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 staffThorough onboarding, including training on policies, curriculum, and classroom management, following all state and franchise requirementsConduct performance reviews, coaching, and support professional growthFacilitate regular staff meetings and periodic teacher meetingsCreate a positive and collaborative workplace culture rooted in respect and accountabilityManage scheduling, ratio compliance, and staff coverage with precisionEnsure the staff is current with all required training, certifications, and appropriate documentationCompliance & Quality Assurance
Ensure full compliance with New Jersey licensing regulations, franchise requirements, and health / safety protocolsOwn the compliance and upkeep of records for all state and franchise licensing, accreditation, and health / safety regulationsMaintain complete and current staff and child files, emergency procedures, and licensing documentationLead fire drills, safety checks, and health program implementationWork closely with local and state agencies and accreditation bodiesDevelop action plans for all Emergency PreparednessCurriculum, Classroom & Program Oversight
Oversee implementation of a developmentally appropriate, engaging curriculumSupport lesson planning and classroom management in collaboration with teachersConduct classroom observation, student monitoring, and reporting regular ratio checks and teacher performance checks against learning objectivesManage a maintenance system to maintain facility upkeep and repairsCoordinate enrichment programs, field trips, community outreach programs, and seasonal eventsEvaluate program effectiveness and identify opportunities for innovation and improvementFamily & Community Engagement
Build and sustain trusting relationships with familiesCommunicate school policies and child development updates clearly and professionallyManage the end-to-end Enrollment process for a smooth and easy experience for familiesMaintain effective home-school communication through newsletters, parent-teacher meetings, and progress reportsResolve escalations transparently and quicklyPlan parent orientations, conferences, and education eventsDevelop and maintain relationships with local pediatricians, dentists, and agencies supporting children with special needsRepresent the school in the community and at professional eventsOperations & Fiscal Management
Manage school budget, purchasing, payroll oversight, and petty cashEnsure inventory control and timely ordering of suppliesImplement a nutritious snack programMaintain a clean, well-equipped, and inviting learning environmentCollaborate with ownership on strategic planning, marketing, and enrollment growthWhat 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 workingDemonstrated leadership and team-building skills with a positive, solutions-oriented mindsetAbility to handle emergencies and day-to-day challenges with grace and confidenceExcellent 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 PotentialBenefits : Health Insurance | Paid Time Off | 401(k) Match | Professional Development | Discounted ChildcareCompetitive Pay with annual performance bonusesFull Benefits Package : Health, vision, dental, PTO, and 401(k) matchProfessional Development Support and networking opportunitiesDiscounted Childcare and a family-first cultureOwnership Collaboration : Front-row seat to center operations and potential for career growthReady 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.