Job Description Job Description Lead with purpose. Grow with us.
Ready, Set, Grow Child Care Center is looking for a passionate, people-first Executive Director to lead our nurturing, high-quality early childhood program. If you believe that the earliest years shape a lifetime and you want your leadership to make a lasting difference for children, families, and staff, we'd love to meet you.
As Executive Director, you'll be the heart of our center: setting the vision, empowering a dedicated team, and building strong relationships throughout our community. This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of a beloved local institution while doing work that truly matters.
What you'll do
Lead the team. Provide organizational leadership, oversee hiring and evaluation, and foster a positive, collaborative, team-oriented culture.
Champion great programming. Guide curriculum planning and delivery rooted in developmentally appropriate practice and NAEYC standards.
Create a safe, joyful environment. Ensure a nurturing, safe, and orderly setting where children thrive.
Manage the business. Own budget development and strong financial management to keep the center healthy and sustainable.
Ensure compliance. Maintain full compliance with all licensing, health, and safety regulations and NAEYC guidelines, and keep policies and procedures current.
Build relationships. Partner with families, staff, the Board, funders, regulatory agencies, and community organizations and be a proud ambassador for the center.
Grow our people. Develop training and professional growth opportunities responsive to both program and staff needs.
Strengthen our reach. Lead public relations efforts and initiate collaboration with other childcare and community programs.
What you'll bring
Education (one of the following):
Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field; or
New York State Program Administrator Credential; or
Bachelor's Degree including twelve (12) credits in Early Childhood Education.
Experience: Five years of related experience, including teaching in an early childhood program, staff supervision, curriculum development, and organizational and financial management.
Supervisory experience: At least two years in a supervisory capacity in an early childhood education or child day care program.
Skills & qualities: Demonstrated leadership, sound supervisory skills, flexibility, and mature judgment; the ability to collaborate well with others; strong verbal and written communication; and accurate record-keeping.
Commitment: A dedication to the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct, with a high level of discretion and confidentiality.
A few practical details
Setting: Child care center environment. Minimal travel is required to attend meetings and mandated training.
Physical demands: When needed, provide physical assistance to children, including lifting or holding up to 35 lbs., and lifting/moving program supplies and equipment.
Health & clearances: As part of the hiring process, candidates must complete a physical and a Mantoux (PPD) TB test. Must meet the requirements of Child Day Care Regulations 418.14 regarding convictions and clear the State Central Register for Abuse or Maltreatment of Children.
Why Ready, Set, Grow?
When you lead here, you're not just running a center. You're building a foundation for children, supporting working families, and strengthening our community. You'll join a mission-driven organization where your leadership is valued, your ideas are welcomed, and your work changes lives every single day.
What we offer
Salary: $66,000-$83,000, commensurate with experience
Benefits: 401(k), health insurance, and paid time off
Schedule: Full-time, 8-hour shifts
Work location: In person, Corning, NY 14830 (candidates must reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting)
Ready to grow with us?
