Early Childhood Center Director

TITLE:

Early Childhood Center Director

REPORTS TO:

Chief Executive Officer CLASSIFIED:
Full Time, Exempt

LOCATION:

Brookings, SD BONUS: $5,000 Hiring Bonus Paid in Three Installments MISSION:
To inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Center Director is responsible for the day-to-day operations of their assigned Clubhouse Early Childhood Enrichment Center site. This role provides leadership to site staff, ensures regulatory compliance, manages the labor budget, maintains enrollment targets, and creates a safe, high-quality environment for children and families. The Center Director is the primary site leader and reports directly to the Senior Director of Early Childhood Enrichment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversees all daily operations of the ECE site, ensuring smooth functioning across all classrooms and programs.
• Maintains labor budget oversight and ensures staffing levels align with enrollment, licensing ratios, and projected attendance.
• Ensures full compliance with South Dakota DSS childcare licensing requirements and CFOC standards.
• Monitors enrollment targets and partners with the Enrollment Coordinator on family pipeline and onboarding.
• Supervises the Assistant Director and provides leadership support to all site-level staff.
• Delivers formal performance reviews for Teachers and Classroom Assistants, incorporating evaluations from Early Childhood Specialists.
• Serves as the primary point of contact for families regarding billing, child schedules, program concerns, and significant site-level communications.
• Manages local HR functions at the site level, including staff performance management, corrective action, and employee relations.
• Ensures all staff maintain required credentials, certifications, and professional development hours.
• Owns curriculum implementation across the site, ensuring Creative Curriculum and assessment systems are in place and aligned with organizational standards.
• Partners with the Senior Director on quality improvement, policy adherence, and accreditation efforts.
• Submits facility maintenance, repair, and IT needs directly to Shared Services.
• Owns site-level health and wellness functions, including oversight of medication administration procedures, illness exclusion policies, and maintenance of children's health records.
• Coordinates emergency preparedness drills and local implementation of emergency procedures.
• Owns volunteer management at the site level, including screening, onboarding, supervision, and tracking.
• Responds to family concerns, licensing inquiries, and emergency situations.
• Maintains accurate site records including attendance, incident reports, and health documentation.
• Implements BGCNP's Four Pillars of Care in all site operations and family interactions.
• Oversees inclusion and special needs support at the site level, coordinating with families, Early Intervention, school districts, and other service providers.
• Leads local community and family engagement efforts, building relationships with community partners and participating in outreach initiatives.

EMPLOYMENT QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field required.
• Director credential or willingness to obtain per SD DSS requirements.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in early childhood education, including supervisory experience.
• Knowledge of South Dakota DSS childcare licensing requirements.
• Knowledge of NAEYC Program Standards preferred.
• Experience with budget management and staff scheduling.
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• CPR/First Aid certification required or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire.
• Satisfactory background check per SD DSS requirements.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to work in an active childcare environment throughout the day.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, kneel, and crouch as needed.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to supervise children outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Must be able to respond quickly in emergency situations.
• This position is considered to be safety-sensitive.

The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain nor be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and objectives required of employees assigned to this job.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer…