Children's Education and Care Service Director
SOC 11-9031.00 · ESCO 1341 · OSCA 141231
Role snapshot
Overview
Directs an early childhood centre's operations, ensuring educational programs meet regulatory standards while mentoring educators, managing enrolments, and engaging with families. This role involves strategic planning, staff supervision, budget management, and fostering a nurturing and stimulating learning environment.
Ensures the provision of high-quality early childhood education and care, positively shaping the developmental outcomes of young children and supporting families within the community.
On the job
- Oversee daily operations and ensure compliance with all state and federal regulations for early childhood education
- Develop, implement, and evaluate educational programs and curriculum to meet developmental goals
- Recruit, train, supervise, and mentor early childhood educators and support staff
- Manage centre finances, including budgeting, billing, and resource allocation
- Foster strong relationships with children, families, staff, and community stakeholders
Tools & technology
Average salary
Job outlook
StableDemand is steady. This is an established role with consistent hiring across sectors.
Education & training
Typically requires a bachelor's degree or advanced diploma in early childhood education or a related field, often with significant experience in childcare leadership.
Career pathways
WHERE YOU COULD GO
CURRENT ROLE
Children's Education and Care Service Director
Teaching & Instruction
ADJACENT MOVES
STARTING POINTS
Who thrives here
Interest profile
social · SEC
People who enjoy working directly with children and families, leading and managing teams, and ensuring structured, compliant operations often thrive as a Children's Education and Care Service Director.
Personality characteristics
Organized and Responsible
Ensures all centre operations, from curriculum to compliance, run smoothly and meet high standards.
Engaging Leader
Comfortable directing staff, interacting with parents, and representing the centre in the community.
Empathetic and Collaborative
Builds strong, trusting relationships with children, families, and staff, fostering a supportive environment.
Calm Under Pressure
Handles unexpected challenges, emergencies, and the daily demands of a busy childcare centre with composure.
Forward-Thinking
Continuously seeks out new educational approaches and improves centre programs and services.
Best for
- Individuals passionate about early childhood development who want to lead and manage an educational institution.
- Those who excel at building relationships and ensuring a high-quality, compliant service for children and families.
Watch out for
- The role demands continuous attention to compliance and regulatory changes, which can be demanding.
- Balancing administrative tasks with direct interaction and staff support requires excellent time management.
A week in the life
A representative working week for a Children's Education and Care Service Director — where the deep work, meetings, and admin actually land.
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