Daycare Center Director

Job Title: Center Director – Early Childhood Education & Childcare (Type I Licensed Center)
Company: Kids First Academy
Location: 2445 Crittenden Drive, 4917 Dixie Hwy, 4527 Cane Run Rd

Job Type: Full-time
Salary: $40,000-50,000- per year (based on experience, education, and center size) performance bonuses
Reports To: Regional Overseer

About Kids First Academy
Kids First Academy is a growing network of high-quality, nurturing early childhood education and childcare centers across Kentucky. We are dedicated to providing safe, enriching, play-based learning environments where children from infancy through school-age thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Our "Kids First" philosophy emphasizes family partnerships, holistic development, and exceptional care. Join a team that puts children and families first in every decision!

Job Summary
As Center Director for a Type I licensed commercial childcare center (serving more than 20 children), you will lead all on-site operations, ensure full compliance with Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) regulations (922 KAR 2:090, 2:120, 2:280, etc.), mentor and manage a team of educators and staff, drive enrollment and parent satisfaction, and maintain a warm, high-quality environment aligned with our mission. This leadership role requires strong operational skills, regulatory expertise, and a deep passion for early childhood education.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of a Type I child-care center, including staffing, scheduling, budgeting, enrollment management, and facility maintenance to ensure a safe, compliant, and welcoming space.
• Maintain 100% compliance with Kentucky CHFS licensing standards for Type I centers (922 KAR series), including staff-to-child ratios, health/safety protocols, emergency preparedness, and mandatory reporting.
• Recruit, hire, train, supervise, and evaluate staff; promote professional development and a positive team culture.
• Implement and monitor age-appropriate, play-based curriculum and programming aligned with Kentucky Early Learning Standards.
• Foster strong family relationships through communication, engagement events, surveys, and issue resolution.
• Track and improve key metrics (enrollment, retention, staff turnover, parent feedback, financial performance) with action plans.
• Manage budgets, supplies, vendors, and resources to meet goals efficiently.
• Perform regular inspections, emergency drills (fire, tornado, etc.), and quality checks.
• Collaborate with the Regional Overseer on goals, policies, marketing, and best practices.
• Cultivate an inclusive, child-centered culture reflecting our core values.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Meet Kentucky CHFS Type I director qualifications per 922 KAR 2:090 Section 10:
• At least 21 years of age.
• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• Not employed in another position during center operating hours (onsite director focus).
• One of the following educational/experience paths:
• Master's or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field.
• Master's or Bachelor's degree in another field 12 clock hours of child development training.
• Associate degree in Early Childhood Education and Development.
• Associate degree in another field 12 clock hours of child development training 2 years verifiable full-time paid experience working directly with children.
• Director's Credential in Early Childhood Development 1 year verifiable full-time paid experience in a licensed/certified child-care program.
• Other qualifying combinations per regulation (e.g., Child Development Associate experience).
• Minimum 3–5 years in early childhood education, including 2 years in leadership (e.g., assistant director or director in a licensed center).
• Proven success in team leadership, regulatory compliance, enrollment growth, and quality improvement in a childcare setting.
• Excellent communication, organization, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
• CPR/First Aid certified (Infant/Child/Adult; or obtain promptly).
• Pass required background checks
• Provide TB skin test or health professional statement confirming no active TB.
• Passion for early childhood development and supporting diverse families.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary with bonuses linked to center performance.
• Paid time off, holidays, and professional development (including TRIS training support and credential maintenance).
• Growth opportunities in our expanding network.
• A fulfilling role impacting children's early years.

How to Apply
If you're a qualified leader ready to direct a thriving Type I commercial childcare center and champion high-quality care, apply today!
Submit your resume and cover letter detailing how you meet Type I director qualifications (e.g., specific degree, Director's Credential, experience) and your excitement for Kids First Academy.

Apply via really or email to KidsFirstAcademyLouisville@gmail.com

Pay: $4,000.00 - $5,000.00 per month

Work Location: In person

Salary : $40,000 - $50,000