A day care manager oversees the daily functioning of a child or adult daycare facility. He or she must organize and maintain the facility in keeping with laws and government regulations pertaining to running day cares. Providing safe, quality care and healthy activities while also supervising as well as delegating tasks to staff are typically the main duties of a day care manager.

The children in a day care are usually there because the parents are working during the day. A child may need before and after school care only or require care for the entire day. Adult daycare hours may include evening as well as some daytime hours. Typically, adult daycare facilities are designed for elderly people with health problems; these facilities provide much-needed breaks for full-time caregivers, allowing them to run errands, tend to some other type of work or simply relax for a bit. Either type of day care manager must be sure to meet the needs of all of the adults or children they look after.

Both child and adult types of day care managers have the responsibility for ensuring the safety and well-being of persons being looked after in their facility. Day care managers must closely monitor staff, as they are the ones who carry the responsibility to provide a high-quality service in a community. Whether the day care is for children or adults, it's up to a daycare manager to not only ensure a safe environment, but also one with enriching activities.

Crafts, games, books and puzzles are common activities available at both child and adult day cares. A day care manager must choose activities that fit the interests and ages of those in their facility. Field trips to plays, sports events or museums once in a while may be available in a day care if the manager can make satisfactory arrangements for the outing.

A day care manager also has a number of administrative responsibilities as well. He or she must keep detailed records of payments received and owed as well as issue receipts. Supply purchases, including books, craft supplies, furniture and snack and lunch items, typically fall to the manager as well. Additionally, they must keep track of any allergies and other medical information as well as emergency contact numbers for every child or adult in their care. Day care managers must also keep in close communication with the person who placed the adult or child in the daycare.