Director, Public Safety Childcare Center

Boone County Government - Public Safety Childcare CenterColumbia, MO, US

18 days ago

Salary

$25.00 hourly

Job type

Full-time

Job description

Job Description

Summary

The Director of the Public Safety Childcare Center will oversee all aspects of the center’s daily operations and administration, and report directly to the Boone County Commission. The Director’s essential role will be to ensure the delivery of high-quality infant, toddler, and preschool programs, while maintaining a safe and nurturing environment that meets all regulatory standards.

The Boone County Public Safety Childcare Center represents a groundbreaking initiative as the first purpose-built childcare facility in the nation designed specifically to serve families of first responders. This innovative department is centered around the development of a 10,000 square-foot facility set to break ground in April 2025 during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. The center will feature a 5,000-square-foot main floor with four classrooms to serve approximately 46 children ages six weeks to five years, with plans for future expansion into the 5,000-square-foot lower level to ultimately accommodate nearly 100 children.

The department’s mission is to support Boone County’s public safety personnel by offering extended-hours childcare tailored to their demanding schedules. The center will provide services to families of dispatchers, deputies, and detention officers, operating 18 hours a day, seven days a week, with a long-term goal of achieving 24 / 7 availability. The incoming director will play a pivotal role in every aspect of the center’s progress and development, from designing its organizational structure and budget to leading policy, licensure, and curriculum formation. A key focus will be creating a comprehensive early childhood education program and nutritional plan to ensure the well-being and growth of every child in a nurturing environment.

The new hire will work closely with an advisory committee, community stakeholders, and partners such as the University of Missouri to guide the center’s policies and explore funding opportunities, including scholarships for families in need. The target opening date for this state-of-the-art facility is set for the end of the first quarter or early second quarter of 2026, offering a vital resource to Boone County’s public safety community.

Applicants must also apply through Strategic Government Resources (SGR) for this position. Larry Bell of SGR will be in contact with potential applicants with additional information.

Duties

The selected candidate will be responsible for establishing and implementing policies, procedures, budgets, and strategic initiatives to support the center’s mission of providing exceptional childcare services to families connected to the public safety community. This position requires a hands-on leader who can foster a positive, inclusive working environment by recruiting, retaining, and managing a qualified and enthusiastic team. They will also oversee staff training and professional development to ensure compliance with Missouri licensing regulations and best practices, encouraging employee growth and engagement.

Key responsibilities include :

Operational Leadership : Directing and administering the center’s programs, including policy development, organizational planning, and compliance with state licensing requirements.
Financial Oversight : Managing the center’s budget, monitoring fee collection and expenditures, overseeing purchasing, and seeking grant opportunities to maintain financial sustainability.
Community Engagement : Building and nurturing relationships with children, families, staff, local community members, public safety partners, and other stakeholders.
Regulatory Compliance : Acting as the director of record for licensing compliance, maintaining accurate records, and responding promptly to evaluations or feedback from regulatory agencies.
Professional Development : Staying informed on best practices and changing regulations through professional development and training opportunities. This is an exceptional opportunity for a passionate childcare professional to lead a vital community resource, ensuring its continued success and positive impact in Boone County.

Boone County’s first Director of the Public Safety Childcare Center will have the unique opportunity to establish and lead a groundbreaking facility designed to support first responders and their families. This role comes with a range of challenges and opportunities that will shape the center’s success and influence its potential as a national model.

Short-Term Goals (Years 1 2) :

Foundation Building — Developing comprehensive policies, operational systems, and staffing strategies to prepare for the center’s opening by mid-2026. These efforts will set the stage for the center’s initial capacity to serve 46 children with extended hours of operation (18 hours daily, seven days a week).

Facility Development — Collaborating with stakeholders to oversee the facility’s design and construction, ensuring it meets all safety, security, and regulatory requirements while creating a welcoming environment for children and families.

Advisory Board Engagement — Creating and utilizing a community advisory board to explore funding opportunities, scholarship options, and program enhancements.

Data Collection and Impact Tracking — Implementing systems to gather data on program effectiveness, laying the groundwork for demonstrating the center’s value to employees, public safety agencies, and the community.

Mid-Term Goals (Years 3 4) :

Scaling Operations — Expanding the center’s operational capacity to reach 24 / 7 service and refining staffing models to accommodate unique scheduling needs for first responders.

Program Development — Establishing a comprehensive curriculum that incorporates trauma- informed care and addresses the specific needs of children from public safety families.

Financial Sustainability — Evaluating subsidy models and pursuing additional funding mechanisms to ensure long-term affordability for families while achieving financial stability for the center.

Reputation Building — Positioning the center as a model of excellence in childcare for public safety personnel through strong community partnerships and program delivery.

Long-Term Goals (Years 5-7) :

Facility Expansion — Evaluating the need to increase capacity to serve up to 98 children by finishing the facility’s lower level and potentially broadening eligibility to include other county employees or the broader community.

National Model Development — Establishing the center as a benchmark for public safety childcare programs nationwide, sharing best practices and successes with other communities and organizations.

Ongoing Challenges and Considerations :

Staffing and Retention — Developing strategies to attract and retain highly qualified staff in an industry with traditionally high turnover rates, fostering a stable and supportive team environment.

Security and Safety — Balancing the facility’s proximity to a jail and the need for heightened security with maintaining a nurturing environment for children.

Community Engagement — Building relationships with stakeholders, including local schools, organizations, and government entities, to integrate the center into the broader community.

Public Trust and Communication — Maintaining transparency with employees and the public while effectively communicating the center’s purpose, progress, and impact.

Continuous Improvement — Using data, feedback, and community input to enhance.

Requirements

Five years of progressively responsible experience in the administration of a licensed childcare facility, or an equivalent combination of education and experience; three or more years of supervisory and employee management experience; two or more years of budgeting experience; and policy writing, development, and enforcement experience, Must be able to obtain and maintain Missouri childcare director certification through the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Must maintain a valid driver’s license and pass a background check as required by applicable federal, state, and Boone County policies and regulations.

Nice To Haves

A bachelor’s degree in management, early childhood education, childhood development, or other related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Boone County is searching for a dynamic leader with a unique blend of management expertise, early childhood education knowledge, and business acumen to serve as its next Public Safety Childcare Center Director. This individual will have the skills to balance nurturing caregiving with the strategic oversight required to establish and grow a high-quality childcare program that meets the needs of first-responder families and the community.

This role requires strong leadership and management skills, including experience overseeing large centers and the ability to handle unpredictable situations with professionalism and calm. Candidates should have a deep understanding of early childhood education, particularly in areas such as brain development, trauma- informed care, and supporting children with special needs. Extensive knowledge of licensing standards, accreditation processes, and regulatory frameworks is essential, along with experience in developing and implementing policies that ensure compliance and excellence.

The new hire will be expected to successfully plan, direct, and supervise staff, maintain confidentiality and discretion, manage emergencies, and utilize the technology and software required for the center’s operations. They should also be a self-starter with excellent problem-solving skills and a strong commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive culture within the center. The right fit must also have the flexibility and adaptability to pivot quickly in various situations and a growth mindset that embraces feedback and continuous improvement.

The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with a long-term vision for the center’s growth and development. Financial acumen is critical, including expertise in budgeting, coordinating expenditures, identifying funding opportunities, and ensuring fiscal sustainability. They must also have a collaborative mindset, fostering partnerships with community organizations and public safety entities to create a secure and supportive environment for children and families.

Benefits

The hiring range for this position is $80,704 to $100,880, depending on experience and qualifications.

Health (PPO Plan, HDHP w / County-funded HSA with subsidized premiums for employees and eligible dependents)

Dental

Vision

County-Paid Long-Term Disability

County-Paid Term Life Insurance

Voluntary Supplemental Life Insurance

Sick and Vacation Leave.Vacation accrual dependent increases based on years of service

County-issued cell phone or cell-phone reimbursement up to $45 / month, vehicle, laptop or iPad

Pension : County Employees Retirement Fund (CERF) – 8 years vesting, 4.7% mandatory contribution, 2% County Matching contribution.Employee keeps employee contributions if employment ends before vesting.

CERF Savings Plan – Voluntary plan with 50% match up to 4% of pay. Vesting period of 5 years of service from date of hire.

Nationwide 457b – Voluntary plan with 100% match up to $25 / pay period.No vesting period, match money automatically earned.