Center Director

Ozark Opportunities, Inc. is seeking a motivated professional that is passionate about early childhood education. We are urgently hiring for one position.

The Center Director role is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the childcare center, ensuring that it meets all CCDF requirements, state licensing regulations, and high-quality standards for child development and care. The director will lead and manage a team of teachers and staff, handle administrative duties, and maintain strong communication with families, staff, and community partners.

This position is 12 months in a year, the center will be closed for 2 weeks in the summer, 1 week for winter break, and 1 week for Spring Break. During these closures, the employees are furloughed. Furloughed employees are able and encouraged to draw unemployment during these times. This position is eligible for health benefits, paid leave, and retirement plan after the probationary period is served. There is also a total of 15 paid holidays the Center Director will receive.

Within the first year of employment, you will be required to obtain CPR credentials, this is training that Ozark Opportunities, Inc. provides for employees.

Roles & Responsibilities:

• Oversee the center's day-to-day operations, ensuring a safe, healthy, and developmentally appropriate environment for children.
• Manage, supervise, and provide guidance to teaching staff, support staff, and volunteers, including conducting performance reviews and professional development. Promote a positive, inclusive, and supportive work environment for staff.
• Lead staff meetings, plan and oversee regular staff development opportunities, including required CCDF and state training hours and lead team-building initiatives.
• Ensure the center fully complies with CCDF guidelines, state licensing regulations, and all local, state, and federal requirements. Monitor adherence to child-to-staff rations, safety protocols, and health standards.
• Prepare for and facilitate state inspections, licensing reviews, and audits related to CCDF funding.
• Develop and manage the center’s budget, including overseeing billing, payment processing, and maintaining accurate records for CCDF funding.
• Ensure timely submission of CCDF claims and required financial documentation.
• Maintain accurate records related to CCDF funding, child attendance, enrollment, and health information.
• Manage the center’s enrollment process, including maintaining waitlists and ensuring that the center remains within regulatory capacity.
• Ensure the childcare program meets or exceeds quality standards, including curriculum development, lesson planning, and overall educational experience.
• Coordinate with teaching staff to design and implement programs that foster children’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development.
• Ensure that individual developmental goals are being met for children with specific needs or in special programs.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with families, fostering open communication and encouraging their involvement in the center’s activities. Addressing parent concerns or complaints in a timely and professional manner. Providing regular updates to parents about their child’s progress and development, including through parent-teacher conferences or reports.
• Organize family engagement events or workshops to strengthen the home-school connection.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for community outreach, partnerships, and collaborations. Represent the center at community meetings, professional development opportunities, and other external events.
• Promote the center’s services through marketing, outreach, and public relations efforts.
• Implement health and safety policies and procedures in accordance with state guidelines and CCDF funding requirements.
• Oversee the center’s emergency preparedness and response plans, ensuring staff are trained in emergency procedures.
• Mandated reporter of suspected cases of Child Abuse and Neglect.

We expect qualified candidates to have an Associate's degree (required) or a Bachelor's degree (preferred) in ECE, Child Develpment, or a related field. At least 3-5 years of experience in early childhood education, with at least 2 years in a leadership or management role. Knowledge of CCDF policies and regulations and state licensing requirements is preferred. Strong leadership and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written. Experience with budgeting and financial management in a non-profit or educational setting.

They must have an active and unhindered Driver’s License with personal reliable transportation, a high school diploma or equivalent. Successfully pass Criminal Background including FBI fingerprint and Child Maltreatment checks.

Physical Requirements: The physical demands include standing, bending, and kneeling, and must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds and have agility around classroom furniture and materials. Occasional driving to training.