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Childcare Center Director

Childcare center directors oversee the day-to-day operations of licensed childcare facilities — managing staff, budgets, curriculum, licensing compliance, and family relations. Florida's DCF Director Credential requirement elevates the position above basic management roles, and the state's 9,000+ licensed facilities create consistent director openings particularly as centers expand in high-growth communities.

FL Median Salary
$53,000
Entry Salary
$41,000
Experienced
$75,000
FL Growth
N/A

Requirements & Training

  • Credential: FL DCF Director Credential (Level I, II, or Advanced): requires FCCPC + 30-hr Director Credential courses + experience
  • Florida license required: Yes (FL Dept. of Children & Families (DCF) — Child Care Director Credential)

Career Path

  1. Lead Teacher → Assistant Director → Center Director → Regional/Area Director

Top Florida Employers

KinderCareBright HorizonsLa Petite AcademyLearning TreeSchool district VPK programsChurch-affiliated centersIndependent licensed centers

Related Programs

  • Early Childhood Education AAS
  • Child Care Center Management Certificate
  • FL DCF Director Credential Program
  • CDA Advanced Credential
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Salary data sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics Florida Occupational Employment Statistics. School data from Florida Department of Education CIE database.

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