Department of the Navy

Child Development Center Director (Small)

Portsmouth, Virginia Full time

Child Development Center Director (Small)

Department: Department of the Navy

Location(s): Portsmouth, Virginia

Salary Range: $36.31 - $39.95 Per Hour

Job Summary: The purpose of the Child Development Center (CDC) Director position is to administer a small/medium center based developmentally appropriate early childhood program for up to 100 children of eligible patrons. A variety of child care services are provided in accordance with demand and availability of funding to include full-time child development programs for ages six weeks through five years, emergency care, special needs care, annex facility, and extended hours care.

Major Duties:

  • Duties include but not limited to: Program Management Provides program oversight and accountability for the performance of employees and the safety of children in a small CDC with up to 100 children enrolled in accordance with Department of War (DoW), Department of Navy (DoN), and local policies and standards. Establishes policies and procedures for accomplishment of age-appropriate programs to all children through individual and group developmental and educational settings to stimulate and sustain social, emotional, cognitive and physical growth of children. Ensures implementation of a developmentally appropriate program that promotes the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth of children in the age categories served. Ensures the development and implementation of the established curriculum. Establishes higher-level program goals and interprets and applies child development philosophy/principles and DoN policies based on patron needs and program evaluation and assessment. Budgeting and Financial Management Conducts studies and surveys to evaluate program effectiveness and cost efficiency. Develops integrated budget input, conducts written analysis of budget variances as necessary, and prepares justification for funding of program resource requirements and repairs or maintenance of facilities and equipment. Oversees the collection, accurate accounting and reporting of funds received from patrons. Ensures program meets established financial goals. Ensures compliance with all regulations governing the use of appropriated and nonappropriated funds. Program Operations Develops, administers and evaluates an ongoing program of individual and group developmental and educational activities for staff implementation and execution. Establishes review systems for the organization that make certain government needs are met and validated, and that economy and quality of operations are maintained or improved. Provides input into the development of CYP standard operating procedures (SOPs) as required for the efficient operation and management of facility and programs. Oversees implementation of these SOPs. Facility Operations Management Ensures facility and grounds are well maintained in accordance with Department of War (DoW), Department of Navy (DoN), and local policies and standards. Ensures CCTV, intercoms, telecommunications, security access points, egress points, and computer systems are functioning properly. Follows established protocols to resolve issues, initiate trouble calls, report faulty/broken equipment, and respond to data calls. Determines adequacy of facilities and identifies additional facility needs. Initiates work requests, coordinating and seeking approval for facility needs from routine maintenance to major renovation or construction. Establish and use satellite location to support programming when space is needed. Monitors all renovation and construction projects within the facility. Interactions and Relationships Interacts professionally with employees, parents, volunteers and local installation command personnel. Participates actively and positively in managing and resolving issues with parents, volunteers, and/or employees. Assists in establishing a program environment, which sustains participant interest and promotes positive interactions with other children, youth and adults. Models appropriate behaviors and techniques for working with adults, children and youth. Compliance Establishes review systems for the organization that make certain government needs are met and validated, and that economy and quality of operations are maintained or improved. Ensures program accreditation and DoW certification requirements are met by monitoring programs in good standing. Uses the Inspection Management System (IMS) to track and document local inspections, mitigate issues and complete local inspection follow up to include tracking of evidence, extensions, exceptions, and corrective actions. Complies with DoW, DoN, and local policies and standards. Routinely inspects assets, to include vehicles and takes steps to ensure ongoing maintenance is scheduled and completed. Ensures compliance and adherence to the standards and criteria developed by the DoW, DON, and/or CNIC policy, regulations, and procedures and accreditation criteria. Implements recommendations or corrective actions to address discrepancies or findings from inspections or accreditation visits. Prepares responses to inspection reports. Follows-up to ensure complete and quality resolution of discrepancies.

Qualifications: Resumes must include information which demonstrates experience and knowledge, skills, and ability (KSAs) as they relate to this position. Applicants are encouraged to be clear and specific when describing their experience level and KSAs. A qualified candidate possesses the following: A bachelor's or higher degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE), Child Development, Elementary Education, Special Education (concentration in ECE), Home Economics (early childhood emphasis), Child Care Administration or related field of study and three years of full-time experience working with children and/or youth; or a combination of education and experience. Mastery knowledge of child development theory, methodology, and practices relating to physical, intellectual, social and special education needs and center management. Mastery knowledge of the principles of child development and in designing and managing an exceptionally complex program that includes, but is not limited to safety, security, disease prevention, employee training, developmentally appropriate activities, parent involvement, and facility management. Knowledge of DoW, DON, local and state regulations, instructions and procedures pertaining to military childcare. Knowledge of Federal and State laws governing the detection and prevention of child abuse and/or neglect. Knowledge of facility design, functional use, and maintenance concepts pertaining to military child care. Knowledge of financial, budget, resource management practices and principles, and analytical and evaluative methods and techniques. Skill in educating, counseling, and advising child care professionals and parents; assessing training and children's developmental needs. Skill in effectively organizing and utilizing community resources within the program framework to augment the program to meet installation objectives. Skill working with military families and an understanding of military lifestyles is preferred. Ability to analyze, plan and adjust work operations of one or more organizational segments to meet program requirements and objectives within available resources. Ability to supervise others, exercise sound business skills and provide positive personnel management. Ability to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing, and possess strong interpersonal communication skills.

How to Apply: To be considered for this vacancy you must apply and complete the online questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section above. When building or uploading your resume, please note there is a two-page limit. The system will restrict any attempts to submit a longer document. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 01/19/2026 to receive consideration. To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application. To preview the Application Questionnaire, please click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12864284 It is your responsibility to ensure your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) is complete, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. Additional information on how to complete the online application process and submit your online application may be found on the https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Applicant To verify or check the status of your application, log into your USAJobs account. Once logged in, the Welcome screen lists your applications, your application status and the date it was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status DON is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, mental or physical disability, genetic information, reprisal, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, or any other non-merit factor. The DON provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. Applicants with disabilities who believe they may require reasonable accommodation(s) should email their request to usn.ncr.cnicwashingtondc.mbx.naf-hrinquiries@us.navy.mil to ensure proper consideration is given.

Application Deadline: 2026-01-19