Expected Annual Pay (Texas)
$48,510
Average salary range
Job Title
Director (Child Care Center)
Job Outlook (Texas)
+14%
Employment growth
Level of Education Required
Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a closely related field
Minimum requirement
Credentials or Licenses Required
Must meet Texas Child Care Regulation requirements for child care center directors. Some employers may prefer or require a Child Care and Child-Placing Agency Administrator Credential.
Licenses / Certificates
What is this role responsible for day to day?
A child care center director oversees the daily operation of the center and ensures high‑quality care, education, and compliance. Day‑to‑day work includes:
- Managing staff hiring, supervision, and scheduling
- Ensuring compliance with Texas Child Care Licensing standards
- Overseeing budgets, payroll, and center operations
- Supporting classroom quality and educational programming
- Communicating with families and addressing concerns
- Maintaining enrollment, records, and required documentation
- Problem‑solving and responding to issues as they arise
Career Snapshots
Explore different career paths within education and find the one that fits your passion
Jasmine
Jasmine began her career as a nanny and then ran a small home-based child care program, where she learned how to manage budgets, communicate with families, and support children of different ages. As her program grew, she pursued additional training in early childhood education and program administration before moving into a center-based leadership role. As a director, she enjoys building relationships with families and staff, and she hopes to eventually open and oversee multiple early learning programs in her community.
Carlos
Carlos started his career as a preschool teacher and later became an instructional coach, helping educators strengthen classroom quality and child outcomes. His experience supporting teachers and leading professional development sparked an interest in program leadership, leading him to become a center director. He plans to go back to school to earn a master’s and work toward becoming a school principal.
Mei
Mei entered the early childhood field through the business side of operations, working in enrollment, family services, and administrative support for a large child care organization. Over time, she gained experience with staffing, budgeting, licensing compliance, and program management while completing additional coursework in early childhood education. As a director, she enjoys creating systems that help programs run effectively, and she hopes to stay in this role long-term.
What are some skills or personal traits that people in this role typically have?
Directors are organized, calm under pressure, and people‑focused leaders. They communicate clearly, make ethical decisions, balance business responsibilities with children’s needs, and remain flexible when unexpected issues arise.
What are some jobs that people had earlier in their careers?
People in this role often previously worked as:
People in this role often previously worked as:
- Lead Teacher
- Assistant Director
- Early Childhood Teacher
What are some jobs that people in this role have later in their careers?
With experience, people in this role may move into:
With experience, directors may move into roles such as:
- Early Learning Program Owner
- District or Agency Administrator
- Trainer, Coach, or Consultant in Early Childhood Education