Early Childcare Education Center Director
Are you a passionate early childcare education leader ready to make a lasting impact and thrive in a fast-paced environment to bring excellence, compliance, and culture together to serve children, teachers, and families?
We're seeking an experienced Early Childcare Education Center Director to lead our high-quality program and nurturing school community that fosters a lifelong love of learning through a balanced approach to academic, mental, physical, and social-emotional growth.
About the Role
As Director, you'll be at the heart of our school's successleading and supporting a dynamic team of teachers and administrators, ensuring compliance with state and franchise standards, partnering with families, and creating a safe, enriching, and inclusive environment for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years.
Key Responsibilities
Administrative
- Oversee all aspects of school operations, including educational programming, staff management, inventory and supply management, compliance & quality management, and driving growth for the school's future
- Maintain all required records, including children's files, faculty records, health & safety logs, licensing documentation, and training records
- Annually review and update the Employee Handbook to reflect current policies and state requirements
- Compliant use of all franchise required systems and data regarding child & family management, class lists, transitions, and other such requirements
- Demonstrate highly effective organizational, time management, and multitasking skills with the ability to continually prioritize and reprioritize tasks depending on the events of the day
- Possess genuine love for children and a strong commitment to children's education, growth, and well-being
Leadership & Staff Management
- Recruit, hire, onboard, and mentor a high-performing team of teachers and staff
- Thorough onboarding, including training on policies, curriculum, and classroom management, following all state and franchise requirements
- Conduct performance reviews, coaching, and support professional growth
- Facilitate regular staff meetings and periodic teacher meetings
- Create a positive and collaborative workplace culture rooted in respect and accountability
- Manage scheduling, ratio compliance, and staff coverage with precision
- Ensure the staff is current with all required training, certifications, and appropriate documentation
Compliance & Quality Assurance
- Ensure full compliance with New Jersey licensing regulations, franchise requirements, and health/safety protocols
- Own the compliance and upkeep of records for all state and franchise licensing, accreditation, and health/safety regulations
- Maintain complete and current staff and child files, emergency procedures, and licensing documentation
- Lead fire drills, safety checks, and health program implementation
- Work closely with local and state agencies and accreditation bodies
- Develop action plans for all Emergency Preparedness
Curriculum, Classroom & Program Oversight
- Oversee implementation of a developmentally appropriate, engaging curriculum
- Support lesson planning and classroom management in collaboration with teachers
- Conduct classroom observation, student monitoring, and reporting regular ratio checks and teacher performance checks against learning objectives
- Manage a maintenance system to maintain facility upkeep and repairs
- Coordinate enrichment programs, field trips, community outreach programs, and seasonal events
- Evaluate program effectiveness and identify opportunities for innovation and improvement
Family & Community Engagement
- Build and sustain trusting relationships with families
- Communicate school policies and child development updates clearly and professionally
- Manage the end-to-end Enrollment process for a smooth and easy experience for families
- Maintain effective home-school communication through newsletters, parent-teacher meetings, and progress reports
- Resolve escalations transparently and quickly
- Plan parent orientations, conferences, and education events
- Develop and maintain relationships with local pediatricians, dentists, and agencies supporting children with special needs
- Represent the school in the community and at professional events
Operations & Fiscal Management
- Manage school budget, purchasing, payroll oversight, and petty cash
- Ensure inventory control and timely ordering of supplies
- Implement a nutritious snack program
- Maintain a clean, well-equipped, and inviting learning environment
- Collaborate with ownership on strategic planning, marketing, and enrollment growth
What You Bring
- B.S. in Early Childcare Education or related field (M.S. preferred)
- Minimum 3 years of leadership in a licensed childcare/preschool center (or 8+ years in absence of degree)
- In-depth knowledge of state licensing standards, developmentally appropriate practices, NJCCIS, and NJ Grow and compliance-focused way of working
- Demonstrated leadership and team-building skills with a positive, solutions-oriented mindset
- Ability to handle emergencies and day-to-day challenges with grace and confidence
- Excellent communication, time management, organizational abilities, and fluid use of technologies (computers, Microsoft, and iPads)
What We Offer
- Salary: $70,000$85,000 (commensurate with experience) + Bonus Potential
- Benefits: Health Insurance | Paid Time Off | 401(k) Match | Professional Development | Discounted Childcare
- Competitive Pay with annual performance bonuses
- Full Benefits Package: Health, vision, dental, PTO, and 401(k) match
- Professional Development Support and networking opportunities
- Discounted Childcare and a family-first culture
- Ownership Collaboration: Front-row seat to center operations and potential for career growth
Ready to Lead with Purpose?
We are more than a childcare centerwe're a learning community where children flourish, families feel supported, and educators grow. If you're a compassionate, strategic leader ready to elevate early education, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply Today with your resume and cover letter.
Together, we're shaping the futureone child at a time.