Daycare Program Director

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced and passionate Daycare Director / Teacher to lead the daily operations of a licensed, church-based early childhood center in Port Allen, Louisiana. The Director is responsible for ensuring the program operates in compliance with Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) licensing regulations and the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). The Director also maintains high-quality early childhood education standards and provides a safe, nurturing, faith-centered environment for children and staff.

The Director will oversee staff supervision, curriculum implementation, family engagement, food program administration and regulatory compliance. The Director will also teach in the classroom as needed, promoting positive child development and school readiness.

Key Responsibilities

Program Administration

• Manage the daily operations of the child care center.
• Ensure compliance with Louisiana Child Care Licensing Regulations.
• Maintain required records, reports and licensing documentation.
• Develop and implement center policies and procedures.
• Work closely with church leadership and support the mission and ministry of the church.

CACFP (Child and Adult Care Food Program)

• Administer the center's participation in CACFP in line with USDA and Louisiana Department of Education requirements.
• Plan menus that meet CACFP meal pattern requirements for all age groups.
• Maintain accurate daily meal counts, attendance records and food production records.
• Collect and maintain enrollment and income eligibility forms.
• Prepare and submit monthly reimbursement claims on time.
• Train staff on CACFP procedures, food safety and civil rights requirements.
• Prepare for and participate in CACFP monitoring reviews and correct any findings.

Staff Management

• Recruit, hire, train and supervise teachers and support staff.
• Conduct staff evaluations and provide ongoing professional development.
• Maintain staff schedules and ensure required child-to-staff ratios.

Classroom Teaching

• Serve as a lead or floating teacher in the classroom as needed.
• Plan and carry out age-appropriate lesson plans, including faith-based activities.
• Observe and document children's progress and development.
• Model best teaching practices for staff.

Child Development & Curriculum

• Oversee implementation of developmentally appropriate curriculum aligned with Louisiana early learning standards.
• Monitor classroom environments to ensure quality instruction and child engagement.
• Support teachers in behavior management and classroom strategies.

Family & Community Engagement

• Build strong relationships with parents and families.
• Address parent concerns and maintain open communication.
• Coordinate family events, orientations and conferences.

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure adherence to health, safety and sanitation standards.
• Maintain emergency preparedness plans and safety procedures.
• Ensure proper documentation of incidents and child records.

Financial & Administrative Duties

• Manage enrollment and waiting lists.
• Assist with budgeting and program expenditures.
• Monitor attendance and billing records.

Minimum Qualifications:

Candidates must meet the Louisiana Early Learning Center Director qualifications, which may include:

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development or a related field
• OR
• Associate degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field, plus experience
• At least 5 years of experience in an early childhood program (lead teacher, assistant director or administrative role)

Additional requirements:

• Must be 21 years of age or older
• Pass the Louisiana child care criminal background check
• Meet CPR/First Aid certification requirements
• Complete required Louisiana Early Childhood training hours
• Working knowledge of CACFP regulations, meal patterns and recordkeeping

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience administering CACFP at a child care center
• Louisiana Early Childhood Director Credential or CDA
• Experience in a faith-based or church-affiliated program
• Familiarity with CLASS® observations and Louisiana performance ratings

Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership and staff management
• Knowledge of Louisiana licensing and compliance requirements
• Knowledge of CACFP and USDA nutrition requirements
• Excellent communication and conflict resolution
• Organizational and administrative skills
• A caring, patient approach with young children and a heart for ministry

Work Location: In person