Lead the Future: Child Development Center Director Opportunity in Bremerton

Are you a visionary leader with a passion for early childhood development? The Department of the Navy is looking for a committed professional to serve as the Child Development Center (CDC) Director in Bremerton, Washington. This role is more than just administration; it is about providing a safe, nurturing, and high-quality environment for the children of those who serve our nation.

Job Responsibilities

The CDC Director holds a multi-faceted role that balances high-level strategy with daily operational excellence:

Program Management: You will lead the implementation of developmentally appropriate programming that fosters social, emotional, and cognitive growth.
Financial Oversight: Manage the center's budget, analyze fiscal variances, and ensure that procurement follows federal guidelines.
Personnel Leadership: Supervise a diverse team, including assistant directors, program leaders, and support staff. You will oversee hiring, training, and performance management.
Regulatory Compliance: Maintain rigorous standards set by the DoD, the Military Child Care Act, and the NAEYC. Your leadership ensures the center remains certified and accredited.

Requirements

To succeed in this role, you must meet specific educational and experiential benchmarks:

Comparison Table: Qualifications

Qualification Type	Requirement
Education (4-Year Path)	Degree in ECE, Child Development, or Education AND 3 years experience
Education (Master's Path)	Master's degree in related field AND 1 year experience
Experience Level	Full-time work with children/youth required
Documentation	Official transcripts mandatory at time of application

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive hourly rate ranging from $38.40 to $42.78 per hour, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Benefits

Employees of the Navy's Non-Appropriated Fund (NAF) system enjoy a range of benefits designed to support career longevity and personal well-being, including:

Competitive pay structures.
Extensive professional development and leadership training.
Opportunities to contribute to a mission that supports military readiness.

Application Tips

Watch the Clock: Applications close on September 30, 2026. Do not wait until the final hour.
Resume Formatting: Use Times New Roman, 10-point font, and stick strictly to two pages. The system will truncate anything longer.
Transcripts: Ensure you upload official transcripts. Diplomas are insufficient and will lead to an ineligibility rating.

Becoming a CDC Director in Bremerton is a unique chance to combine your administrative expertise with your passion for early education. If you meet the criteria and are ready to support the Navy community, we invite you to begin your application process today via the USAJOBS portal.

Why This Child Development Center Director - Small Or Medium Cdc Job Matters

Make a lasting impact on the lives of military families by leading a mission-driven early childhood development program in beautiful Bremerton, Washington.

Child Development Center Director - Small Or Medium Cdc Job Overview

The Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) is seeking a dedicated and experienced Child Development Center (CDC) Director for our Bremerton facility. In this vital leadership role, you will oversee the daily operations, pedagogical standards, and administrative management of a small to medium-sized child development center. You will serve as a cornerstone of the Fleet and Family Readiness program, ensuring that military children receive high-quality care, education, and support while their parents serve our country.

Requirements for Child Development Center Director - Small Or Medium Cdc

Possess a 4-year degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Elementary Education, Special Education, or related field AND 3 years of full-time experience in child/youth development.
Alternatively, hold a Master's degree in a related field with at least 1 year of professional experience working with children.
Or, a combination of education (equivalent to 24 higher-level semester hours) and experience that provides equivalent knowledge.
Must be able to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing.
Must pass a rigorous Installation Records Check (IRC), including checks of drug/alcohol and family advocacy records.
Ability to obtain and maintain DoD certification and NAEYC accreditation.
Must be a mandatory reporter for child abuse and neglect.

Preferred Qualifications for Child Development Center Director - Small Or Medium Cdc

Professional experience navigating military lifestyles and the unique needs of military families.
Demonstrated skill in facility design, functional use, and long-term maintenance planning.
Strong background in financial management, including budget development and analysis.
Proven track record in personnel management, including staff supervision, training, and performance evaluation.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive hourly compensation
✓Professional development and comprehensive training programs
✓Opportunities for career advancement within the Navy Fleet and Family Readiness network
✓Contribution to a mission-driven, essential community service
✓Eligibility for federal employment perks as part of the NAF system

💡 How to Apply Child Development Center Director - Small Or Medium Cdc Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Child Development Center Director - Small Or Medium Cdc Job

Create or update your USAJOBS account profile.
Review your resume to ensure it is limited to exactly two pages (Times New Roman, 10pt font, 1-inch margins).
Complete the mandatory online application questionnaire provided via the USAJobs portal.
Gather and upload official transcripts (diplomas/degree audits are not accepted).
Submit all required supporting documentation (e.g., DD-214 for veterans, marriage certificate for military spouse preference) by the closing date.
Monitor your status through the USAJobs dashboard.

💡 General Tips

The system enforces a strict two-page limit; ensure your most impactful experience is front and center.
Be specific. When describing your KSAs (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities), provide concrete examples of your leadership in early childhood settings.
Double-check your email address. All communication regarding your status will be sent electronically.
If claiming preference (Veteran, Military Spouse, etc.), ensure all supporting documents are clearly attached to avoid disqualification.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary role of the CDC Director?

The Director oversees all aspects of a Child Development Center, including curriculum implementation, staff management, budgetary control, and ensuring compliance with stringent safety and military accreditation standards.

Is this position eligible for relocation assistance?

No, relocation expenses are not covered for this position.

What is the consequence of a positive drug test?

As this is a federal workplace, illegal drug use is strictly prohibited. A positive test will lead to the withdrawal of the job offer and a 6-month ineligibility period for future Department of Defense positions.

What is the Installation Records Check (IRC)?

*A: It is a comprehensive background check covering substance abuse records, family advocacy history, and local law enforcement checks to ensure the highest standard of safety for our children.*

Can I use a degree audit instead of official transcripts?

*A: No, the agency specifically requires official transcripts to verify your educational credentials.*

Job from Commander, Navy Installations Command

The Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) manages the Fleet and Family Readiness (FFR) programs. These programs are vital to the health of the Navy force, providing everything from housing support to specialized child care. As a CDC Director, you will be part of a worldwide team of professionals dedicated to the mission of ensuring that service members can focus on their duties with the peace of mind that their children are in excellent, accredited hands.