Assistant Director

Job Description

Job Description

Assistant Director

The Learning Center | Hamden, CT

About the Role

Join The Learning Center as an Assistant Director and become a key leader in one of Hamden's most respected early childhood education programs. This role is ideal for a hands-on leader who can successfully balance administration, compliance, staff supervision, and classroom support.

As a NAEYC-recognized program working toward accreditation, we are seeking a highly organized, motivated professional who can help maintain exceptional standards while supporting children, families, and staff.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Director in managing daily center operations.

• Oversee classroom quality, staffing, schedules, and ratio compliance.

• Serve as acting Director when needed.

• Supervise, mentor, and support teaching staff.

• Assist with hiring, onboarding, orientation, and staff development.

• Step into classrooms as needed to maintain ratios and continuity of care.

• Support curriculum implementation and developmentally appropriate practices.

• Monitor child progress and classroom environments.

• Maintain child, family, and staff records.

• Ensure compliance with Connecticut OEC regulations, licensing requirements, and NAEYC standards.

• Manage attendance records, incident reports, health documentation, and other required paperwork.

• Support enrollment, parent communication, and family engagement.

• Build positive relationships with children, families, staff, and community partners.

• Assist with accreditation preparation, audits, inspections, and quality improvement initiatives.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education, Education, Child Development, Human Services, Business Management, or a related field.

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a licensed childcare center.

• Minimum of 1 year of leadership, supervisory, or administrative experience.

• Strong knowledge of Connecticut childcare regulations and licensing requirements.

• Experience managing paperwork, compliance, and staff supervision.

• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to effectively lead staff while maintaining positive relationships with families and children.

• CPR, First Aid, and Medication Administration Certification (or ability to obtain).

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Education, Educational Leadership, Business Management, or related field.

• Experience with NAEYC Accreditation standards and processes.

• Experience supervising multiple classrooms and managing center operations.

• CDA or advanced early childhood credentials.

What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate is:

• A strong leader who leads by example.

• Comfortable running both the floor and administrative operations.

• Highly organized and detail-oriented.

• Able to multitask in a fast-paced environment.

• Passionate about early childhood education and continuous improvement.

• Professional, dependable, and solution-focused.

• Committed to maintaining high-quality standards and supporting accreditation efforts.

About Us

For more than 10 years, The Learning Center has provided high-quality early childhood education to children and families throughout Hamden. Our family-centered approach, commitment to excellence, and focus on professional growth have made us a trusted community resource.

We believe great programs are built by great teams. If you are passionate about leadership, education, and making a difference in the lives of children and families, we encourage you to apply.

Join our team and help shape the future of early childhood education.