strong team, and make a difference for children and families, we’d love to hear from you.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $57,000.00 - $62,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Supervisory Daycare: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: In person