Preschool and childcare center directors typically do the following:

• Supervise preschool teachers and childcare workers
• Hire and train new staff members
• Provide training and professional development opportunities for staff
• Establish policies and communicate them to staff and parents
• Develop educational programs and standards
• Ensure instructional excellence
• Assist staff in resolving conflicts between children
• Aid staff in communicating with parents
• Meet with parents and staff to discuss students' progress
• Prepare budgets and allocate  program funds
• Ensure facilities are maintained and cleaned according to state regulations

Some preschools and childcare centers are independently owned and operated. In these facilities, directors must follow the instructions and guidelines of the owner. Sometimes, directors own the facilities, so they decide how to operate them.

Other preschools and childcare centers are part of a national chain or franchise. The director of a chain or franchise also must ensure that the facility meets its parent organization's standards and regulations.

In addition, some preschools and childcare centers, such as Head Start programs, receive state and federal funding. Directors of these schools and centers must ensure that their programs, staff, and facilities meet state and federal guidelines. For example, they must ensure that the staff meets the educational requirements set by the Department of Health and Human Services.