Center Director

Job description

Wee Care Day Care & Preschool is seeking an experienced and dedicated Center Director to lead one of our early learning centers.

This position offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children, families, educators, and the community. Since 1997, Wee Care has provided early care and education to children and families throughout Southwest Washington. Across our centers, we share a common mission:

To provide a safe environment where everyone belongs, learning is fun, family is fundamental, and support from our staff makes a difference in the lives of the children and families we serve.

The Center Director provides leadership for the overall operation and quality of the center, including supporting and developing employees, maintaining a safe and welcoming environment, building strong partnerships with families, overseeing curriculum and program quality, and ensuring compliance with Washington State child care licensing and other program requirements.

Our Approach to Early Learning:

At Wee Care, we believe learning is fun. Children learn best through nurturing relationships, purposeful play, hands‑on exploration, and meaningful experiences. We create environments where children feel safe, valued, and encouraged to explore, build relationships, develop independence, solve problems, and grow with confidence.

Our educational program uses The Creative Curriculum and Teaching Strategies GOLD to support intentional teaching, ongoing observation and assessment, individualized learning, and strong partnerships with families.

What We Look for in a Center Director:

We are looking for a leader who can develop a strong team while balancing the educational, operational, and regulatory responsibilities of a busy early learning center.

The ideal candidate will have:

Education and professional experience in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field

At least two years of management or leadership experience

At least two years of experience working as an early childhood teacher

Strong knowledge of child development and developmentally appropriate practices

Experience coaching, supporting, and training employees

Strong communication, organization, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills

The ability to build positive relationships with children, families, employees, and community partners

Knowledge of Washington State child care licensing requirements

Knowledge of or experience with Early Achievers

Experience with The Creative Curriculum®, Teaching Strategies GOLD®, CACFP, and Procare is preferred

Lead the daily operation of the center and maintain a safe, welcoming, organized, and high‑quality early learning environment.

Maintain compliance with DCYF licensing requirements, required teacher‑to‑child ratios, health and safety standards, and company policies.

Train, coach, and support employees while establishing clear expectations and promoting teamwork and professional growth.

Oversee implementation of The Creative Curriculum, Teaching Strategies GOLD, developmental screening, lesson planning, classroom environments, schedules, routines, and developmentally appropriate teaching practices.

Observe classroom practices and provide teachers with coaching, resources, and support to strengthen curriculum implementation, interactions, classroom management, and individualized learning.

Build strong partnerships with families through tours, enrollment, orientation, ongoing communication, and responsive support throughout each child’s enrollment.

Partner with families and staff when children need additional developmental, behavioral, health, or individualized support and coordinate with community professionals and resources when appropriate.

Oversee center enrollment, staffing, attendance, family accounts, required documentation, and confidential child, family, and employee files.

Oversee implementation and documentation of the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).

Support the center’s participation in Early Achievers, professional development, and ongoing quality‑improvement efforts.

Maintain effective communication with Wee Care administration, DCYF licensing, schools, community partners, and other agencies as appropriate.

Support emergency preparedness, facility safety, and other center operational needs.

Work collaboratively as part of the center team and provide classroom or operational support when needed.

Qualifications Required:

At least 18 years of age and a high school diploma or equivalent

Meet Washington State DCYF educational and professional requirements for a Center Director

Early Childhood Education State Certificate or approved equivalent, as required by Washington State licensing

Two years of experience working as a teacher with children

Two years of management or leadership experience

Ability to obtain and maintain all required DCYF background clearances, training, First Aid/CPR certification, Food Worker Card, and other required credentials

Preferred:

Associate's degree or higher in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, or a related field

Five or more years of experience in licensed early learning or child care

Previous Center Director, Assistant Director, Program Supervisor, or comparable leadership experience

Experience with Early Achievers, The Creative Curriculum, Teaching Strategies GOLD, CACFP, and Procare

Clean driving record and ability to safely operate company vehicles, including passenger vans

Job Type:

Full‑time

Schedule:

Monday–Friday, day shift

Compensation:

$80,170 per year, salaried

Benefits include:

401(k) & 401(k) matching

Medical Insurance

Paid Time Off and Sick Time

Employee child care discount

Professional development and continuing education opportunities

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Who can apply

Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.