A professional who directs activities of preschool, day care center, or other child development facility to provide instruction and care for children. Responsibilities include:

• Prepares and submits facility budget to board of trustees, administrative agency, or owner for approval.
• Authorizes purchase of instructional materials and teaching aids, such as books, toys, and games designed to stimulate learning.
• Interviews and recommends hiring of teaching and service staff.
• Confers with parents regarding facility activities, policies, and enrollment procedures.
• Confers with teaching staff regarding child's behavioral or learning problems, and recommends methods of modifying inappropriate behavior and encouraging learning experiences.
• Reviews and evaluates facility activities to ensure conformance to state and local regulations.
• Reviews and approves menu plans and food purchases.
• May arrange medical attention for ill or injured child in accordance with parental instructions.
• May perform classroom teaching duties during absence of regular teacher.
• May be designated Director, Child Development Center; Director, Nursery School.