Daycare Center Administrator

What is a Daycare Center Administrator?

A Daycare Center Administrator is an employee who oversees the administration and coordination of programs and policies, critical to the operations of a daycare facility. These employees work to plan, organize, train and lead all facets of the facilities they are charged with overseeing.

Job Responsibilities

The job responsibilities of Daycare Center Administrators vary to some degree according to their employer’s needs and the industry in which those employers operate. However, there are some basic responsibilities that most have in common, including:

• Plan and implement programs that align with the mission and goals of the employer and/or organization
• Supervise the procurement, use and maintenance of equipment, technology and supplies
• Develop long and short-term goals and initiatives that promote program success
• Develop program budgets, operating procedures and policies
• Maintain enriching relationships with families through excellent verbal and written communication, events, and positive interactions.
• Attain revenue goals by conducting tours and converting families into new enrollments
• Develop and manage record-keeping systems for financial, client, and employee records
• Develop and supervise procedures to ensure compliance with industry regulations and standards
• Manage staff recruitment, hiring, training, supervision and on-going evaluation
• Facilitate communication between management, staff, clients and other stakeholders
• Maintain regulatory adherence, including compliance, licensor relationships, and adapt to regulatory changes

Daycare center administrators typically perform all the duties listed above, along with many industry-specific ones. For instance, some may be at the helm of establishing educational programs and academic curriculum selection and/or development. Ongoing, they may be tasked with forecasting enrollment by classroom to determine availability and timing of open spaces. The variety of responsibilities in a single day creates an interesting work routine.

It is important to note that our administrators and educators alike are expected to train and nurture children’s curiosity, creativity and ingenuity. This is achieved via instruction or providing the requisite environment.

Additional Training/Requirements

Typically, employers in any industry prefer to hire candidates who have at least 2 or 3 years of work experience in this field or another closely related supervisory or managerial role. In some industries, specialty certifications may be required for more specified positions. Earning professional certifications means meeting standards set forth by the awarding organization, then passing an exam.

For more information and insights on building a career as a Daycare Center Administrator, please visit the Degree Insights section of the Bryant & Stratton College Blog.

Employment Settings

Many of the most common employment settings for Daycare Center Administrators are in childcare facilities and public and private K-12 schools. Colleges and universities also often employ administrators as well, to coordinate programs. Other common employment settings could include healthcare facilities, such as hospitals and social services organizations.