Child Study & Development Center Director

About the role

The Child Study and Development Center (CSDC) Director provides strategic leadership and administrative oversight for a university-affiliated Child Care and Education Lab School. This role ensures the delivery of high-quality early childhood education programming while supporting university coursework, research initiatives, and community engagement.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership, vision, and strategic direction for the lab school.

• Oversee daily operations, including staffing, budgeting, enrollment, and facilities management.

• Ensure compliance with New Hampshire licensing regulations, accreditation standards (e.g., NAEYC), and university policies.

• Develop and implement policies, procedures, and program improvements aligned with best practices in early childhood education.

• Advise students on degree requirements, course planning, and academic progress.

• Teach two undergraduate courses a year with CSDC practicums.

• Contribute to the service responsibilities of the department and college.

• Supervise and support teaching staff through mentoring, evaluation, and professional development.

• Ensure implementation of developmentally appropriate, inclusive, and culturally responsive curriculum.

• Facilitate the lab school’s role as a practicum and observation site for university students.

• Collaborate with faculty to integrate coursework and field experiences.

• Build strong partnerships with families, university departments, and community organizations.

• Serve as a resource for early childhood education in the region.

• Coordinate outreach, trainings, and community-based initiatives.

• Develop and manage program budgets and funding sources.

• Oversee staff recruitment, hiring, scheduling, and retention.

• Maintain safe, healthy, and developmentally appropriate environments for children.

Requirements

• Minimum Acceptable Education & Experience: Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Educational Leadership, or a closely related field required. Experience in a university or campus-based early childhood care and education center. Experience serving as an Executive Director for a licensed early childhood care and education center. Experience mentoring student assistants or interns. Familiarity with accreditation and licensing standards (e.g., NAEYC).

• Required Licenses & Certifications: Qualify as a Program Director under New Hampshire Child Care Licensing Rules. Knowledge of child development principles and best practices.

• Skills: Strong leadership and personnel management skills. Budgeting, financial oversight, and organizational management. Effective communication, collaboration, and conflict resolution. Research coordination and academic partnership facilitation.

Qualifications

• Knowledge: Early childhood development and evidence-based teaching practices. University lab school model (teaching, research, service integration). New Hampshire childcare licensing regulations and national accreditation standards. Program evaluation, curriculum design, and assessment tools.