Childcare Center Director Jobs in Ohio
Childcare Center Director jobs in Ohio are consistently active, with demand concentrated in early childhood education networks, nonprofit community organizations, and employer-sponsored childcare programs attached to hospital systems and universities. Most openings are in Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati, where established employers like Bright Horizons, KinderCare Learning Centers, and YMCA of the USA operate multiple facilities. Directors with experience in Ohio Department of Job and Family Services licensing compliance, infant-toddler program oversight, and Head Start administration attract the strongest interest from hiring managers. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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All Around Children is seeking a qualified and experienced Childcare Center Director to join our team in providing exceptional care and education to young children at a high quality preschool and childcare program located in Bedford Heights, OH.
Who We Are
Our family-owned company has been a leader in early childhood education since 2008 and our eight state-of-the-art learning centers are located throughout NE Ohio. As a member of our team, you will have access to generous benefits, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment that encourages collaboration and open communication. We are passionate about providing high-quality learning experiences for children and are looking for an individual who shares our dedication and enthusiasm. Our focus is entirely local, and that commitment shapes everything about how we operate.
Salary Range: $55,000 - $60,000 per year
Job Summary
Our ideal candidate is a strong leader energized by coaching teachers, developing staff, and building the kind of program that families trust. A minimum of 3 years of director or assistant director experience is required, along with familiarity with Ohio childcare licensing and a genuine passion for early childhood education.
How We Support Our Directors
At AAC, many administrative and operational functions are managed at the organizational level so that directors can focus on what matters most: instructional leadership, staff development, and educational/care outcomes. Every center is led by a director and assistant director in partnership, profit sharing is extended to both, and directors have real-time visibility into their center's financial performance. Directors here are empowered to shape their programs that reflect the communities they serve, not execute a standardized playbook.
Duties/Responsibilities
- Supervising and managing all aspects of center operations, including staff, curriculum, enrollment and tuition including CACFP food paperwork and reports
- Ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations related to childcare centers
- Developing and implementing policies and procedures to maintain a safe and welcoming environment for children, families, and staff
- Creating and maintaining positive relationships with families and the community
- Collaborate with community organizations and agencies to enhance the center's impact and reach
- Leading staff meetings and providing ongoing training and support to teachers and support staff
- Collaborating with other members of the leadership team to develop and implement strategic plans for the center
- Monitoring and documenting student progress, assessing teaching strategies, and implementing changes as needed
- Implement best practices in early childhood education, including curriculum development, assessment, and staff training and development
Requirements
- Must hold a CDA (minimum) AA or higher degree in early childhood education or a related field
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in a leadership role in a childcare center
- Career Pathways Level (CPL) 3 certification
- Prior Childcare Director/Assistant Director experience necessary
- Knowledge of Step Up to Quality (SUTQ)
- Knowledge of ODJFS licensing rules
- Strong knowledge of early childhood development and education theory and practice
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with families and staff
- Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire a team
- Ability to manage a budget and ensure financial accountability
- Knowledge of local, state, and federal regulations related to childcare centers
- Working knowledge of MS Office and Excel
- Knowledge of ProCare is a plus
- Tdap and MMR Vaccination
- TB Screening
Benefits
Health and Wellness Benefits:
- Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
- Short Term Disability Insurance
- 100% Employer-Paid Life Insurance
Financial and Retirement Benefits:
- 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan (with up to 3% Company Match)
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Monthly Profit Sharing
Work-Life Balance:
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Paid Parental Leave
- Paid Holidays
- Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Leave
- No Weekend Work
- One-Hour Lunch Breaks
Professional Development:
- Paid Professional Development Days
- Employer-Sponsored Child Development Associate (CDA) Program
Workplace Perks:
- Heavily Discounted Child Care
- Referral Bonus Program (New Family & Staff Referrals)
- Complimentary Company Apparel
- Free Coffee, Tea, and Snacks
- Bright and Inviting Facility, with Dedicated Staff Break Areas
Please note: The employment application process for All Around Children is separate and independent from the child enrollment process. Applying for a position does not guarantee or grant priority for child care enrollment.
For any questions regarding your application, please call 440-786-8888 x1003. Or reach out via email to marcus@allaroundchildren.com.
All Around Children is seeking a qualified and experienced Childcare Center Director to join our team in providing exceptional care and education to young children at a high quality preschool and childcare program located in Bedford Heights, OH.
Who We Are
Our family-owned company has been a leader in early childhood education since 2008 and our eight state-of-the-art learning centers are located throughout NE Ohio. As a member of our team, you will have access to generous benefits, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment that encourages collaboration and open communication. We are passionate about providing high-quality learning experiences for children and are looking for an individual who shares our dedication and enthusiasm. Our focus is entirely local, and that commitment shapes everything about how we operate.
Salary Range: $55,000 - $60,000 per year
Job Summary
Our ideal candidate is a strong leader energized by coaching teachers, developing staff, and building the kind of program that families trust. A minimum of 3 years of director or assistant director experience is required, along with familiarity with Ohio childcare licensing and a genuine passion for early childhood education.
How We Support Our Directors
At AAC, many administrative and operational functions are managed at the organizational level so that directors can focus on what matters most: instructional leadership, staff development, and educational/care outcomes. Every center is led by a director and assistant director in partnership, profit sharing is extended to both, and directors have real-time visibility into their center's financial performance. Directors here are empowered to shape their programs that reflect the communities they serve, not execute a standardized playbook.
Duties/Responsibilities
- Supervising and managing all aspects of center operations, including staff, curriculum, enrollment and tuition including CACFP food paperwork and reports
- Ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations related to childcare centers
- Developing and implementing policies and procedures to maintain a safe and welcoming environment for children, families, and staff
- Creating and maintaining positive relationships with families and the community
- Collaborate with community organizations and agencies to enhance the center's impact and reach
- Leading staff meetings and providing ongoing training and support to teachers and support staff
- Collaborating with other members of the leadership team to develop and implement strategic plans for the center
- Monitoring and documenting student progress, assessing teaching strategies, and implementing changes as needed
- Implement best practices in early childhood education, including curriculum development, assessment, and staff training and development
Requirements
- Must hold a CDA (minimum) AA or higher degree in early childhood education or a related field
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in a leadership role in a childcare center
- Career Pathways Level (CPL) 3 certification
- Prior Childcare Director/Assistant Director experience necessary
- Knowledge of Step Up to Quality (SUTQ)
- Knowledge of ODJFS licensing rules
- Strong knowledge of early childhood development and education theory and practice
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with families and staff
- Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire a team
- Ability to manage a budget and ensure financial accountability
- Knowledge of local, state, and federal regulations related to childcare centers
- Working knowledge of MS Office and Excel
- Knowledge of ProCare is a plus
- Tdap and MMR Vaccination
- TB Screening
Benefits
Health and Wellness Benefits:
- Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
- Short Term Disability Insurance
- 100% Employer-Paid Life Insurance
Financial and Retirement Benefits:
- 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan (with up to 3% Company Match)
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Monthly Profit Sharing
Work-Life Balance:
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Paid Parental Leave
- Paid Holidays
- Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Leave
- No Weekend Work
- One-Hour Lunch Breaks
Professional Development:
- Paid Professional Development Days
- Employer-Sponsored Child Development Associate (CDA) Program
Workplace Perks:
- Heavily Discounted Child Care
- Referral Bonus Program (New Family & Staff Referrals)
- Complimentary Company Apparel
- Free Coffee, Tea, and Snacks
- Bright and Inviting Facility, with Dedicated Staff Break Areas
Please note: The employment application process for All Around Children is separate and independent from the child enrollment process. Applying for a position does not guarantee or grant priority for child care enrollment.
For any questions regarding your application, please call 440-786-8888 x1003. Or reach out via email to marcus@allaroundchildren.com.
See All 9 Childcare Center Director Jobs in Ohio
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Find JobsChildcare Center Director Jobs by City in Ohio
Where Ohio roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Childcare Center Director Job Market in Ohio
A snapshot from current Ohio openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
What Ohio Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in childcare center director jobs across Ohio.
- Active Ohio childcare director credential or Step Up To Quality recognized qualification required
- Bachelor's degree in early childhood education, child development, or closely related field
- Minimum of two years leading staff in a licensed childcare or preschool setting
- Working knowledge of Ohio Department of Job and Family Services childcare licensing rules
- Experience managing program budgets, enrollment, and parent or community communications
- Current pediatric CPR and first-aid certification valid in Ohio
Childcare Center Director Jobs in Ohio: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a childcare center director in Ohio?
To direct a licensed childcare center in Ohio, you must hold a Director Credential issued or recognized by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. That credential requires a qualifying degree in early childhood education or a related field plus documented experience working with children in a licensed setting. Many candidates build toward it through Ohio's Step Up To Quality professional development system, which maps coursework and experience to the tiered credential levels ODJFS recognizes.
Which companies hire childcare center directors in Ohio?
Employers hiring childcare center directors in Ohio right now include All Around Children, Childtime Learning Centers, and The Learning Experience UK, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Ohio's mix of hospital systems, large university campuses, and nonprofit early childhood networks means director openings come from a wide range of organization types beyond standalone childcare chains.
Which Ohio cities have the most childcare center director jobs?
Powell, Bedford, and Wooster lead Ohio for childcare center director openings. Columbus drives the largest share because it is home to Ohio State University, a dense network of nonprofit early childhood organizations, and the state's fastest-growing metro population, while Cleveland and Cincinnati add volume through major hospital systems and employer-sponsored childcare programs tied to their corporate headquarters.
Are there remote childcare center director jobs in Ohio?
Yes, but they're rare. Childcare center directors oversee on-site staff, classrooms, and families daily, so most positions require physical presence at the facility. About 0% of childcare center director openings tied to Ohio are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, and those tend to be regional or multi-site oversight roles where administrative work can be done off-site while periodic travel covers the centers.
How can I get hired as a childcare center director in Ohio with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is moving into a lead teacher or assistant director role at an Ohio-licensed center first, then accumulating the supervised experience ODJFS requires for the Director Credential. Large Ohio operators like YMCA childcare programs and Head Start grantees run internal promotion tracks that move classroom staff into site leadership over two to three years. Completing Ohio's Step Up To Quality training modules and maintaining a portfolio of curriculum planning and staff supervision experience strengthens any candidacy before the full director credential is earned.
Where can I find and apply to childcare center director jobs in Ohio?
You can find and apply to childcare center director jobs in Ohio on Migrate Mate, which lists current Ohio openings from employers actively hiring now. Find roles that match your experience and location, then apply directly to each employer through the listing.
See All 9 Childcare Center Director Jobs in Ohio
Find roles in Ohio that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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