What Preschool and Childcare Center Directors Do

Preschool and childcare center directors are responsible for all aspects of their program. They direct and lead staff, oversee daily activities, and prepare plans and budgets.

Duties

Preschool and childcare center directors typically do the following:

• Supervise preschool teachers and childcare workers
• Establish policies and communicate them to staff and parents
• Provide training and professional development opportunities for staff
• Assist staff in resolving conflicts between children and communicating with parents
• Meet with parents and staff to discuss students’ progress
• Establish budgets and set fees for programs
• Ensure facilities are maintained and cleaned according to state regulations
• Hire and train new staff members
• Develop educational programs and set educational standards

Some preschools and childcare centers are independently owned and operated. In these facilities, directors must follow the instructions and guidelines of the owner. Sometimes, directors own the facilities, so they decide how to operate the facilities.

Other preschools and childcare centers are part of a national chain or franchise. The director of a chain or franchise must also ensure that the facility meets its parent organization’s standards and regulations.

In addition, some preschools and childcare centers, such as Head Start programs, receive state and federal funding. Directors of these schools and centers must ensure that their programs, staff, and facilities meet state and federal guidelines. For example, they must ensure that the staff meets the educational requirements set by the Department of Health and Human Services.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition