Center Director Early Childhood Education
15 days ago
Philadelphia
Job Description This is not your typical child care Director role. At Children’s Playhouse, you will operate as a key leader within a structured organization supported by HR, Operations, Finance, and Executive Leadership. This role is designed for a results-driven leader who can build strong teams, ensure compliance across multiple funding streams, and drive high-quality program outcomes. About Us Children’s Playhouse Early Learning Centers is a high-quality, community-based organization committed to excellence in early childhood education, family engagement, and program leadership. We operate programs aligned with Keystone STARS, Head Start, PHLpreK, and Pre-K Counts, serving diverse communities across Philadelphia. Position Summary The Center Director is responsible for the overall performance of the site, including program quality, compliance, staffing, enrollment, and daily operations. This role leads the center with accountability and autonomy while working in close alignment with organizational leadership. You will not be expected to operate in isolation—this position is supported by a centralized leadership structure that allows you to focus on leading your team and driving results. Organizational Leadership & Support Structure The Center Director is part of the organization’s leadership team and works in close partnership with: • Executive Director (strategic leadership and performance alignment), • Human Resources (staffing, onboarding, compliance), • Operations (program quality, systems, regulatory support), • Finance (budgeting, payroll, reporting) Salary Range Bachelor’s Degree: $58,000 – $65,000 annually Master’s Degree: $65,000 – $72,000 annually Compensation is based on education, experience, and demonstrated ability to lead high-quality early childhood programs. Benefits • Paid Holidays, • Paid Sick Time & Paid Time Off (PTO), • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance, • 401(k) Plan with Employer Match, • Childcare Reimbursement, • Annual Performance Bonuses, • Professional development and growth opportunities Key Responsibilities Center Leadership & Operations • Lead daily operations to ensure a safe, organized, and high-functioning center, • Ensure classrooms are fully staffed, supported, and operating effectively, • Maintain full compliance with DHS licensing, health and safety regulations, and funding requirements, • Prepare for and successfully navigate audits, monitoring visits, and licensing reviews, • Oversee curriculum implementation and instructional quality, • Supervise, coach, and evaluate all center staff, • Build a strong, accountable, and positive team culture, • Maintain full enrollment and active waitlists, • Lead recruitment, hiring, and retention efforts, • Ensure compliance with Head Start, PHLpreK, Pre-K Counts (PKC), ITCS, and other funding streams, • Maintain accurate data systems, reporting, and documentation, • Operate within the approved site budget, • Build strong, professional relationships with families, • Address concerns effectively and in a timely manner, • Represent the center within the community Qualifications Minimum Qualifications • Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field (required), • Minimum 3–5 years of leadership experience in early childhood education, • Director Credential (or willingness to obtain within required timeframe), • Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field, • Experience leading a STAR 3 or STAR 4 program, • Experience with systems such as TSG, ASQ, COPA, or ChildPlus Core Competencies • Leadership & Team Management, • Regulatory Compliance & Accountability, • Program Quality & Instructional Oversight, • Data-Driven Decision Making, • Communication & Problem-Solving Why Join Children’s Playhouse? • Structured leadership support—you are not operating alone, • Opportunity to lead a high-quality, well-established program, • Clear expectations with organizational alignment, • Professional growth within a mission-driven organization, • Meaningful impact on children, families, and the community Equal Opportunity Employer Children’s Playhouse Early Learning Centers is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Apply Today If you are a passionate and experienced leader ready to make a meaningful impact, we encourage you to apply. Company DescriptionAbout Children’s Playhouse Where Passion Meets Purpose in Early Childhood Education At Children’s Playhouse, we aren’t just a childcare center—we are a cornerstone of the Philadelphia community. With three high-performing locations in South Philadelphia and Fairhill, we have earned a reputation for excellence, currently maintaining a STAR 4 rating (the highest possible) for our commitment to quality, safety, and child development. For more information, visit: Children’s Playhouse\r\nWhere Passion Meets Purpose in Early Childhood Education\r\n\r\nAt Children’s Playhouse, we aren’t just a childcare center—we are a cornerstone of the Philadelphia community. With three high-performing locations in South Philadelphia and Fairhill, we have earned a reputation for excellence, currently maintaining a STAR 4 rating (the highest possible) for our commitment to quality, safety, and child development.\r\nFor more information, visit: