Contact Person: Caitlyn Stypa

Job Location:
Spartan Child Development Center
33 Crescent Road
East Lansing MI 48823

Job Description:

POSITION AND ORGANIZATION SUMMARY
The Spartan Child Development Center (SCDC) seeks a visionary and experienced Executive Director to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for a high-quality early childhood education program. The Executive Director is responsible for the overall management of the Center, including program administration, financial stewardship, staff leadership, compliance, community engagement, family partnerships, and organizational sustainability.
Working closely with the Board of Directors, the Executive Director ensures that all programs and services align with the Center’s mission, philosophy, licensing requirements, accreditation standards, and commitment to providing exceptional care and education for children and families. The Executive Director fosters a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, professional growth, and excellence in early childhood education.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership and Administration
• Provide overall leadership and management of the Center’s operations, programs, staff, and strategic initiatives.
• Collaborate with the Board of Directors to implement policies, support organizational goals, and ensure effective governance.
• Represent the Center with families, community organizations, educational institutions, regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders.

Financial and Operational Management
• Oversee budgeting, financial operations, enrollment, tuition administration, contracts, and long-term financial sustainability.
• Partner with the Business Manager to monitor financial performance and ensure sound fiscal practices.
• Oversee facility operations, maintenance, and administrative functions.

Human Resource Management
• Recruit, supervise, evaluate, and support Center staff, including administrative and program leadership personnel.
• Promote a positive workplace culture through coaching, communication, professional development, and employee engagement.
• Address personnel issues and implement corrective action when necessary.

Program Oversight and Quality Assurance
• Ensure the delivery of high-quality early childhood education programs that support children’s developmental, educational, and social-emotional growth.
• Oversee curriculum implementation, classroom quality, staff performance, and continuous program improvement.
• Maintain compliance with licensing, accreditation, and regulatory requirements and remain current on best practices in early childhood education.

Family and Community Engagement
• Foster positive relationships and communication with families and serve as a resource for parent concerns.
• Promote family engagement opportunities and develop partnerships with community organizations, educational institutions, and professional associations.
• Support student internship, volunteer, and practicum opportunities.

Health, Safety, and Compliance
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, licensing, accreditation, recordkeeping, and reporting requirements.
• Oversee emergency preparedness planning and implementation.

Board Relations
• Serve as liaison to the Board of Directors by attending meetings, providing operational and financial updates, and supporting governance activities.

Other Duties
• Attend professional development activities, conferences, meetings, and community events.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the mission and operations of the Center.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Child Development, Early Childhood Education OR Management, Business Administration, or a related field, with at least 24 credit hours in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Elementary Education, or Early Childhood Special Education.

Experience
• Demonstrated leadership experience in early childhood education.
• Experience in program administration, budgeting, and organizational operations.
• Experience working with families, community partners, and governing boards.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

Knowledge
• Early childhood development and developmentally appropriate practice.
• State licensing requirements and quality standards.
• Curriculum implementation and child assessment practices.
• Business operations, budgeting, and human resource management.
• Leadership, staff development, and organizational management principles.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in Child Development, Early Childhood Education, Educational Leadership, Administration, Management, or a related field.
• Experience leading a licensed early childhood education center.
• Knowledge of:
• Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP)
• NAEYC accreditation standards
• Michigan child care licensing requirements
• Great Start to Quality systems
• HighScope Curriculum and Child Observation Record (COR)
• Demonstrated success in fundraising, grant development, donor relations, and community partnerships.
• Experience working collaboratively with a governing board.
• Experience leading organizational change, strategic planning, and continuous quality improvement efforts.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and family-centered practices.

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS / HOW TO APPLY
Interested candidates should submit:
• A cover letter addressing qualifications and interest in the position.
• A current resume or curriculum vitae.
• Contact information for three professional references.

Applications should be submitted to the SCDC Board President via email at [email protected].
Any questions regarding the application process please email.

Review of applications will begin the week of October 5th and continue until the position is filled.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of:
• Criminal Background Check
• Central Registry Clearance
• Reference Verification

The Spartan Child Development Center is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for children, families, and employees.

Benefits:
• 403(b)
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program

Work Location: In-person

Annual Salary: $60,000-$70,00

Closing Date for Job:  10/05/2026