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Early Childhood Center Manager

Happy Place Childcare of Middletown, LLC
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POSITION: Early Childhood Center Manager

COMPANY: Happy Place Child Care

REPORTING TO: Chief Administrator

STATUS: Full-time (40-hours/per week) & Over-time as needed

COMPENSATION: Compensation is based on experience and education

LOCATION: Any Happy Place Location (Middletown, DE or Newark, DE)

 

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Early Childhood Center Manager at Happy Place plays a critical leadership role in ensuring the daily operations of the center run smoothly, safely, and in alignment with our Christian-based values. This position oversees staff performance, supports parent communication, manages schedules and logistics, and ensures compliance with all state regulations and internal policies.

 

YOU’RE PERFECT FOR THE POSITION AT HAPPY PLACE IF… 

  • You’re a natural leader who inspires others with kindness, accountability, and a calm presence – even when the day gets hectic.
  • You believe that childcare is a calling, not just a career, and you bring both heart and high standards to every part of your work.
  • You thrive in a positive, uplifting environment where grace, compassion, and strong values guide decision-making.
  • You have a “get it done” mindset, you’re resourceful, proactive, and take initiative without waiting to be told what to do.
  • You understand that when one person falls behind, the whole team feels it, so you lead with humility and responsibility.
  • You’re confident managing both staff and parent relationships and are comfortable having direct, respectful conversations when needed.
  • You love systems and structure, but know when to be flexible and step in with a warm smile or an extra set of hands.
  • You care deeply about children’s safety, learning, and joy, and you hold yourself and your team to the highest level of care.
  • You’re committed to growing as a professional and helping others do the same, through training, feedback, and encouragement.
  • You’re the kind of person who will wipe a counter, answer a phone, or calm a child because nothing is “not your job” when it’s for the good of the team.
     

QUALIFICATIONS: 

  • At least 21 years old 
  • Pass a Comprehensive background check & fingerprinting
  • Enrolled in a program for a Bachelor's or Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education
  • 12 months of experience working with children ages birth through second grade in a group setting
  • Successful completion of Training for Early Care and Education 1 and 2 (TECE 1 and TECE 2) or equivalent training
  • Successful completion of at least 15 credits from a regionally accredited college or university
     

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Leadership & Staff Supervision

  • Supervise daily performance of teachers and support staff to ensure all responsibilities are completed to standard.
  • Provide regular feedback, coaching, and performance correction when needed in alignment with the disciplinary procedure.
  • Support staff in professional development planning and ensure compliance with annual training requirements.
  • Facilitate daily communication with teachers and floaters to ensure classrooms are fully staffed and equipped.
  • Step in to assist in classrooms as needed during staff shortages or high ratios.

     

Parent & Family Relations

  • Greet and check in parents/guardians at pickup and drop-off times; maintain a welcoming and secure front entry experience.
  • Communicate professionally with parents about concerns, incidents, and classroom updates.
  • Respond to family inquiries and concerns promptly, escalating to the Chief Administrator when necessary.
  • Monitor daily sign-in/sign-out sheets and ensure all children are released only to authorized individuals.

     

Transportation & Safety Oversight

  • Coordinate the arrival and departure of children riding school buses, ensuring they are safely escorted to and from their classrooms.
  • Maintain up-to-date transportation schedules and communicate any delays or changes to teachers and parents.
  • Supervise safe transitions between classrooms, buses, and family pickup.

     

Operational Oversight

  • Monitor classroom activity and ensure that lesson plans, daily reports, and sanitation routines are being completed.
  • Conduct regular walkthroughs of all rooms to ensure compliance with Delacare regulations and center policies.
  • Enforce uniform and dress code policies among staff.
  • Address and document staff infractions in coordination with the Chief Administrator.

     

Administrative & Scheduling Duties

  • Assist in staff scheduling, including managing call-outs, break coverage, and lunch rotations.
  • Support training and orientation of new staff members.
  • Ensure that daily documentation (accident reports, medication forms, attendance) is completed and filed accurately.
    Assist with state inspections, audits, and the preparation of documentation as required.

General Center Support

  • Attend and lead weekly staff meetings and participate in parent-teacher conferences or family events as needed.
  • Maintain confidentiality of children, families, and staff per the center's policy.
  • Model the core values of Happy Place as listed below in all interactions.


 

CORE VALUES:

Christ-Centered Compassion- We lead with love, grace, and patience, reflecting our faith through care for every child and family. 

Excellence in Early Learning- We strive for the highest standards in education, supporting every child’s developmental journey with intention and passion. 

Safety First, Always- We prioritize the physical and emotional safety of children, staff, and families in all decisions and actions. 

Respectful Family Partnerships- We value open, honest communication with families and work together to support each child’s growth. 

Inclusive & Joyful Family Community- We celebrate diversity and foster a culture where every child and staff member feels seen, valued, and supported because we are truly a family. 

Integrity & Accountability- We act with honesty and take responsibility for our actions, modeling ethical behavior at all times. 

Team-Focused Responsibility-  We show up for each other by thinking ahead, following through, and understanding how our actions affect the entire team and the children we serve. 
 

BENEFITS:

  • Paid Vacation & Holidays - 40 hours of paid vacation and 7 days of Paid Holidays 
  • Discount On Care - 50% off your child(ren)s tuition to the centers. 
  • Personalized Development Plans – We work with you to map out a clear path for advancement based on your interests, strengths, and career goals.
  • Paid Training & Certifications – We cover required professional development Certifications that can be used to increase pay.
  • Advancement from Within – We prioritize internal promotions whenever possible and help you meet DELACARE qualification milestones.
  • Recognition Wall – A monthly space to publicly acknowledge teammates who go above and beyond.
  • No-Gossip Environment – We foster emotionally safe, respectful spaces so you can thrive both personally and professionally.



 

APPLICATION PROCESS:

To apply for a position at Happy Place, candidates must submit a resume to happyplacedaycare@yahoo.com along with three references who are not family or friends. Selected applicants will be invited for an in-person interview with center leadership. 


Following the interview, candidates may be asked to participate in a one-hour classroom observation and working review to assess their interaction with children and classroom dynamics. 

Final candidates will receive a conditional offer letter, contingent upon the successful completion of fingerprinting, background checks, and all state-required clearances.