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If you’ve ever searched “daycare director job description” online, you’ve probably noticed the same thing: most results are just long bullet lists with recycled wording. They tell you the duties, the skills, and the requirements—but they don’t actually help you attract a great daycare director.
And here’s the truth: a job description isn’t just a list of tasks. It’s your first impression with candidates. The best directors—experienced, organized, and passionate about children—won’t get excited by generic copy-and-paste posts.
That’s why in this article, we’re going to do things differently. Instead of giving you another bland template, I’ll show you how to write a daycare director job description that’s clear, human, and compelling. We’ll cover what the role actually is, provide two ready-to-use templates (one for experienced directors and one for entry-level or trainable candidates), and break down why they work.
If you haven’t read it yet, I also recommend checking out our full guide on how to write a job post that attracts top talent , Link https://workscreen.io/how-to-write-a-job-post/ . It explains why generic job ads fail to convert top talent—and how to structure posts that inspire candidates to hit “apply.”
WorkScreen simplifies the hiring process, helping you quickly identify top talent while eliminating low-quality applications. By saving you countless hours and reducing the risk of bad hires, it empowers you to build a team that delivers results
What a Daycare Director Actually Does - Their Duties Explained
A daycare director is the person who keeps the entire childcare center running smoothly. They’re not just “managing staff” or “handling paperwork”—they’re shaping the environment where children learn, play, and grow every day.
At the core, a daycare director:
- Oversees daily operations and ensures the center meets safety and licensing standards.
- Supports and coaches teachers so they can deliver quality care.
- Builds relationships with parents, keeping communication open and trust strong.
- Handles budgeting, enrollment, and staffing to make sure the center is sustainable.
In simple terms: the daycare director is both the heart and the engine of a childcare center. They make sure the kids are safe and thriving, the staff feels supported, and the parents feel confident.
That’s why skills like organization, leadership, and emotional intelligence matter just as much as knowledge of childcare regulations.
Two Great Daycare Director Job Description Templates
✅ Job Description Template 1: Experienced Daycare Director
Job Title: Daycare Director – Little Oaks Learning Center (Austin, TX)
Type: Full-Time | In-Person
Compensation: $55,000–$68,000/year (based on experience)
Schedule: Monday–Friday | 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM
📹 Meet the Team
Before you keep reading, take a minute to watch this quick video from our leadership team sharing what makes Little Oaks a special place to work.
👉 [Insert Loom/YouTube link here]
About Us
At Little Oaks Learning Center, we’ve been helping children grow, play, and thrive for over 15 years. We’re a family-owned daycare rooted in the Austin community, known for blending structured learning with creative play. Our mission is simple: to provide a safe, nurturing, and inspiring environment where children feel loved and parents feel supported.
Our Culture
We’re more than just a childcare center—we’re a tight-knit team. Collaboration, patience, and trust guide how we work together. We believe leadership is about support, not micromanagement. At Little Oaks, everyone’s ideas matter, effort is noticed, and consistency is rewarded. We laugh often, celebrate wins, and treat each other like family.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Oversee daily operations to ensure compliance with state licensing and safety standards.
- Lead, coach, and support a team of 12 childcare staff.
- Communicate with parents to build trust and handle questions with care.
- Manage enrollment, scheduling, and budgets to keep the center running sustainably.
- Partner with teachers to enhance curriculum and create a nurturing learning environment.
What We’re Looking For
- 3+ years of experience as a daycare director, assistant director, or lead teacher.
- Strong knowledge of childcare licensing standards.
- Leadership skills: you know how to support, motivate, and retain staff.
- Excellent communication and organizational skills.
- Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field preferred.
Why This Role is Worth Your Time
At Little Oaks, we believe leaders should be supported—not burned out. You’ll get:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance.
- 10 paid holidays + 15 days of PTO per year.
- Ongoing leadership training and childcare certifications paid for by us.
- A collaborative, supportive team that treats you like family.
How to Apply
We respect your time. That’s why we use WorkScreen—so you’re evaluated on strengths, not buzzwords.
👉 Apply here: [Insert WorkScreen link]
🌱 Job Description Template 2: Entry-Level / Willing-to-Train Daycare Director
Job Title: Daycare Director-in-Training – Little Oaks Learning Center (Austin, TX)
Type: Full-Time | In-Person
Compensation: $42,000–$50,000/year (depending on skills & potential)
Schedule: Monday–Friday | 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM
📹 Meet the Team
Here’s a quick video from our staff about why they love working at Little Oaks.
👉 [Insert Loom/YouTube link here]
About Us
At Little Oaks Learning Center, we’ve been part of Austin families’ lives for over 15 years. Our mission is to create a safe, fun, and inspiring place where kids feel loved and parents feel at ease. We believe the best leaders are grown, not just hired—and that’s why we’re excited to invest in the right person for this role.
Our Culture
We thrive on positivity, growth, and teamwork. You won’t just clock in and out—you’ll be part of a supportive group of educators who genuinely care about each other. We celebrate small wins, help each other through challenges, and value both professional growth and personal balance. At Little Oaks, it’s not just about the kids thriving—it’s about our team thriving, too.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Support daily operations and learn state licensing requirements.
- Shadow our current director to understand budgeting, enrollment, and staff management.
- Build relationships with parents and practice handling parent communications.
- Help lead staff meetings and training sessions as you develop your leadership skills.
- Work with teachers to support curriculum planning and a fun learning environment.
What We’re Looking For
- 1+ year of experience in childcare (teacher, assistant, or admin role).
- Strong organizational skills and eagerness to learn.
- Patient, compassionate, and great with children and parents.
- Leadership potential—you don’t need to have managed a team, but you’re ready to grow into it.
- Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education is a plus, but not required.
Why This Role is Worth Your Time
We don’t just want to hire a director—we want to develop one. You’ll get:
- Hands-on mentorship from our current leadership team.
- Paid certifications and professional development.
- Health, dental, and vision insurance.
- 10 paid holidays + 15 days of PTO per year.
- A family-like culture where your growth matters.
How to Apply
We don’t filter people out with robotic checklists. We use WorkScreen so you can show us your real strengths.
👉 Apply here: [Insert WorkScreen link]
Build a winning team—without the hiring headache. WorkScreen helps you hire fast, confidently, and without second-guessing.
Why These Daycare Director Job Posts Work
✅ 1. The Job Titles Are Clear and Specific
Instead of a vague “Daycare Director,” the posts specify location, company name, and role level (e.g., “Daycare Director-in-Training – Little Oaks Learning Center (Austin, TX)”). This instantly signals relevance and attracts candidates who are actually qualified and nearby.
✅ 2. The Introductions Show Context, Not Just Tasks
Each post opens with a video link + a human “About Us” section. Instead of jumping straight into requirements, candidates first see the mission and purpose of the center. That builds trust and shows heart—something especially important in childcare roles.
✅ 3. Company Culture Is Front and Center
The posts dedicate a section to culture, not just as a buzzword, but as a description of how the team works, treats each other, and values growth. This helps candidates self-select: if they thrive in collaborative, supportive environments, they’ll feel drawn in.
✅ 4. Responsibilities Are Written With Purpose
Instead of listing generic “duties,” the tasks are tied back to impact:
- “Oversee daily operations to ensure compliance” = safety and trust.
- “Partner with teachers to enhance curriculum” = nurturing growth.
- “Build relationships with parents” = confidence and community.
This frames the job as meaningful, not mechanical.
✅ 5. Requirements Balance Standards With Flexibility
The experienced role clearly lists qualifications (3+ years, ECE degree preferred).
The entry-level role, however, welcomes potential and passion, noting “nice to have” vs “must-have.” This widens the applicant pool without lowering standards.
✅ 6. Transparency Builds Trust
Both posts include compensation ranges, schedules, and benefits upfront. No guessing, no hidden details. This honesty attracts serious, committed candidates who value clarity.
✅ 7. The Hiring Process Feels Respectful
Instead of the cold “only shortlisted candidates will be contacted,” these posts explain the process and emphasize respect for candidates’ time. Adding WorkScreen makes it clear applicants will be evaluated fairly, based on skills—not résumés alone.
✅ 8. The Language Is Human and Conversational
Notice how the tone avoids stiff HR jargon. Phrases like “We don’t just want to hire a director—we want to develop one” or “we laugh often, celebrate wins, and treat each other like family” make the posts approachable, authentic, and memorable.
✅ 9. Personal Touch with Video
Including a short Loom or YouTube video lets candidates “meet” the team before applying. This builds emotional connection and sets your job post apart from 99% of daycare job ads online.
Example of a Bad Daycare Director Job Description (And Why It Fails)
Job Title: Daycare Director
Company: Sunshine Childcare Services
Location: Austin, TX
Type: Full-Time
Job Summary
Sunshine Childcare Services is seeking a daycare director to oversee daily operations, ensure compliance, and manage staff.
Key Responsibilities
- Supervise daycare staff
- Ensure licensing requirements are met
- Maintain records
- Communicate with parents
- Manage budget and enrollment
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field
- 5 years of experience in a daycare setting
- Strong leadership and communication skills
How to Apply
Interested candidates should send a resume and cover letter to hr@sunshinechildcare.com. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
❌ Why This Job Post Falls Short
- Generic Job Title
Just “Daycare Director.” It doesn’t say where, what kind of center, or why the role matters. It’s forgettable. - Cold, Minimal Introduction
The summary is one sentence of generic fluff—no mission, no purpose, no story. Candidates don’t know what makes this daycare unique. - No Culture or Values Mentioned
There’s nothing about what it’s like to actually work there. No insight into team dynamics, parent relationships, or the center’s educational philosophy. - Responsibilities Are Too Vague
“Supervise staff” and “maintain records” could apply to any daycare. There’s no sense of how this director impacts children, parents, or staff growth. - Rigid Requirements That May Scare Off Great Talent
The post demands a degree + 5 years of experience without offering flexibility for people with leadership potential or alternative experience. - No Salary or Benefits
By skipping compensation, the post feels outdated and signals a lack of transparency. Top candidates often won’t even apply. - Dismissive Hiring Process
Ending with “only shortlisted candidates will be contacted” feels impersonal and disrespectful. It signals to applicants that their effort might be ignored. - Zero Personality in the CTA
“Send a resume to hr@…” is lifeless. There’s no excitement, no warmth, no sense of a human on the other end.
Bonus Tips to Make Your Job Post Stand Out
Most job posts stop at “responsibilities and requirements.” But if you want to attract the best daycare directors—the ones who are thoughtful, professional, and mission-driven—you need to show that you respect candidates as much as you respect children and families. Here’s how:
1. Add an Important Notice for Trust & Safety
Childcare is all about trust, and your hiring process should reflect that. Adding a clear notice reassures candidates:
🔒 “We value your privacy. We will never ask for payment, bank details, or personal financial information during any part of our hiring process.”
This small line builds credibility and protects your brand from being mistaken for job scams.
2. Mention Paid Leave or Flex Time
Directors carry a lot of responsibility, and burnout is common. Highlighting time off shows that you care about balance:
🌿 “Enjoy 15 days of PTO + 10 paid holidays each year so you can recharge and come back refreshed.”
Even a modest leave policy, if written with care, makes a big difference to serious applicants.
3. Showcase Training & Growth Opportunities
Great leaders want to grow—and they’ll be drawn to an organization that invests in them:
📚 “We provide ongoing leadership workshops, paid childcare certifications, and mentorship so you can keep developing your career.”
This signals that you’re not just hiring a director for today—you’re investing in one for the future.
4. Add a Video for Personal Connection
In childcare especially, trust is built through faces and voices, not just text. A short Loom or YouTube video from your team or director makes your post warm and memorable:
📹 “Meet our team in this short video and hear why they love working at Little Oaks.”
Candidates get a feel for the energy and authenticity of your center before they ever walk in the door.
Here is an example that we used in our master guide on how to write a great job post description , you can check it out here https://www.loom.com/share/ba401b65b7f943b68a91fc6b04a62ad4
5. Highlight Candidate Experience
Show that you respect applicants’ time and effort. Even a line like this sets you apart:
🤝 “We review every application carefully and respond within two weeks. We believe every candidate deserves a clear answer.”
Most job seekers are used to being ghosted—showing that you treat people fairly can be a major differentiator.
Should You Use AI to Write a Daycare Director Job Post?
These days, it feels like everyone is letting AI write job descriptions. Some ATS platforms even promise one-click, instant job posts. But here’s the problem:
When you use AI without context, you get the same thing every other company is publishing—generic, lifeless bullet points that don’t connect with serious candidates. And in childcare, where trust and culture matter deeply, that’s the last thing you want.
❌ Why You Shouldn’t Rely on AI Alone
If you just type “Write a daycare director job description” into ChatGPT, you’ll end up with:
- A bland list of responsibilities (“oversee staff, manage records”)
- No mention of your mission, values, or community
- No warmth or personality
- A post that looks like dozens of others already online
That attracts the wrong kind of applicants—people mass-applying to any childcare role, not thoughtful leaders who genuinely fit your center.
✅ The Smarter Way to Use AI
AI is a fantastic tool when you treat it as a polishing partner, not a replacement. Here’s how to use it right:
- Give it real ingredients. Share details about your center: your mission, values, team culture, benefits, and expectations.
- Set the tone. Tell it you want a warm, human, conversational style.
- Provide a rough outline. Paste bullet points or notes you’ve already written.
- Ask for refinement, not invention. Use AI to smooth the flow, check clarity, and structure your post—not to create it from scratch.
👉 Example prompt you could use:
“Help me write a job description for our daycare center, Little Oaks Learning. We’re hiring a Daycare Director who will oversee staff, communicate with parents, and ensure compliance with Texas childcare licensing. Our culture is collaborative and family-oriented, and we want to attract leaders who are patient, organized, and mission-driven. Here are our benefits: health insurance, 15 PTO days, and paid training. Salary range: $55,000–$68,000. Here are additional notes I’ve written [paste notes]. Please write in a friendly, conversational tone.”
This way, AI helps polish your job post—but it’s still authentic, specific, and unique to your daycare.
📌 Bottom line: AI can save time, but don’t hand over your hiring message entirely. Your job description is often the first impression parents and staff get of your center. Make sure it reflects who you really are.
If your hiring process is stressful, slow, or filled with second-guessing—WorkScreen fixes that. Workscreen helps you quickly identify top talent fast, eliminate low-quality applicants, and make better hires without the headaches.
Need a Quick Copy-Paste Daycare Director Job Description?
✅ Option 1: Conversational (Culture-First Style)
Job Title: Daycare Director – [Your Center Name] ([City, State])
Type: Full-Time | In-Person
Compensation: $XX,XXX–$XX,XXX/year
Schedule: Monday–Friday | 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM
About Us
At [Your Center Name], we believe every child deserves a safe, inspiring place to grow, and every parent deserves peace of mind. We’re a close-knit team that values creativity, patience, and a genuine love for children.
Our Culture
We work like a family—supportive, collaborative, and committed to one another. We celebrate wins, share challenges, and believe in growing together. At [Your Center], everyone’s voice matters.
What You’ll Do
- Lead and support staff so they can provide quality care
- Ensure compliance with licensing and safety standards
- Communicate openly with parents and build trust
- Manage enrollment, scheduling, and budgets
- Work with teachers to enrich curriculum and daily routines
What We’re Looking For
- X+ years of childcare leadership (director, assistant director, or lead teacher)
- Strong knowledge of childcare regulations
- Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills
- Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field (preferred)
Why You’ll Love This Role
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid time off and holidays
- Paid training and professional development
- A warm, supportive team environment
How to Apply
We respect your time—that’s why we use WorkScreen to evaluate you based on skills, not just résumés.
👉 Apply here: [Insert WorkScreen Link]
✅ Option 2: Structured (Job Brief + Responsibilities + Requirements)
Job Title: Daycare Director – [Your Center Name] ([City, State])
Type: Full-Time | In-Person
Compensation: $XX,XXX–$XX,XXX/year
Job Brief
We’re looking for a Daycare Director to lead our center with care, organization, and a passion for child development. You’ll ensure our programs run smoothly, staff feel supported, and parents trust us to provide a safe, nurturing environment.
Responsibilities
- Manage daily operations, staff schedules, and licensing compliance
- Oversee budgeting, enrollment, and parent communication
- Support teachers with curriculum planning and classroom quality
- Build and maintain strong relationships with families and staff
- Ensure the center meets state safety and quality standards
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field (preferred)
- X+ years of experience in childcare management or leadership
- Strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills
- Knowledge of state licensing regulations
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- PTO and paid holidays
- Ongoing training and certification support
How to Apply
Submit your application via WorkScreen to be evaluated fairly on skills and potential.
👉 Apply here: [Insert WorkScreen Link]
Next Step: Let WorkScreen Help You Hire Smarter
Writing a great job post is only half the battle. Once applications start coming in, the real challenge is sorting through them to find the people who truly fit. That’s where WorkScreen.io comes in.
Here’s how WorkScreen makes your hiring process faster, fairer, and more effective:
✅ Quickly identify your most promising candidates
WorkScreen automatically evaluates, scores, and ranks applicants on a performance-based leaderboard. This makes it easy to spot the people who stand out—without sifting through a pile of résumés.
✅ Assess real-world skills, not just résumés
Workscreen allows you to easily administer one-click skill tests. This way you can assess candidates based on real-world ability—not just credentials like résumés and past experience. This helps you hire more confidently and holistically
✅ Eliminate low-effort or AI-generated applications
Workscreen automatically eliminates low-effort applicants—including those who use AI Tools to apply, copy-paste answers, or rely on “one-click apply.” This way, you focus only on genuine, committed, and high-quality candidates—helping you avoid costly hiring mistakes.
📌 Bottom line: Once your job post is live, let WorkScreen handle the heavy lifting. You’ll save hours, avoid hiring mistakes, and make decisions with clarity and confidence.
Ready to make your next daycare director hire faster and smarter?
FAQ
In the U.S., daycare directors typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 per year, depending on factors like location, center size, and experience. Directors in larger cities or centers with more children often earn on the higher end of the scale, while smaller, community-based centers may pay less. Offering a transparent salary range in your job post helps you attract serious, qualified applicants.
Most daycare directors have:
- A degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or a related field (though some states allow equivalent experience).
- Childcare licensing knowledge to ensure compliance with state and local regulations.
- Several years of experience in childcare, often as a lead teacher or assistant director before moving into leadership.
- In many states, directors must also meet specific training hours or certifications in areas like CPR, First Aid, or health and safety.
The best daycare directors balance people skills and organizational skills. Key qualities include:
- Leadership: Ability to manage, motivate, and retain staff.
- Communication: Building trust with parents and giving clear guidance to staff.
- Organization: Handling budgets, scheduling, and paperwork efficiently.
- Problem-solving: Staying calm and resourceful when challenges arise.
- Emotional intelligence: Understanding children’s needs, supporting staff, and responding empathetically to parents.
Yes, but usually in a limited way. While their primary responsibility is running the center, many directors still spend time in classrooms, especially when staff need extra support or during special activities. Being visible and involved helps build trust with children, parents, and staff.
Beyond checking qualifications, look for candidates who:
- Show a genuine passion for children’s growth and safety.
- Demonstrate patience and empathy.
- Have proven leadership or mentoring experience.
- Talk about culture and teamwork—not just compliance and paperwork.
- A Daycare Director has full responsibility for the center—staffing, finances, compliance, and parent communication.
- An Assistant Director supports the director by handling parts of operations (like scheduling or curriculum) but usually reports to the director.
Because great directors aren’t just looking for a paycheck—they’re looking for a place where they feel respected, supported, and able to grow. Highlighting culture, values, benefits, and how you treat candidates makes your post stand out from the dozens of “cookie-cutter” ads online.
