Director, Ann Graves Child Development Center

About the role

The Hockaday School seeks an enthusiastic and mission-driven Director of the Ann Graves Child Development Center to provide visionary leadership, strategic direction, and operational management for the child development center. The Director is responsible for fostering a nurturing, safe, and developmentally appropriate environment that supports the growth and well-being of young children while serving the needs of Hockaday faculty and staff families.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for all aspects of the Child Development Center (CDC)
• Develop and maintain a nurturing, safe, and developmentally appropriate childcare program
• Establish and communicate a clear vision for the CDC aligned with Hockaday's mission and values
• Foster a positive culture that supports children, families, and staff
• Lead continuous improvement efforts focused on program quality, enrollment, and family satisfaction
• Ensure full compliance with all applicable Texas Health and Human Services Child Care Licensing regulations and minimum standards
• Maintain all required licensing records, reports, and documentation
• Ensure adherence to health, safety, emergency preparedness, and child protection policies
• Recruit, hire, onboard, supervise, evaluate, and retain highly qualified staff
• Create a collaborative and supportive work environment that promotes professional growth
• Conduct regular classroom observations and provide coaching and feedback
• Ensure implementation of developmentally appropriate practices and curriculum
• Monitor children's developmental progress and support teachers in meeting individual needs
• Promote a play-based learning environment that supports social-emotional, cognitive, physical, and language development
• Build strong, trusting relationships with CDC families
• Communicate regularly with parents regarding children's development, center operations, and special events
• Address parent concerns promptly and professionally
• Develop and maintain the CDC budget
• Monitor revenue and expenses to ensure financial sustainability
• Evaluate program needs and make recommendations regarding staffing, resources, and equipment

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree in Education, Business, or related field preferred
• The qualifications necessary to serve as a licensed Child Care Center Director in the State of Texas
• At least 5 years of experience leading a childcare program, child development center, preschool, or similar educational environment
• A passion for childcare and a deep commitment to nurturing the growth, development, and well-being of young children
• Strong knowledge of child development, developmentally appropriate practices, and current trends in childcare practices
• Knowledge of Texas Child Care Licensing regulations and a commitment to maintaining compliance, safety, and operational excellence
• Exceptional organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment
• Experience with budgeting, enrollment management, staffing, and operational oversight
• The ability to navigate challenges with professionalism, emotional intelligence, and sound judgment under pressure
• A demonstrated ability to build trust, strengthen team culture, and foster positive working relationships among staff

Why you'll love working at Hockaday

You'll join a mission-driven, joyful community that believes deeply in the limitless potential of girls. We are a community grounded in the Hockaday Cornerstones—Character, Courtesy, Scholarship, and Athletics—and you'll bring these values to life in your daily work. We are energized by meaningful challenges, embrace a growth mindset, and seek creative solutions that positively impact our students. We honor our rich traditions while embracing innovation across all areas of the School.