Child Care Center Director
Chickadee Childcare | South Portland
Join Chickadee as a Center Director and lead a joyful, supportive early childhood community. We are a growing network of relationship-centered programs serving children from infancy through age five, committed to creating warm, inclusive environments where children, families, and educators feel supported and inspired every day.
We are seeking a Center Director to guide daily operations and cultivate a positive, collaborative culture among staff and families. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who values strong relationships, high-quality programming, and meaningful presence within the school community.
Directors at Chickadee are supported by an active leadership team and trusted to make thoughtful, independent decisions that best serve their center.
What This Role Looks Like
As Center Director, you will oversee program management and daily operations while building a stable, supportive workplace for educators. You’ll balance administrative leadership with classroom visibility, ensuring both program quality and staff wellbeing remain central to decision-making.
This role is ideal for an experienced early childhood leader seeking a sustainable, long-term position where professional judgment is valued and leadership presence matters.
Key Responsibilities
- Maintain a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment for children
- Ensure licensing compliance with Maine regulations and all applicable laws
- Oversee daily center operations including staff supervision, scheduling, and program management
- Support curriculum quality and provide guidance through collaborative coaching and mentorship
- Foster a respectful, team-oriented workplace culture
- Build strong partnerships through consistent family communication
- Interview, hire, onboard, and train new staff members
- Maintain facility standards and oversee the purchasing of materials and supplies within budget
- Coordinate staff communication systems and call-out procedures
- Participate in ongoing professional development and maintain current knowledge of early childhood best practices
Who You Are
- An experienced early childhood professional with leadership or administrative experience
- A collaborative leader who values team stability, mentorship, and positive workplace culture
- Organized, calm under pressure, and confident making independent decisions
- A strong communicator who approaches challenges with empathy and problem-solving
- Passionate about supporting teachers as much as supporting children
- Interested in building a long-term leadership role within a growing organization
Leadership Philosophy (What Sets This Role Apart)
We recognize that strong Directors thrive when they are trusted and supported. This role is designed for a leader who wants to focus on coaching staff, strengthening program quality, and building community relationships. Directors are encouraged to be visible in classrooms, connected with their teams, and empowered to lead in ways that reflect their professional strengths.
Qualifications
- 5+ years of experience in early childhood education
- Demonstrated leadership or management experience in a childcare center or preschool
- Strong knowledge of Maine childcare licensing regulations
- Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field preferred
- Maine State Director Credential (or willingness to obtain)
Compensation & Benefits
- Dental and vision benefits
- Retirement plan options
- 11 paid holidays
- Up to 5 weeks paid time off annually, with additional PTO accrued after 2 years
- Supportive leadership structure and collaborative team culture
- Opportunities for professional growth within a growing organization
Why Directors Choose Chickadee
We believe strong schools start with supported leaders. Our Directors are active members of their communities by being present in classrooms, supported by leadership, and empowered to build environments where educators feel respected and children feel at home.
Experienced Assistant Directors or Program Coordinators ready to step into a Director role are encouraged to apply.
Job Types: Full-time, Contract
Pay: $20.00 - $24.50 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Childcare
- Dental insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Education:
Experience:
- Childcare: 1 year (Required)
- Administration: 1 year (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- South Portland, ME 04106 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- South Portland, ME 04106: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
