Director

Child Care Center Director

Wonderland Children’s Academy – Knoxville, TN

Job Type: Full-Time
Compensation: $40,000–$45,000 per year, based on education, childcare leadership experience, and management experience
Schedule: Monday–Friday

About the Position

Wonderland Children’s Academy is seeking an experienced, dependable, and highly motivated Child Care Center Director to lead the daily operations of one of our Knoxville childcare centers.

We are looking for an experienced childcare professional who understands that successfully operating a childcare center requires more than classroom experience. The Director must be able to lead employees, maintain accountability, communicate effectively with families, ensure regulatory compliance, manage daily operations, and contribute to enrollment and family retention.

The successful candidate should be capable of taking ownership of the center's day-to-day operations, identifying problems, making sound decisions, and following through.

Candidates currently serving as an experienced Assistant Director, childcare manager, or other childcare leader who are prepared to advance into a Director position are encouraged to apply.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants should possess:

• 2-4 years of continuous professional experience in a licensed childcare environment
• 1–2 years of supervisory or employee-management experience in a licensed childcare environment,
• High School Diploma
• Strong leadership and employee-management skills
• Working knowledge of childcare licensing regulations and compliance requirements
• Experience developing staff schedules and maintaining required staff-to-child ratios
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Ability to address employee performance and workplace issues professionally
• Ability to prioritize responsibilities, solve problems, and make sound operational decisions
• CPR/First Aid certification or ability to obtain and maintain required certification

Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee the overall day-to-day operation of the childcare center
• Recruit, supervise, schedule, train, and support center staff
• Ensure compliance with Tennessee childcare licensing requirements, staffing ratios, and required documentation
• Maintain strong communication and relationships with parents and families
• Oversee enrollment, parent tours, prospective-family follow-up, and child retention
• Manage childcare payment assistance/EAV and applicable USDA program requirements
• Maintain a safe, organized, professional, and high-quality childcare environment

Schedule

This is a full-time, Monday-through-Friday leadership position.

Applicants must have the flexibility necessary to work within the center's operating schedule and respond to staffing and operational needs.

Approximately 40 hours per week, with additional flexibility when necessary to meet center needs.

Compensation

$40,000–$45,000 annually

Starting compensation will be determined based on the candidate's education, years of continuous licensed childcare experience, demonstrated management experience, and overall qualifications.

Benefits

Eligible employees may receive:

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Paid vacation

How to Apply

Please submit your resume through Indeed.

Applicants should clearly identify their childcare experience, education, and previous employee-management or supervisory experience on their resume.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $40,000.00 - $45,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person