Center Director of Early Childhood Development

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Child Development Center Director provides strategic and operational leadership for Goodwill’s Child Development Center, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, developmentally appropriate early childhood services. This role is responsible for regulatory compliance, program excellence, staff development, and family engagement, while advancing Goodwill’s mission and values.

This position is ideal for an experienced early childhood education leader with strong regulatory knowledge, sound business acumen, and a passion for creating inclusive, nurturing learning environments that support children, families, and the broader community.

The following duties are representative of the essential functions of the position. Other duties may be assigned as operational needs require.

• Ensure compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal childcare regulations, including HHSC licensing requirements; identify and mitigate safety risks; and maintain confidentiality and ethical standards in all professional interactions.
• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for all Child Development Center operations, including program planning, staffing, enrollment, service delivery, calendars, events, and outreach activities.
• Develop, manage, and monitor center budgets, enrollment targets, staffing plans, and resource allocation to ensure fiscal responsibility and program sustainability.
• Oversee curriculum implementation, classroom practices, child guidance strategies, and family engagement efforts to support high-quality early learning outcomes.
• Recruit, hire, train, supervise, mentor, and evaluate center staff in accordance with organizational policies and applicable employment laws, while fostering a safe, inclusive, and culturally responsive environment for children, families, staff, and visitors.
• Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with families, community partners, regulatory agencies, and stakeholders, including support of outreach initiatives, fundraising efforts, grant participation, and long‑term program development activities.

• Bachelor’s degree in early child education, Child Development, Family Studies, or a closely related field required.
• A master’s degree is preferred.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible leadership experience in a licensed childcare center, preschool, or early childhood education program.
• Current Texas Health and Human Services Commission Director’s Credential required, or the ability to obtain the credential prior to hire.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification, or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.
• Valid driver’s license and driving record acceptable to Goodwill's liability insurance provider.

• Work is performed in a childcare and early learning environment.
• Noise levels may range from quiet to occasionally loud.
• Regular use of computers and standard office equipment.
• Ability to move throughout classrooms and facility spaces.
• Occasional lifting of children or materials weighing up to 40 pounds.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

• Strong knowledge of state and federal childcare regulations and licensing standards.
• Experience with quality rating or accreditation systems (e.g., NAEYC).
• Proven ability to lead teams with professionalism, sound judgment, emotional intelligence, and a commitment to ethical conduct, confidentiality, and customer service.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse populations and promote inclusive practices.
• Proficiency with computers and standard office software.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations and promote inclusive practices.