Childcare Center Manager

The expected hiring range for this position is:

Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such the scope and responsibilities of the position, qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

This position is not eligible for relocation assistance or sponsorship assistance.

About the Role:
Reporting to the Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer, The Childcare Center Manager leads the operations of the on-site childcare facility provided by Fermilab for its employees. This individual is responsible for ensuring a high standard of care, safety, and early education for enrolled children while aligning services with Fermilab's values and supporting work-life balance for employees. The Childcare Center Manager will oversee staff, curriculum implementation, parent communication, and regulatory compliance.

What your day-to-day as the Childcare Center Manager at Fermilab will look like:

• Manages the day-to-day operations of the on-site childcare center.
• Ensures compliance with all childcare licensing regulations.
• Maintains enrollment targets and waitlist, reporting key metrics to Fermilab stakeholders.
• Hires, trains, and supervises teachers and other support staff.
• Conducts regular performance evaluations and coaching to encourage professional development.
• Develops staffing schedules and ensures proper ratios and continuity of care.
• Implements and oversees a developmentally appropriate curriculum aligned with early childhood education standards.
• Ensures that educational programs support the cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development of children.
• Monitors program effectiveness and adjusts as needed to meet the needs of families.
• Serves as the main point of contact for parents and liaises between the childcare center and employer.
• Organizes parent communication, tours, events, and satisfaction surveys
• Collaborates with corporate Human Resources and wellness teams to align the childcare program with employee support initiatives.
• Enforces strict health and safety protocols, including payroll, supplies, and vendor contracts.
• Develops and manages center budgets, including payroll, supplies, and vendor contracts.
• Maintains compliance with all reporting requirements for licensing and corporate oversight.
• Uses childcare management software for attendance, billing (if applicable), and various documentation.
• Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor.
• Abides by and is responsible for performing all duties in accordance with all environmental, health and safety regulations and practices pertinent to this position.

Skills and Attributes for Success:

• Bachelor's degree in early childhood education or related field with 15 complete semester hours in early childhood education (or 22 complete college quarter credit hours).
• 2+ years of experience teaching and 1+ years of experience in administration of an early childhood classroom setting, including direct supervision of staff.
• State approved director credential of 6 complete semester hours in business administration and /or program management.
• Must maintain at least 35 annual hours of continuing education in the childcare field, with focus in early education.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Training and/or certification in child abuse and neglect, safe sleep, first aid, bloodborne pathogens, and CPR (current or willing to obtain).

Applicable Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Expert knowledge of early childhood education principles.
• Stays calm under pressure and manages shifting priorities.
• Lifts up to 40lbs.
• Frequently stands, walks, bends, and interacts with children.

Work Arrangement:
Please note that the described work arrangement is subject to change based on business needs and is not guaranteed to be final.

• Onsite: This is an onsite role, and the candidate must be able to work from our Batavia office.

Benefits/Perks:
Fermilab offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits program, including:

• Medical, Dental, Vision and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Paid time off
• Life insurance
• Short and Long-term disability insurance
• Retirement benefits
• Onsite day care
  

Why Fermilab:
Fermilab is America's premier laboratory for particle physics and accelerator research, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. We support discovery science experiments in Illinois and locations around the world, including deep underground mines in South Dakota and Canada, mountaintops in Arizona and Chile, CERN in Europe and the South Pole.

Drug-Free Workplace & Pre-Employment Screening

Fermilab is dedicated to fostering a safe, productive, and drug-free work environment. As part of the hiring process, candidates must successfully complete a background check and drug screening. Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of these screenings.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Fermilab is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, and other legally protected categories.

REAL-ID Requirement for access to Fermilab Campus
Fermilab requires all members of the public to produce a REAL-ID, or equivalent, to access the Fermilab Campus for interviews or career events. A list of acceptable forms of ID can be found here: https://get-connected.fnal.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/REALID-Documents.pdf. If a candidate is selected for an interview but does not possess any of the equivalent documents, we may schedule a virtual interview.

What To Expect Next:
We'll be in touch! If your qualifications are in alignment with the position requirements, one of our recruiters will be reaching out to schedule a phone interview to learn more about your career interests and goals. In the meantime, we encourage you to check us out on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, or our About Us page.