Licensed Childcare Director

Essex Junction Recreation & Parks (EJRP) is seeking a Licensed Childcare Director to lead and manage our school-age childcare programs. EJRP provides safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate programming that supports children’s social, physical, creative, emotional, and intellectual growth through afterschool programs, vacation camps, and summer day camps.

This is a leadership role responsible for overseeing all aspects of EJRP’s licensed childcare programs, including Rec Kids Afterschool, Vacation Camps, and Summer Day Camps.

PAY/WAGES The pay rate is between $69,519 to $78,519  based on experience.

BENEFITS (this is not a comprehensive list of benefits)

• 14 paid holidays
• 3 weeks paid vacation to start
• 18 sick days per year
• Retirement benefits include a pension plan (VMERS C) or deferred compensation plan (VMERS DC) , and the ability to contribute to a 457, Traditional IRA or ROTH
• Generous health insurance benefit in which the City pays 94% of the premium for medical and the first 80% of the deductible. After that, you are only responsible for the next 20%, which is not more than $600 for single plans and no more than $1200 for all other plans for covered medical expenses.
• 100% employer paid for dental and vision
• 100% employer paid short-term disability and life insurance
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Key Responsibilities
• Plan, oversee, and evaluate all licensed school-age childcare programs
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal licensing requirements
• Supervise and support program leadership staff, including Site Coordinators and Assistant Directors
• Hire, train, evaluate, and support up to 200 part-time and seasonal staff
• Develop program curriculum, policies, and procedures
• Maintain strong partnerships with schools, families, and community organizations
• Oversee program budgets, enrollment, and financial tracking
• Lead staff development efforts and promote positive child guidance practices
• Support daily operations, including regular site visits and troubleshooting
• Oversee summer and vacation camp operations, including staffing, scheduling, and logistics
• Collaborate on marketing efforts, outreach, and community engagement
• Support transportation coordination, including buses and CDL compliance as needed

Supervisory Responsibilities
• Directly supervises 6 to 10 program supervisors across multiple sites
• Oversees a large team of part-time and seasonal staff
• Responsible for hiring, training, performance management, and staff development

Minimum Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in education, recreation, social work, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• At least 7 years of experience in youth programming or recreation, including supervisory experience
• Strong understanding of youth development principles and child behavior management
• Experience in program planning, staff supervision, and training
• Ability to build relationships with staff, schools, families, and the community

Preferred Qualifications
• Vermont teaching license or similar credential
• Experience in recreation programming or program administration