What are the responsibilities and job description for the Day Care Center Director position at Kids First Academy?
Center Director – Early Childhood Education
Louisville, KY
Full-Time | Competitive Salary
We are seeking a passionate, experienced Center Director to lead our childcare center in Louisville, KY. In this key leadership role, you will shape a safe, nurturing, and high-quality learning environment where children thrive, staff excel, and families feel supported every day.
As Center Director, you will drive daily operations, mentor and develop a dedicated teaching team, ensure full regulatory compliance, and deliver exceptional educational experiences that support each child’s growth and success.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and optimize all day-to-day operations of the center
- Establish and uphold a strong vision for quality early childhood education
- Develop engaging curriculum and collaborate with staff on positive, age-appropriate learning activities
- Ensure full compliance with all state and local regulations, including Kentucky licensing standards (922 KAR)
- Maintain accurate student records, enrollment procedures, and attendance
- Build strong relationships with families through regular communication, newsletters, parent handbook, and direct engagement
- Conduct community outreach to promote the center and foster positive local partnerships
- Recruit, supervise, evaluate, and train all teaching staff
- Oversee meal planning, menu creation, and food purchasing
- Manage office functions including tuition billing, budgeting, supply purchasing, and human resources
- Handle conflict resolution and corrective action as needed to maintain a positive environment
- Develop and implement illness, emergency, and safety procedures; conduct regular drills
- Execute strategic goals aligned with the center’s mission
- Maintain a personal professional development plan for continuous improvement
What We’re Looking For
Director Qualifications (must meet one of the following per Kentucky regulations):
- Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education/Development or related field
- Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education/Development or related field
- Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in another field (including pastoral care and counseling) 12 hours of child development training (TRIS record accepted) OR three (3) years of verifiable full-time paid experience working directly with children in a licensed/approved program
- Associate degree in Early Childhood Education/Development
- Associate degree in another field 12 hours of child development training two (2) years of verifiable full-time paid experience working directly with children in a licensed/approved program
- Director’s Credential in Early Childhood Development one (1) year of verifiable full-time paid experience working directly with children
- Child Development Associate (CDA) credential one (1) year of verifiable paid experience working directly with children
- High school diploma/GED three (3) years of verifiable full-time paid experience working directly with children
Important: Experience must be verifiable with written documentation from previous employers (start date to end date) confirming full-time, direct work with children in a qualifying program.
Additional Requirements:
- High energy and excellent leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills
- Strong oral and written communication skills, including technology proficiency
- Deep understanding of child development and a genuine passion for helping children learn and succeed
- Strong finance and budgeting skills
- Ability to foster a collaborative team environment
- Professional appearance, positive attitude, and excellent work ethic at all times
- Warm, friendly, and approachable demeanor
- Infant/Child CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain)
- Must pass a full background check and health screening
Preferred: Previous management experience in a daycare, preschool, enrichment center, or school setting.
Why Join Us?
We offer a supportive environment where you can make a real difference in the lives of children and families. If you are a dedicated leader with a heart for early childhood education and the skills to run a high-quality program, we want to hear from you!
How to Apply:
Please email your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your relevant experience and why you are passionate about leading a childcare center to KidsFirstAcademyLouisville@gmail.com. Qualified candidates will be contacted for interviews.
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our team.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $45,000.00 - $55,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
Experience:
- Childcare: 3 years (Required)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $45,000 - $55,000