Hybrid Child Care Director at HOMETOWN Health Center

Job Title: Child Care Director
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer / Chief Operating Officer

About Us

HOMETOWN Health Center is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) providing medical, dental, behavioral health and wellness services to our community. We are opening an on-site child care facility in our new facility to serve children ages 6 weeks to 12 years. This is a unique opportunity to lead a program within a healthcare setting, ensuring children receive high-quality, developmentally appropriate care while supporting working families.

Position Summary

The Child Care Director is responsible for the overall management, licensing compliance, staffing and daily operations of the HOMETOWN Health Center Child Care Facility, which serves children from 6 weeks to 12 years of age. The Director ensures that all operations meet or exceed the regulations set by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Office of Child and Family Services (OCFS), providing a safe, healthy and developmentally appropriate environment for children in care.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Regulatory Compliance & Licensing

• Ensure full compliance with Maine DHHS/OCFS licensing regulations for facilities serving children aged 6 weeks to 12 years.
• Maintain required staffing ratios, space standards and health and safety protocols.
• Hold current CPR and First Aid certification and ensure all staff maintain the same.
• Oversee all documentation and inspections related to pre-licensing, ongoing operations and renewals.
• Authorize and cooperate with all required background checks, including criminal history, Child Protective Services, driving records and national sex offender registry checks.

Program & Curriculum Management

• Develop, implement and monitor age-appropriate curricula for all age groups served.
• Ensure programming supports the developmental, cultural and individual needs of each child.
• Maintain consistent daily schedules and routines, including nutrition, rest and play, aligned with best practices.

Staff Leadership

• Train and supervise staff in accordance with state regulations.
• Conduct regular staff evaluations and provide professional development and mentoring.
• Ensure staff meet all education, credentialing and training requirements as outlined by Maine DHHS.

Family & Community Relations

• Foster strong, respectful partnerships with families and maintain regular communication regarding child progress and facility updates.
• Collaborate with other departments to integrate supportive health and community resources.

Health & Safety Oversight

• Monitor and enforce all health, safety and emergency preparedness policies.
• Respond to and document incidents, accidents and health concerns in accordance with reporting requirements.

Financial & Administrative Duties

• Manage enrollment, billing and budgeting for the program.
• Maintain records in compliance with licensing and organizational standards.

Qualifications (Per Maine DHHS OCFS Licensing Standards)

The Director must be at least 21 years of age and meet one of the following criteria:

1. Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education; or
2. Associate Degree with 12 credits in Early Childhood Education or a Department-approved related field, plus two years of direct child care experience; or
3. 30 college credits in Early Childhood Education, plus one year of direct child care experience; or
4. Current Child Development Associate (CDA) credential (Council for Professional Recognition) or Maine State-approved credential, plus three years of direct child care experience; or
5. Five years of direct child care experience and 135 hours of training in early childhood education covering:
   • Healthy, safe and inclusive environments
   • Child development
   • Observation and assessment
   • Developmentally appropriate practice
   • Guidance
   • Relationships with families
   • Cultural diversity

Additional Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated maturity, compassion and consistent compliance with child care laws and regulations.
• Proven ability to manage staff, financial operations and daily program activities.
• No history of substantiated child abuse/neglect, license revocation, or criminal activity that would disqualify one from child care work.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification (adult and pediatric).
• Completion of at least 6 hours of pre-licensing training in:
  • Healthy and safe environments
  • Child development
  • Observation and assessment
  • Developmentally appropriate practice
  • Guidance
  • Relationships with families
  • Individual and cultural diversity
  • Children with special needs
  • Business and professional development

Work Environment

Operates within an FQHC setting with access to integrated healthcare resources. Requires flexibility, attention to detail and the ability to balance regulatory requirements with high-quality care delivery.