Area Director, School-Age Programs

Description

Location: Western New York
Pay: $20.00 per hour | Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Featured Benefit: Employer-Paid Childcare 

Healthy Kids Programs provides childcare for school-age children (ages 3–12) enrolled in our program on the days and during the hours you work. Employer contributions cover the cost of care, so you can focus on your job while your child participates in a safe, structured, and engaging program, all without needing to arrange outside care. 

Position Overview
Lead multiple school-age childcare programs across Western New York as an Area Director with Healthy Kids Programs—driving program quality, enrollment, and team success across your region.

This role supports sites in the Finger Lakes region (Naples, Kendall, Exploration) and the Greater Buffalo area (DB Bunce, Akron, Attica).

You’ll oversee Site Directors and staff, conduct regular site visits, and ensure each program operates safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with NYS OCFS regulations.

What Success Looks Like

Successful Area Directors:

• Maintain full compliance with NYS OCFS regulations
• Ensure programs are safely staffed and operating smoothly
• Support strong enrollment and program growth
• Keep attendance, payroll, and documentation accurate and timely
• Build positive relationships with school partners, families, and staff
• Develop and support high-performing Site Directors and teams

Why You’ll Love This Role

Make a Difference
Lead programs that positively impact children, families, and communities.

Join a Growing Organization
Be part of a rapidly expanding organization with opportunities for advancement.

Collaborative Team Environment
Work with a mission-driven team that values accountability and support.

Career Development
Grow your leadership career as we continue to expand.

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Quality

• Ensure engaging programming aligned with the Healthy Kids Curriculum
• Conduct site visits and provide coaching to Site Directors and staff
• Maintain safe, inclusive, and high-quality program environments
• Support corrective action plans and maintain licensing readiness

Staffing & Operations

• Support hiring, onboarding, and staff coverage planning
• Manage staffing schedules and monitor payroll accuracy
• Respond to staffing needs and day-to-day operational challenges
• Ensure staff training, certifications, and documentation are current

Enrollment & Community Engagement

• Support enrollment growth and maintain program capacity
• Monitor attendance trends and program demand
• Build relationships with school administrators and families
• Participate in outreach and community engagement efforts

Compliance & Administration

• Ensure adherence to NYS OCFS regulations and company policies
• Maintain accurate attendance and program records
• Monitor staff credentials, background checks, and renewals
• Collaborate with HR, Payroll, and leadership teams
• Utilize Microsoft 365 for reporting and communication

This Role is Ideal for Someone Who:

• Enjoys leading teams and developing staff
• Is highly organized and comfortable managing multiple sites
• Takes ownership of problem-solving and decision-making
• Communicates clearly with diverse stakeholders
• Thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment

Requirements

Qualifications & Experience
Candidates may qualify with any of the following:

• Associate degree in Child Development, Elementary Education, Physical Education, Recreation, or related field plus 2 years of experience working with children under 13, including at least 1 year in a supervisory role.
• Two years of college with 18 credits in a related field plus 2 years of experience working with children under 13, including at least 1 year in a supervisory role.
• NY State Children’s Program Administrator Credential plus 2 years of relevant experience.
• School-Age Child Care Credential or equivalent office-recognized credential plus 2 years of relevant experience.

Additional Requirements:

• Medically cleared to perform job duties
• Able to lift up to 50 lbs
• Professional, reliable, and team-oriented
• Experience with HRIS and attendance systems (e.g., Paylocity, Playground or similar)
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Excel, Word, Teams)
• Strong organizational and communication skills

Benefits

• Employer-paid childcare for children enrolled in our program, available during the days and hours you are scheduled to work
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• AFLAC Supplemental Plans
• 401(k) retirement plan for eligible employees
• Paid Holidays, PTO, and sick time
• On-Demand Pay
• Career development and growth opportunities

About Healthy Kids Programs

Healthy Kids Programs is more than a childcare provider—we’re shaping the future of childcare. As one of Inc. 5000’s fastest-growing organizations, we offer Early Learning, Before & After School, and Summer Camp programs across 150+ locations.

As a certified benefit corporation, our mission is to make childcare accessible and affordable while positively impacting the communities we serve.

Why Join Healthy Kids Programs?

Our people are at the heart of everything we do. We create supportive, engaging environments where team members feel valued and empowered to grow. If you're passionate about working with children and making a difference, this is the place to build your career. 

Learn more about working with us: https://www.healthykidsprograms.com/workwithus

Healthy Kids Programs is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion and prohibit discrimination based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic. Hiring decisions are based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs.