Program Director

Position: Daycare Director

Employment Type: Full-Time, 40 Hours per Week

Schedule: Monday–Friday

Age Groups Served: 18 Months through 2nd Grade

Position Overview

Happy Little Kids Co. is seeking a dedicated, organized, and enthusiastic Daycare Director to oversee the daily operations of our childcare center.

The ideal candidate is a strong leader who enjoys working with children, supporting staff, building positive relationships with families, and creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment.

This position combines administrative leadership with hands-on involvement in the classroom. Our Director plays an essential role in ensuring the center runs smoothly while maintaining a welcoming, supportive atmosphere for children, families, and employees.

Key Responsibilities

Staff Leadership & Scheduling

• Supervise, support, and provide guidance to daycare teachers and staff.
• Create and maintain weekly employee schedules to ensure appropriate classroom coverage and staffing ratios.
• Coordinate schedule adjustments, breaks, time-off requests, and staffing needs.
• Promote a positive, professional, and team-oriented work environment.
• Communicate expectations and address staff concerns in a timely and professional manner.
• Assist with training and onboarding new employees as needed.

Parent & Family Communication

• Serve as a primary point of contact for parents and guardians.
• Maintain open, friendly, and professional communication regarding children’s experiences, center activities, policies, and concerns.
• Address parent questions or concerns promptly and respectfully.
• Help communicate important announcements, schedule changes, upcoming events, and other center information.
• Build trusting relationships with families and encourage a welcoming atmosphere.

OCFS Compliance & Licensing

• Work to ensure the center operates in accordance with applicable New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) childcare regulations.
• Serve as a primary contact for the center’s OCFS licensor and maintain professional communication regarding licensing requirements.
• Help prepare for licensing inspections, monitoring visits, and compliance reviews.
• Maintain and oversee required documentation, records, and center policies.
• Monitor classroom staffing ratios, supervision practices, health and safety procedures, and other regulatory requirements.
• Identify and promptly address compliance concerns in coordination with ownership.

Curriculum & Activity Planning

• Collaborate with classroom teachers to develop engaging weekly and monthly educational themes.
• Encourage age-appropriate activities that support children’s social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development.
• Help coordinate seasonal activities, special events, crafts, and celebrations.
• Support teachers in creating fun, creative, and developmentally appropriate classroom experiences.
• Promote consistency and organization across classrooms while allowing teachers flexibility and creativity.

Daily Operations & Classroom Support

• Oversee the daily operations of the center to ensure classrooms and routines run efficiently.
• Step into classrooms to assist teachers, provide additional supervision, or cover staffing needs when necessary.
• Maintain a visible, approachable presence throughout the center.
• Help ensure classrooms are clean, organized, safe, and appropriately supplied.
• Assist with resolving day-to-day operational challenges.
• Communicate regularly with ownership regarding staffing, center needs, concerns, and opportunities for improvement.

Qualifications & Skills

• Must meet all applicable New York State OCFS qualifications for the director position.
• Previous experience in childcare, early childhood education, or a related field.
• Leadership or supervisory experience preferred.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities and adapt to changing daily needs.
• Familiarity with OCFS childcare regulations or willingness to develop a thorough understanding of applicable requirements.
• A positive, patient, and professional approach to working with children, families, and staff.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
• Willingness to be actively involved in classroom activities and assist staff as needed.

Schedule & Expectations

This is a full-time, 40-hour-per-week position, Monday through Friday.

The Director is expected to maintain a consistent presence at the center, demonstrate strong leadership, and remain flexible in responding to the daily needs of the children, staff, and families.

Our Ideal Director

We are looking for someone who can balance the responsibilities of running a childcare center with the warmth and enthusiasm that make it a special place for children.

Our ideal Director is organized, dependable, approachable, and proactive. They recognize that successful childcare requires teamwork, strong communication, attention to detail, and a genuine passion for helping children learn and grow.

At Happy Little Kids Co., our goal is to provide a safe, happy, and enriching environment where children feel loved, families feel confident, and staff feel supported. Our Director plays a vital role in making that happen every day.

Pay: $24.00 - $26.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person