Director of Childcare

Company Overview
Lafayette House stands as a beacon of compassionate service in our community, providing comprehensive support to individuals and families navigating life's most challenging circumstances. Our mission centers on creating a safe sanctuary for those affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, and substance use disorders—offering not just immediate protection, but a foundation for lasting recovery and self-determination. Our evidence-based programs combine crisis intervention with long-term support, empowering individuals to reclaim control of their lives and break cycles of trauma. The childcare center represents a critical component of our service model, providing specialized care for children who have experienced trauma while enabling parents to access essential therapeutic services. By investing in trauma-informed childcare, we address immediate safety needs while fostering healthy development that can transform generational outcomes. Through this integrated approach to healing, we create pathways to recovery, resilience, and renewed hope for vulnerable populations throughout our community.

Position Summary
As the Director of Childcare at Lafayette House, you will lead the comprehensive revitalization of our childcare center at a pivotal moment in our organization's journey. This senior-level position goes beyond traditional childcare management—you will be a transformative leader who rebuilds our childcare programs from the ground up, creating a model that effectively serves children from families facing significant life challenges. You will develop specialized approaches for children affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, and substance use disorders, while also serving state subsidy families with excellence. This role offers a unique opportunity to reimagine what trauma-informed childcare can be, implementing systems and practices that will create meaningful, lasting change for vulnerable children in our organization and throughout our community.

Your Impact
This position stands at the heart of our mission, serving as the driving force behind our commitment to protect and nurture children during life's most challenging moments. You will create and implement a transformative approach to trauma-informed childcare that responds to the unique needs of children who have experienced adversity, establishing this program as a centerpiece of our organizational identity and service model. Your strategic vision will elevate our childcare services beyond basic supervision to create therapeutic environments where healing begins, and resilience develops. The impact of your leadership will extend beyond our walls, as the children in our care carry the benefits of early intervention throughout their developmental journey. By implementing evidence-based practices tailored to trauma recovery, you will break cycles of harm and create foundations for healthier futures. Your expertise and compassion will directly influence not only the immediate physical and emotional safety of vulnerable children but also their capacity for long-term healing, healthy attachment, and developmental success.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead a comprehensive rebuilding of our childcare programs, establishing new standards for trauma-informed care while ensuring operational excellence
• Develop and implement strategic enrollment plans that maximize facility utilization while maintaining dedicated capacity for our residential clients' children
• Oversee program budgeting and resource allocation to ensure financial sustainability and program growth
• Build and mentor a high-performing childcare team through effective recruitment, training, and professional development
• Establish and maintain collaborative partnerships with internal departments, community organizations, and regulatory agencies
• Ensure compliance with state licensing requirements, quality standards, and contractual obligations
• Design and implement age-appropriate curricula that address the unique needs of children who have experienced trauma
• Develop and enforce comprehensive safety protocols and confidentiality measures specific to serving vulnerable populations
• Create and maintain systems for monitoring program effectiveness and documenting outcomes

Qualifications

• Minimum of 60 college hours with 12 hours in child-related courses; OR 24 months of experience and 12 college hours in child-related courses
• Director Certification by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (required)
• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Social Work, Psychology, or related field (preferred)
• Experience in program development and revitalization, with demonstrated success as a change agent
• Strong understanding of trauma-informed care practices and early childhood development
• Excellent leadership capabilities with the ability to build and motivate teams through periods of change
• Experience working with vulnerable populations and understanding of the unique challenges faced by families affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, or substance use disorders
• CPR/First Aid certification and valid driver's license

What We Offer

• The opportunity to make a profound difference in the lives of vulnerable children and families
• A leadership role with the autonomy to implement your vision for a revitalized childcare program
• The chance to be part of an organization committed to healing and empowerment
• Professional growth and development in a supportive environment

If you are a visionary leader with a passion for rebuilding programs that transform lives, we invite you to bring your talents to this pivotal role at Lafayette House. Your expertise will create ripple effects through generations as you develop innovative approaches to healing childhood trauma while establishing sustainable operational excellence. Join our dedicated team and lead the creation of a nurturing sanctuary where vulnerable children find safety, healing, and developmental support during their families' most challenging moments. Together, we can break cycles of trauma and build foundations for healthier futures through the power of specialized, compassionate childcare.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $48,000.00 - $53,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Ability to Relocate:

• Joplin, MO 64804: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $48,000 - $53,000