Program Director

Summary

The Clemson Child Development Center (CCDC) is a non‑profit ABC Quality Early Learning Center dedicated to the highest standards in early childhood care and education. Our focus is on the first five years of life, a vital window of opportunity in brain development. We are licensed by the SC Department of Social Services (DSS), accredited by the SC ABC Quality Rating and Improvement System (ABC QRIS) for childcare and early education, and comply fully with SC Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) regulations and the requirements of the Children and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).

CCDC is seeking a visionary, results‑driven, and compassionate leader for our Program Director position. This professional will serve as the primary designer and implementer of all programmatic aspects of our early learning center, demonstrating true leadership by taking initiative, driving change, and inspiring excellence throughout the organization. The Program Director will embody the Whole Leadership Framework, integrating Administrative Leadership, Pedagogical Leadership, and Leadership Essentials to create a thriving learning community.

This individual will lead in addition to managing, taking full ownership of program outcomes and proactively coordinating all aspects of curriculum implementation, staff development, family engagement, and regulatory compliance. The Program Director will collaborate with the Executive Director, demonstrating autonomous leadership in achieving organizational goals for all Programmatic components of CCDC.

• Ensure compliance with all state child care licensing regulations (SC DSS, DHEC)
• Ensure compliance with CACFP (Teacher Meal Service/Playground Records)
• Always maintain proper SC ABC Quality staff‑to‑child ratios
• Coordinate SC DSS regulatory visits and inspections
• Coordinate Fire (Monthly) and Tornado Drills (Quarterly)
• Keep all documentation current, accurate, and confidential
• Report environmental issues to Executive Director
• Monitor the condition of equipment, furniture, teaching supplies and learning materials
• Handle any emergencies as they occur providing leadership to teachers and staff

• Manage daily schedules and classroom coverage
• Coordinate special events and activities
• Work with Executive Director on program planning
• Handle day‑to‑day program issues and concerns

• Oversee daily classroom operations and educational quality
• Ensure curriculum is implemented consistently across all classrooms
• Monitor child assessments and use data to improve programming
• Maintain compliance with SC ABC Quality and SC DSS state licensing standards

• Establish and maintain curriculum in alignment with the SCEC Standards
• Supervise implementation of curriculum to include First Steps 4K classrooms
• Supervise and support all teaching staff
• Design and implement comprehensive new teacher onboarding programs that align with CCDC's mission, values, and educational philosophy
• Lead new teacher orientation covering DSS/DHEC regulations, ABC Quality standards, emergency procedures, and CCDC policies detailed in Parent and Employee Handbooks
• Provide intensive mentoring and support to new hires during their first 90 days, including regular check‑ins and skills development
• Coordinate with Instructional Coaches to ensure new teachers receive curriculum‑specific training in Creative Curriculum, Conscious Discipline, SCPITC, and Handwriting Without Tears
• Lead and conduct staff meetings and training sessions
• Lead mandatory training events for Conscious Discipline, Creative Curriculum, SCPITC, and Handwriting Without Tears, Etc.
• Assess new teacher competencies and create individualized professional development plans
• Complete performance evaluations and create growth plans
• Ensure all staff complete required training and certifications
• Facilitate new teacher integration into the CCDC School Family culture and collaborative learning environment

• Develop and execute structured onboarding timelines for all new teaching staff
• Ensure new teachers understand and can…