Program Director
University of Washington Children’s Center at Radford Court
Operated by Haggard Childcare Resources
Location: Seattle, WA
Our values center children first, community, resourcefulness and innovation, and professionalism.
Since the 1970s, Haggard Childcare Resources (HCR) has been a leader in early childhood education, becoming the first Montessori school to offer full-day care for working families. For decades, HCR has partnered with the University of Washington to provide high-quality, nurturing, and developmentally rich programs for the children of UW staff, faculty, and students.
The University of Washington Children’s Center at Radford Court (UWCCRC) serves over 70 children ages 3 months to 5 years in a beautiful, park-like setting adjacent to Magnuson Park. With expansive outdoor spaces and a strong commitment to Montessori education, UWCCRC offers children a warm, engaging, and inspiring place to grow and learn.
Position Summary
The Program Director (PD) is the educational and operational leader of UWCCRC. Working collaboratively with administrative staff and Lead Teachers, the PD is responsible for the vision, leadership, and day-to-day operations of the school, while ensuring compliance with licensing and budget requirements.
This is a unique opportunity for a visionary, innovative, and relationship-driven leader who is excited not only to manage a high-quality program, but to continue developing UWCCRC as a leader in the early learning community.
Our programs are diverse, and the Program Director must be deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and champion policies and practices that reflect these values.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership
• Keep HCR’s values at the center of all decision-making.
• Build strong, trusting relationships with staff, children, and families.
• Lead with a deep and active commitment to DEI in all aspects of the program.
Programming
• Support and inspire faculty in offering Montessori education with fidelity (Montessori experience preferred; training and learning expected if not).
• Ensure all licensing requirements are met and that the school is safe, clean, and well-maintained.
• Strengthen family engagement through warm, transparent communication and inclusive community events.
• Foster a strong sense of belonging for all children, families, and staff.
Operations
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of UWCCRC.
• Manage budgets, enrollment, staffing, and licensing compliance.
• Work with outside agencies and partners as needed.
• Lead and/or participate in staff meetings.
• Oversee hiring, onboarding, and (when necessary) termination of staff.
Staff Development & Culture
• Lead with emotional intelligence, empathy, and integrity.
• Advocate for staff wellness, job satisfaction, and professional growth.
• Uphold Montessori values, including respect for the child and child-directed learning.
• Foster a collaborative, shared-leadership culture.
• Oversee recruitment and maintain staffing levels aligned with HCR values.
• Invite feedback, practice self-reflection, and model continuous improvement.
Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree required (preferably in Early Childhood Education or a related field).
• Meets Washington State licensing requirements for a Program Director (WAC 110-147-1445).
• Childcare leadership experience required; Montessori experience strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership in an early learning or childcare program.
• Strong organizational, operational, and communication skills.
• Deep respect for children as capable, self-directed learners.
• Strong understanding of the emotional and developmental needs of young children.
• Able to pass all required background checks and meet all state and local hiring requirements.
• A warm, collaborative leader who leads with humility, professionalism, and purpose.
Why Join UWCCRC?
• Lead a well-established, highly respected program in a stunning natural setting
• Partner with a mission-driven organization with decades of excellence in early childhood education
• Work in a collaborative, values-centered, child-first environment
• Make a lasting impact on children, families, and the early learning community
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