A childcare program administrator oversees all the activities of the teachers and students, and ensures that proper planning and implementation of those activities is completed. They ensure that the students are learning through well-planned and age-appropriate activities that focus on all developmental areas. They set the developmental standards that are to be followed by all teachers, and assist the teachers in working towards these set goals. They intervene with any problems that occur between the teachers, students and parents, and try to resolve the issue in the best interest of all parties.

They develop the policies, procedures and programs for the entire center, and ensure that these policies are carried out appropriately. They ensure that the daycare center meets all the rules and regulations set up by their specific state or district, and that the center's licensing is kept up-to-date. They make sure that the center is fully staff by qualified teachers and also ensure that mandatory teacher-student ratios are kept at all times. They are required to keep detailed records of both students and teachers, and must be certain that annual updates are completed as required.

They handle all budgetary needs and are responsible for allocation of funds to different programs. They are responsible for purchasing the equipment and materials used by the daycare center, as well as paying all bills, including payroll. They interview, hire and train new classroom teachers and aides, as well as hold meetings and tours of the center with potential new clients. They are responsible for all communication between parents, teachers and the community.