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Children & Families of Iowa · 1 month ago

Child Development Center Program Director

Des Moines,IA,US

Full-time

Onsite

Senior Level

5+ years exp

Children & Families of Iowa is dedicated to shaping exceptional childcare services. In this leadership role, you will guide the operation of childcare programs, ensuring high standards and compliance while building a strong team and collaborating with partners to enhance community impact.

CharityChild CareChildrenCommunitiesHealth CareNon Profit

Responsibilities

Guide the overall operation of our childcare programs, ensuring they meet high standards, fulfill funding expectations, and reflect CFI’s mission

Create a positive, high-performing workplace through hiring, coaching, training, and celebrating staff

Ensure programs meet accreditation, licensing, and HHS requirements

Plan, implement, and evaluate program content so it stays responsive to community needs and aligned with budget goals

Build strong relationships with funders like Early Head Start, United Way, and Early Childhood Iowa

Regular collaboration with senior leadership means your insights influence strategy and big-picture planning

Lead and participate in quality improvement efforts that enhance CFI’s services, staff experience, and client outcomes

Work closely with our CFO and Foundation teams to ensure safe facilities and advocate for additional resources that elevate the experience for clients and staff

Maintain up-to-date knowledge in areas like QRS, Creative Curriculum, and Teaching Strategies GOLD Assessment

Qualification

Child DevelopmentSupervisory LeadershipTrauma-Informed CareBudgeting SkillsTechnical Decision MakingQRS KnowledgeCreative CurriculumTeaching Strategies GOLDCommunication

Required

A Bachelor's degree in Child Development or related field

Five years of related experience, including supervisory leadership

An understanding of human behavior, child development, and trauma-informed care

Ability to meet DHS points-based qualification standards

Strong communication skills for working with staff, families, funders, and partners

Solid math and reasoning skills to support budgeting, reporting, and compliance

Ability to navigate technical information and make sound decisions

Comfort working in varied environments, indoors and outdoors

Comfort handling occasional situations involving bodily fluids—an important part of keeping children safe, clean, and well-cared for

Ability to lift, move, and position materials as needed for childcare operations, including ability to lift and/or move up to 75 pounds

A valid driver's license, clean driving record, and the ability to meet agency insurance requirements. You must be able to provide proof of auto insurance and may be required to obtain a CDL or Chauffeur's license. An acceptable driving record must be maintained per insurance carrier standards

Willingness to complete and maintain all required training and certifications as applicable by licensing, accreditations, contract and agency guidelines