Early Childhood Program Director

The Program Director is a leadership role that supports high-quality programming through two key responsibilities: center-wide curriculum leadership and administrative/operational support. This position works closely with the Executive Director and administrative team to implement, monitor, and refine a responsive and inclusive curriculum while also contributing to the daily management of center operations, staff development, and family communication. The ideal candidate is passionate about early childhood education, committed to collaborative leadership, and capable of mentoring educators while helping the center meet licensing and quality standards.

Key Program Director Responsibilities

Curriculum Leadership

• Lead the implementation of OCCC’s emergent, play-based curriculum across all classrooms.

• Mentor teaching teams in planning developmentally appropriate experiences that reflect children’s interests, needs, and family cultures.

• Provide regular classroom observations and feedback to ensure curriculum fidelity and alignment with Vermont Early Learning Standards and NAEYC criteria.

• Coordinate professional development focused on pedagogy, child assessment, and reflective practice.

• Support the development and implementation of child assessment tools and documentation practices.

• Assist the Executive Director with daily program oversight, scheduling, and staff support.

• Assume duties of Executive Director and Teachers as needed during their absence.

• Help ensure compliance with Vermont child care licensing regulations and NAEYC standards.

• Participate in staff hiring, onboarding, and performance review processes.

• Resolve conflicts (including corrective action when necessary) to ensure a positive experience for everyone.

• Collaborate with the admin team and teaching teams on admissions decisions and classroom placements

• Collaborate on family engagement strategies, including conferences, workshops, and special events.

• Collaborate on creating regular newsletters.

• Maintain clear, respectful communication with families and staff.

• Support data collection for licensing, STARS, and accreditation purposes.

• Contribute to center-wide goal setting, self-assessment, and improvement planning.

• Monitor curriculum-related documentation and assist with maintaining accurate child records.  

Additional Knowledge, Skills and Experience Require

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field (Master’s preferred).

• Minimum of 3 years of teaching experience in an early childhood setting; 1–2 years of supervisory or curriculum leadership experience preferred.

• Vermont Northern Lights Director Credential Level I required; Level II preferred or in progress.  

Skills & Abilities

• Demonstrated knowledge of emergent curriculum, inclusive practices, and Vermont Early Learning Standards.

• Strong communication, leadership, and mentoring skills.

• Ability to support and guide staff with a collaborative, strengths-based approach.

• Familiarity with NAEYC accreditation and Vermont STARS quality standards.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and digital documentation tools.

• Ability to pass background checks including fingerprinting.

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

• Active participation in classrooms, including sitting on the floor and outdoor play.

• Ability to move easily between administrative tasks and classroom engagement throughout the day.

Occasional evening or weekend hours for family events or outreach.

​Location: Otter Creek Child Center – Middlebury, Vermont
Reports To: Executive Director
Employment Type: Full-time
Salary: $51,600-$70,000