Program Director

SummaryThe Clemson Child Development Center (CCDC) is a non-profit ABC Quality Early Learning Center dedicated to the highest standards in early childhood care and education. Our focus is on the first five years of life, a vital window of opportunity in brain development. We are licensed by the SC Department of Social Services (DSS), accredited by the SC ABC Quality Rating and Improvement System (ABC QRIS) for childcare and early education, and comply fully with SC Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) regulations and the requirements of the Children and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).CCDC is seeking a visionary, results-driven, and compassionate leader for our Program Director position. This professional will serve as the primary designer and implementer of all programmatic aspects of our early learning center, demonstrating true leadership by taking initiative, driving change, and inspiring excellence throughout the organization. The Program Director will embody the Whole Leadership Framework, integrating Administrative Leadership, Pedagogical Leadership, and Leadership Essentials to create a thriving learning community. This individual will lead in addition to managing, taking full ownership of program outcomes and proactively coordinating all aspects of curriculum implementation, staff development, family engagement, and regulatory compliance. The Program Director will collaborate with the Executive Director, demonstrating autonomous leadership in achieving organizational goals for all Programmatic components of CCDC.DutiesPrimary ResponsibilitiesCompliance and Safety Ensure compliance with all state child care licensing regulations (SC DSS, DHEC) Ensure compliance with CACFP (Teacher Meal Service/Playground Records) Always maintain proper SC ABC Quality staff-to-child ratios Coordinate SC DSS regulatory visits and inspections Coordinate Fire (Monthly) and Tornado Drills (Quarterly) Keep all documentation current, accurate, and confidential Report environmental issues to Executive Director Monitor the condition of equipment, furniture, teaching supplies and learning materials Handle any emergencies as they occur providing leadership to teachers and staffOperational Support Manage daily schedules and classroom coverage Coordinate special events and activities Work with Executive Director on program planning Handle day-to-day program issues and concernsEducational Program Management Oversee daily classroom operations and educational quality Ensure curriculum is implemented consistently across all classrooms Monitor child assessments and use data to improve programming Maintain compliance with SC ABC Quality and SC DSS state licensing standardsStaff Leadership and Development Establish and maintain curriculum in alignment with the SCEC Standards Supervise implementation of curriculum to include First Steps 4K classrooms Supervise and support all teaching staff Design and implement comprehensive new teacher onboarding programs that align with CCDC's mission, values, and educational philosophy Lead new teacher orientation covering DSS/DHEC regulations, ABC Quality standards, emergency procedures, and CCDC policies detailed in Parent and Employee Handbooks Provide intensive mentoring and support to new hires during their first 90 days, including regular check-ins and skills development Coordinate with Instructional Coaches to ensure new teachers receive curriculum-specific training in Creative Curriculum, Conscious Discipline, SCPITC, and Handwriting Without Tears Lead and Conduct staff meetings and training sessions Lead mandatory training events for Conscious Discipline, Creative Curriculum, SCPITC, and Handwriting Without Tears, Etc. Assess new teacher competencies and create individualized professional development plans Complete performance evaluations and create growth plans Ensure all staff complete required training and certifications Facilitate new teacher integration into the CCDC School Family culture and collaborative learning environmentNew Teacher Development and Integration Develop and execute structured onboarding timelines for all new teaching staff Ensure new teachers understand and can implement developmentally appropriate practices Provide hands-on training in classroom management using Conscious Discipline principles Guide new teachers in building positive relationships with children and families Monitor new teacher progress and provide additional support as needed Coordinate coaching opportunities between new staff and Instructional CoachesFamily and Community Engagement Build positive relationships with families Supervise communication between teachers and families Plan and coordinate parent events and workshops to meet SC ABC Quality standards for Family Involvement Communicate regularly with parents about their child's progress Handle parent concerns and questions professionallyAdditional Responsibilities Complete all required DSS and ABC mandatory training and maintain current certifications Plan and Coordinate program special events and parent workshops, demonstrating leadership in planning and execution Maintain current knowledge of early childhood best practices and emerging trends Other leadership duties as aligned with program goals and organizational needs Attend all monthly CCDC Board of Directors Meetings and present a Program ReportRequirementsRequired Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field (Master's preferred) Knowledge of state licensing requirements and ABC Quality standards Strong communication and leadership skills Pediatric CPR and First Aid Certification Experience working in a play-based environment Must be able to work in an active and highly mobile position Must be able to take direction and guidance from Executive Director Must clear full background check per SC DSS requirements Must pass health screening per SC DSS requirements Must be able to lift babies in and out of cribs. Must be able to sit on the floor with children and be able to get up quickly. Must be able to lift 30 lbs.Nice To HavesPreferred Qualifications: Master's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field preferred; Bachelor's degree minimum Minimum of 5 years' experience in early childhood education with at least 3 years in leadership roles Demonstrated experience in program leadership in licensed childcare settings Experience with ABC Quality standards and DSS/DHEC regulations The Creative Curriculum for Infants & Toddlers/Preschool; SC Program for Infant & Toddler Care (SCPITC); Conscious Discipline (CD); Handwriting Without Tears (HWOT) Proven track record of leading staff development and professional growth initiativesBenefitsPaid Holidays (13 in 2025-2026 school year)Accrued Paid Time-OffAttendance Bonus Structure$25K Group Life InsuranceDental & Vision InsuranceVolunteer Life InsuranceEmployee Child Care DiscountFree Professional DevelopmentKick Start Your Career!