Isabella Carter
Preschool and childcare center directors are responsible for the full-time operation of their facilities, including managing the facility, establishing policies and procedures, budgeting, hiring staff, overseeing curriculum, and maintaining relationships with families and staff. Most preschool directors work full-time, with some working over 40 hours per week, including early mornings and late evenings in centers that provide before and after-school care. The specific requirements to become a preschool director vary by state, with some requiring a bachelor's degree in child development or early childhood education, while others may require relevant coursework and teaching experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Working hours | More than 40 hours per week |
| Working days | Early mornings and late evenings |
| Qualifications | Bachelor's degree, experience in early childhood education, and a nationally-recognized credential |
| Salary | $48,000-$85,000 per year |
| Job responsibilities | Managing the facility, establishing policies and procedures, budgeting, hiring staff, overseeing curriculum, and maintaining relationships with families |
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What You'll Learn
Full-time work, often over 40 hours per week
Most preschool directors work full-time, and some work more than 40 hours per week. They are usually on the job while the childcare centre is open and may work early mornings and late evenings, especially in centres that provide before- and after-school care. Directors in large facilities may stagger their schedules with assistant directors to ensure that someone is always on-site. This means that preschool directors may work upwards of 50% of the weekly operating hours, which can be up to 40 hours per week.
The role demands a comprehensive understanding of early childhood development, as well as strong leadership and organisational skills. Directors are responsible for the full operations of running a daycare or childcare program, including managing the facility, establishing policies and procedures, budgeting, hiring staff, overseeing curriculum, and maintaining relationships with families.
To become a preschool director, a bachelor's degree and experience in early childhood education are typically required. However, educational requirements vary by state, with some requiring a degree in child development and others asking for a combination of relevant coursework and teaching experience. Some employers may also require nationally recognised credentials, such as the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential.
The average annual salary for a preschool director in the United States is around $63,000, depending on location and experience level. The median annual wage was $56,270 in May 2024. Employment opportunities are expected to decline by 2-3% from 2022/2023 to 2032/2033, with about 5,100 openings projected each year due to workers transferring or exiting the workforce. Despite the decline, the growing need for childcare with the rise of two-income households may present job growth and promotion opportunities.
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Early mornings and late evenings
The work hours of a preschool director can vary depending on the specific needs and operating hours of the preschool or childcare centre. Some preschools may offer extended hours or 24-hour care, which can further impact the work hours of the director. Additionally, there may be occasions where the director needs to work outside of regular hours, such as attending parent-staff meetings, running errands, or participating in training programs.
It is important to note that the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requires employers to pay employees for all hours worked, including overtime compensation for nonexempt employees who work more than 40 hours in a week. This means that preschool directors who work early mornings or late evenings should be appropriately compensated for their time. However, there have been issues in the industry where employees are not properly compensated for their extra hours, which can result in violations of labour standards and impact the overall work environment.
To effectively manage their time, preschool directors should have strong organisational skills and the ability to delegate tasks when necessary. They should also be able to prioritise their responsibilities and create a sustainable work-life balance. Additionally, having a supportive team and efficient systems in place can help reduce the burden of early mornings and late evenings.
Overall, the role of a preschool director can be demanding and often requires a comprehensive understanding of early childhood development, strong leadership skills, and the ability to adapt to varying work hours. By prioritising time management, self-care, and effective delegation, preschool directors can successfully navigate the challenges of early mornings and late evenings while providing quality care and education to young children. This, in turn, can contribute to a positive work environment and improve the overall well-being of both the director and the children in their care.
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Staggered schedules in large facilities
Preschool and childcare centre directors typically work full-time, with some working over 40 hours per week. Their working hours may begin early in the morning and end late in the evening, especially in centres that provide before- and after-school care. Directors are responsible for overseeing the daily operations of their centres, including managing staff, curriculum, and facilities, as well as maintaining relationships with parents and children.
In large facilities, staggered schedules may be implemented to ensure that a director or assistant director is always onsite. This approach allows for continuous oversight and support for staff, children, and parents. Here are some key considerations for staggered schedules in large facilities:
Scheduling Strategies:
- Divide the workday into shifts to ensure adequate coverage during peak hours, such as drop-off and pick-up times.
- Consider the specific needs of the facility, such as the number of staff and children, and the operational requirements. This will help determine the number of directors or assistant directors needed onsite at any given time.
- Create a schedule that rotates directors and assistant directors, allowing for overlap during busy periods and ensuring that less busy periods are still adequately covered.
Communication and Coordination:
- Effective communication is essential for successful staggered schedules. Ensure that all directors and assistant directors are aware of the schedule and any changes.
- Implement regular meetings or briefings to keep everyone informed about the centre's operations, upcoming events, and any concerns or issues that need to be addressed.
Flexibility and Adaptability:
- Staggered schedules should allow for flexibility to accommodate unexpected situations, such as staff absences or emergencies.
- Directors and assistant directors should be prepared to adjust their schedules as needed to ensure the smooth running of the facility.
Professional Development and Support:
Staggered schedules can provide opportunities for professional development and mentorship. More experienced directors can overlap with assistant directors or new hires to provide guidance and support, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
Compliance and Documentation:
- Ensure that staggered schedules comply with any applicable regulations or licensing requirements, including those related to staff-to-child ratios and oversight guidelines.
- Maintain accurate records of the directors' and assistant directors' working hours to demonstrate compliance and for payroll purposes.
By implementing staggered schedules in large facilities, preschool and childcare centre directors can ensure a consistent presence of leadership and support. This approach promotes the safety and well-being of children and staff while allowing for efficient management of the centre's operations.
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Bachelor's degree and early childhood education experience
A bachelor's degree and experience in early childhood education are typically required to become a preschool director. While educational requirements vary by state, most states require preschool directors to have at least a bachelor's degree. Some employers may prefer candidates with a degree in early childhood education, while others may accept a degree in a related field such as psychology, provided the candidate has experience teaching preschool-age children.
Bachelor's degree programs in early childhood education include instruction on child development, strategies for teaching young children, and observing and documenting children's progress. These programs typically require students to complete supervised field experience in an early childhood education setting. Obtaining a bachelor's degree can qualify individuals to teach kindergarten through grade 3, in addition to preschool.
In addition to a bachelor's degree, most positions for preschool directors require several years of experience in early childhood education. The length of experience required can vary by job and state. Some states and employers may require preschool directors to have a nationally recognized credential, such as the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, or a Child Care Administrator License. Other certifications that may be required or preferred include certifications in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid, as well as a certification from the National Child Care Association.
To advance their careers, preschool directors may pursue a master's degree in educational leadership or early childhood education. A master's degree can provide further qualifications and demonstrate leadership and management skills. Additionally, some states offer the Child Development Program Director Permit, which allows individuals to supervise childcare and development programs and provide instruction and services in child development. This permit typically requires a bachelor's degree, additional coursework in administration and supervision, and experience as a site supervisor.
Preschool directors typically work full-time, and some may work more than 40 hours per week, including early mornings and late evenings, especially in centers that provide before- and after-school care. The salary for preschool directors can vary based on factors such as experience, location, and performance, with an average salary of $42,154 in the United States. Despite a projected decline in employment, there are still expected to be numerous openings for preschool directors each year due to replacements and retirements.
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Nationally-recognized credentials
While specific requirements and regulations for preschool director licensing vary from state to state, some employers require these directors to have a nationally recognized credential, such as the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. Obtaining a childcare license ensures that the program adheres to proper staff-to-child ratios, child supervision policies, and health and safety procedures.
A preschool director is responsible for the full operations of running a daycare or childcare program, including managing the facility, establishing policies and procedures, budgeting, hiring staff, overseeing curriculum, and maintaining relationships with families. The role demands a comprehensive understanding of early childhood development, as well as strong leadership and organizational skills.
To obtain nationally-recognized credentials, such as the CDA, individuals must meet specific educational and experiential requirements. A bachelor's degree in early childhood education or a related field is typically preferred, although some states may require a degree specifically in child development. Additionally, hands-on experience in teaching and administration is highly beneficial. This experience allows directors to understand child development at every stage and effectively manage the day-to-day operations of a preschool or childcare center.
By obtaining nationally-recognized credentials, preschool directors can enhance their employability and demonstrate their commitment to providing high-quality early childhood education. These credentials are widely recognized by employers and regulatory bodies, ensuring that directors possess the knowledge and skills necessary to create a safe and enriching environment for children during their formative years.
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Frequently asked questions
A preschool director is expected to be on-site for 50% or more of the weekly operating hours, which can be up to 40 hours per week.
Preschool directors typically work full-time, and some may work more than 40 hours per week, including early mornings and late evenings, especially in centers offering before and after-school care.
A bachelor's degree in early childhood education or a related field is typically required. Some states may require a specific degree in child development, while others may accept a combination of relevant coursework and teaching experience.
Yes, in addition to educational requirements, preschool directors may need to obtain certifications and licenses, such as the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, which is nationally recognized.
Preschool directors are responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the preschool, including managing staff, establishing policies and procedures, budgeting, curriculum development, and maintaining relationships with families. They also need to have a comprehensive understanding of early childhood development and strong leadership and organizational skills.
