Job Title

Program Owner (Center‑Based Child Care)

Expected Annual Pay (Texas)

$48,150

Average salary range

Job Outlook (Texas)

+14%

Employment growth

Level of Education Required

Many program owners hold a bachelor's degree in early childhood education, business administration, education, child development, or a related field. Some owners enter the role with other educational backgrounds and develop their expertise through experience in early childhood education and business management.

Minimum requirement

Credentials or Licenses Required

There is no specific Texas credential required to own a child care center. However, child care centers must comply with Texas Child Care Regulation licensing requirements, and owners are responsible for ensuring the program meets applicable licensing, health, safety, and operational standards.

Licenses / Certificates

Work Experience Typically Required

Though not required, many program owners have prior experience in early childhood education, center administration, program management, or business operations.

Related experience needed

What is this role responsible for day to day?

A program owner of a center‑based child care program oversees both the educational and business operations of the program. Day‑to‑day responsibilities may include:

Managing daily operations of the child care center, including staffing, scheduling, and budgeting
Ensuring compliance with Texas child care licensing regulations and health and safety standards
Overseeing curriculum implementation and program quality
Hiring, supervising, and supporting staff
Managing enrollment, family communication, and community relationships
Handling financial planning, payroll, and business sustainability

Career Snapshots

Explore different career paths within education and find the one that fits your passion

Selena

Selena began her career as an assistant teacher and later became a lead teacher and center director. Through those roles, she developed expertise in curriculum, staffing, and family engagement while learning how successful child care programs operate. She eventually opened her own center to create the kind of learning environment she envisioned for children and families. In the future, she hopes to expand to multiple locations and support other aspiring child care owners.

Micahel

Michael started as an afterschool teacher while earning a degree in business administration. After graduation, he worked in operations and financial management before joining a child care organization as an administrator. Combining his business background with a commitment to early childhood education led him to become a program owner. He enjoys building sustainable systems that support staff, children, and families, and would eventually like to serve as a consultant for state-level child care initiatives.

Pamela

Pamela first worked as a preschool teacher and spent many years advancing into leadership roles, including assistant director and center director. After opening her own center, she discovered that she enjoys balancing educational quality with the business side of running a program. She plans to remain a program owner long-term because she values the ability to shape the culture, vision, and impact of her center while building lasting relationships with families and educators.

What are some skills or personal traits that people in this role typically have?

People in this role are organized, business‑minded, and mission‑driven. They often balance leadership, financial management, and a commitment to high‑quality early childhood education.

What are some jobs that people had earlier in their careers?

People in this role often previously worked as:

Lead Teacher
Center Director or Assistant Director
Early Childhood Educator

What are some jobs that people in this role have later in their careers?

With experience, people in this role may move into:

Multi‑Site Program Owner or Operator
Early Childhood Consultant or Advisor
Executive Leadership Roles in Early Childhood Organizations