Program Director - Extended Day - School Age; School Year 26-27​/DC)

Why Work for Wonders Early Learning + Extended Day?

Play isn't just fun, It's fundamental! Children need playtime, it is crucial for healthy development. Children learn about the world by exploring ideas, manipulating objects, investigating creative materials, and problem-solving with others. Using imagination and creativity, children take on new roles and test new concepts. Wonders teachers use observation and planning to create learning experiences that are intentional and provide meaningful context for children to practice skills and express ideas.

Our Mission - To cultivate curiosity, resilience, and social responsibility in children by fostering high-quality, nurturing, and inclusive educational communities led by skilled professionals

Since our inception in 1976, our goal has been to provide non‑profit, quality child care to working families. Over the years, we have grown from a single center in the basement of All Saint's Church in Chevy Chase, Maryland to multiple accredited early learning, extended day, and summer camp programs across the DC Metropolitan Region.

Our programs support today's workforce, while growing the workforce of tomorrow.

• Paid time off
• Holidays
• Winter break
• Medical with HRA
• Dental
• Vision
• Life insurance
• Disability
• Critical illness
• Accident insurance
• 403(b) retirement savings plan
• Wonders tuition discounts
• Professional development training

Benefits eligibility is dependent on job type status.

We provide paid pre‑employment background checks, fingerprinting, medical exams, and drug screens as well as paid New Hire Orientation.

The Extended Day Program Director position is a critically important one within Wonders as the incumbent is responsible for the day‑to‑day program operations at one of our Early Learning + Extended Day programs. The Program Director represents Wonders to the children, families and community served and has the responsibility for directing the Wonders program staff in planning and implementing developmentally appropriate activities for the participating children.

In addition, the Program Director will provide thought leadership to the Program staff through in‑service training, on‑going professional development, and career development opportunities. A critical aspect of this position is developing and maintaining communications with families and staff. Families, in particular, must be fully informed of Program activities and special events. Families will be welcomed in the Program and the classroom at all times.

The Program Director will implement all Wonders policies, procedures and practices in an efficient and thorough manner and will be involved in the development of those policies.

• Oversee the planning and implementation of a play‑based curriculum
• Supervise and lead staff to create a meaningful learning environment
• Ensure best practices are implemented and maintained to promote the health and safety of all children and staff
• Provide program management reports on a regular basis
• Participate in recruitment activities
• Order and maintain adequate program and office supplies and resources
• Oversee enrollment processes, manage program financials, and ensure budget adherence.
• Conduct regular meetings with staff, parents, and community representatives
• Organize and maintain filing systems including children and staff files
• Conduct open houses and other community outreach activities
• Complete all enrollment and re-enrollment processes, including the use of enrollment software
• Ensure the program meets all state licensing requirements
• Aid in establishing and/or maintaining accreditation
• Wonders actively supports the career and professional advancement of staff through continuing education; attend a minimum of 18…