About This Position
The purpose of the Child Development Center (CDC) Director position is to administer a center based developmentally appropriate early childhood program for children of eligible patrons. Administration includes the direction and operation of a large (200+) CDC. Services include full-time child development programs for ages 6 weeks through 12 years, emergency care, special needs care, developmental assessments, and extensive staff training and parent education programs.
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: 3 years of fulltime experience working with children and/or youth and appropriate education OR a combination of education and experience. 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 DoD, DON, local and state regulations, instructions and procedures pertaining to military child care. 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 management, budgeting, and purchasing as it pertains to a child development program. Skill working with military families and an understanding of military lifestyles is preferred. 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.
Major Duties
Program Management Applies professional knowledge of child development principles to supervise the CDC's developmental programming. Ensures implementation of a developmentally appropriate program that promotes the social, emotional, physical and cognitive growth of children in the age categories served. Provides program oversight and accountability for the performance of employees and the safety of children in accordance with Department of Defense (DoD), Department of Navy (DoN), and local policies and standards. Recommends modification of higher-level program goals and interprets and applies child development philosophy/principles and DoN policies based on patron needs and program evaluation and assessment. Ensures the development, implementation and analysis of surveys and needs assessments of staff and patrons to ensure appropriate programming and hours of operation. Collects and maintains up-to-date statistical data for planning and reporting purposes in accordance with higher headquarters and statutory requirements and for the purpose of maximizing spaces and ensuring that resources accommodate the needs of command personnel. This may include hours of operation and programming needs of the military community. Maintains liaison with local institutions and community organizations to stay abreast of trends and changes in the community. 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. Budgeting and Financial Management 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 compliance with all regulations governing the use of appropriated and nonappropriated funds. Adheres to authorized methods of acquisition. Personnel Management Responsible for the supervision of employees and volunteers. Ensures proper and timely initiation and implementation of all personnel actions and assures quality related to selection, assignments, training, promotions, disciplinary actions, and recognition of employees and volunteers. Supports and carries out all established EEO objectives and policies in matters of personnel management and supervision and communicates support of these policies to subordinates. Ensures all employees follow safety, health, and risk management policies and procedures. Oversees the development of a staffing schedule in accordance with established ratios and group sizes and coordinates use of employees who work across CY programs with other installation CYP Directors. Establishes local performance standards for employees and volunteers using established standards and requirements and evaluates performance. Provides clear guidance to employees and volunteers regarding compliance with standards and execution of management directives. Receives and ensures resolution of complaints related to personnel and takes disciplinary action as necessary. Works collaboratively with the Training and Curriculum (T&C) Specialist to identify training needs of employees. Ensures training is competency-based and tied to career progression. Encourages and facilitates the pursuit of continuing higher education. Program Operations Gives input into the development of CYP standard operating procedures (SOPs) as required for the efficient operation and management of facility and programs. Works collaboratively with other CYP Directors to establish and implement a combined Parent Involvement Board (PIB). Gives input into the development of CYP employee and parent handbooks and ensures distribution of these handbooks. Ensures that available program spaces are fully utilized. Works collaboratively with the person responsible for maintaining the Central Waiting List (CWL) to ensure vacancies are filled quickly. Compliance Ensures compliance with and is assessed by adherence to the standards and criteria developed by the DoN, DoD, the Military Child Care Act (MCCA), and the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Ensures the development and implementation of the established curriculum. Responsible for compliance with child abuse and neglect reporting requirements. Ensures compliance with the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). Ensures food service operations provide nutritionally balanced meals and snacks in accordance with USDA guidelines. Additional Responsibilities Serves as a mandatory reporter to Family Advocacy and Child Protective Services A complete list of duties and responsibilities will be provided at the time of hire.
Education
A 4-year degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Elementary Education, Special Education, Home Economics (early childhood emphasis) or related field of study AND 3 years of fulltime experience working with children and/or youth. OR A Master's degree in the related field of study AND minimum of 1 year professional experience working with children. OR A combination of education and experience (e.g. courses equivalent to a major in a field (24 higher level semester hours) appropriate to the position (see above) plus appropriate experience or additional course work that that provided knowledge comparable to that normally acquired through the successful completion of the 4-year course of study described above AND 3 years of fulltime experience working with children and/or youth. Note: A copy of your H.S. diploma, GED, or college transcripts (showing degree awarded/conferred) MUST be submitted when applying.
How You Will Be Evaluated
Resumes will be reviewed to determine if they meet the hiring eligibility and qualification requirements listed in this announcement and will be rated based on the information provided in the resume to determine the level of knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) related to the job requirements. Using the qualifications of the position, a predetermined rating criterion of KSAs will be used for each resume. Best qualified applicants will be referred to the hiring manager. The selecting official may choose to conduct interviews.
Additional Information
Executive Order 12564 requires a Federal workplace free of illegal drugs. According to the Executive Order, all Federal employees are required to remain drug free throughout their employment. Commander, Navy Installations Command is a Drug-Free Federal Workplace. The use of illegal drugs will not be tolerated, and use of or intoxication by illegal drugs will result in penalties up to and including removal from Federal Service. Marijuana is a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act and therefore use of marijuana is illegal under Federal law regardless of State laws. A positive drug test result for marijuana (or any other drug tested for) will result in withdrawal of the tentative job offer and ineligibility to apply for a position within the Department of Defense for 6 months from the date of the drug test. All individuals involved in the provision of child care services on a Department of Navy (DON) installation or in a DON-sanctioned program must complete the Installation Records Check (IRC). The IRC includes a check of the Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Program (SARP) records in the Alcohol and Drug Management Information Tracking System (ADMITS) database, a check of the Family Advocacy Program (FAP) records in the Fleet and Family Support Management Information System (FFSMIS), and an installation security/base check via the Navy Justice Information System (NJIS) database and/or other law enforcement systems. This information will be used to determine suitability for the applicant in accordance with criteria for automatic and presumptive disqualifiers, per DoDI 1402.05. Per Department of Defense Instruction (DoDI) 1402.05 Background Checks on Individuals in DoD Child Care Services Programs, incumbents will be automatically disqualified for a conviction in either civilian or military court (to include any general, special, or summary court-martial conviction or if they received non-judicial punishment [under Article 15 or chapter 47 of Title 10, U.S.C]) for any of the following: a sexual offense, any criminal offense involving a child victim, or a felony drug offense. Additionally, the incumbent will be automatically disqualified if he/she has been held to be negligent in a civil adjudication or administrative proceeding concerning the death of or serious injury to a child or dependent person entrusted to the individual's care.
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 02/25/2026 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/12884315 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 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 [email protected] to ensure proper consideration is given.
Required Documents
The following documents are required at the time of application: Resume: two-page limit, learn more here - Resume Requirements Proof of education: official transcripts only; diplomas and degree audits are not acceptable. Failure to provide official transcripts will result in an ineligibility rating. Proof of training: licensures and certifications are acceptable, must show your name, licensure/certification type, and expiration date (if applicable) If claiming Department of Defense (DOD) Non-appropriated Fund (NAF) Business Based Action (BBA) priority consideration: provide a copy of the notice of separation If claiming Military Spouse Preference: provide a copy of the sponsor's Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders and a marriage certificate at the time of application If claiming Veteran's Preference: provide a copy of your DD-214, Member-4 page and any supporting documentation (SF-15, V.A. disability letter, proof of service, etc.) If a current or former Federal Employee: provide a copy of your most recent Personnel Action Report (PAR) or SF-50 Note: When submitting transcripts for an Associate degree or higher, proof of a high school diploma or equivalent is not required. All transcripts MUST show student's name, the name of the awarding university or educational institution, degree type, awarded/conferred date, and the field of study (major). Altered transcripts will not be accepted. Transcripts from foreign colleges must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency in order to be considered. Applicants are responsible to obtain and submit proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency which is a private U.S. organization. Credential evaluations are not free and applicants are responsible for the cost of the selected service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the salary for the CDC Director (Large) position at Commander, Navy Installations Command?
The salary range for this position is $102,246 - $109,063/yr. This is a NF-4 position on the General Schedule pay scale. Actual pay may vary based on locality adjustments.
Where is the CDC Director (Large) job located?
This position is located in Point Loma Complex, San Diego, California. This is an on-site position.
What qualifications do I need?
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: 3 years of fulltime experience working with children and/or yo...
How do I apply for this position?
Apply through USAJobs.gov by clicking the 'Apply on USAJobs' button. You'll need a USAJobs account, a federal-style resume, and supporting documents. The deadline is Feb 25, 2026.
Is a security clearance required?
No security clearance is required for this position.
What does NF-4 mean?
NF-4 refers to the General Schedule grade level. Higher grades require more experience and offer higher pay. Visit our GS Pay Scale page for full salary tables by grade and locality.
What benefits do federal employees receive?
Federal employees receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance (FEHB), retirement through FERS, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching, paid annual and sick leave, paid parental leave, life insurance, and student loan repayment programs.