Early Learning Center Director

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

Early Learning Center Director

Location: Berlin, MD
Position Type: Full-Time, salary
Reports To: Executive Director/Board of Directors

About Us

We are a high-quality Early Learning Center serving children from birth through age 3, as well as before and after school-age programs. As a Maryland EXCELS Level 5 accredited program, we are committed to providing exceptional early childhood education, family engagement, and comprehensive support services that promote school readiness and lifelong success.

Our center is a trusted community partner and administers multiple state-funded grants and programs, ensuring families have access to quality early education opportunities and support services.

Position Summary

The Early Learning Center Director provides strategic leadership and oversight for all aspects of the center's operations, educational programming, staff management, regulatory compliance, and fiscal stewardship. The Director ensures the delivery of high-quality services that meet the needs of children and families while maintaining compliance with Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), Office of Child Care (OCC), Maryland EXCELS standards, and grant requirements.

The successful candidate will be a visionary leader with strong experience in early childhood education, program administration, staff development, and grant management.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Quality Assurance

• Lead and oversee all early childhood and school-age programs serving children from birth through age 3 and before and after school care.
• Maintain and advance the center's Maryland EXCELS Level 5 accreditation status.
• Ensure implementation of developmentally appropriate practices and evidence-based early learning curricula.
• Monitor classroom quality, child outcomes, and family engagement initiatives.
• Foster a culture of continuous quality improvement throughout the organization.

Staff Supervision & Development

• Recruit, hire, supervise, and evaluate teaching and administrative staff.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and professional development opportunities.
• Promote a positive, collaborative, and supportive work environment.
• Ensure staffing patterns meet licensing and accreditation requirements.

Compliance & Regulatory Oversight

• Maintain compliance with all Maryland Office of Child Care licensing regulations.
• Ensure adherence to Maryland EXCELS quality standards and accreditation requirements.
• Oversee health, safety, risk management, and emergency preparedness procedures.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation required by licensing, accreditation, and funding agencies.

Grant & Fiscal Management

• Manage multiple state-funded grants and contracts, ensuring full compliance with program requirements.
• Develop, monitor, and manage program budgets.
• Prepare required financial and programmatic reports.
• Collaborate with funders, stakeholders, and community partners to maximize resources and program effectiveness.
• Identify and pursue funding opportunities that support program growth and sustainability.

Family & Community Engagement

• Build strong partnerships with families, schools, community organizations, and government agencies.
• Serve as the center's primary representative within the community.
• Address family concerns and promote positive family engagement practices.
• Support enrollment, retention, and outreach activities.

Administrative Leadership

• Develop and implement strategic goals aligned with the organization's mission.
• Analyze operational and program data to guide decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Oversee enrollment management, staffing plans, and program operations.
• Ensure effective communication among staff, families, and stakeholders.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary: Competitive and commensurate with experience.

Benefits May Include:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off and holidays
• Retirement plan
• Professional development opportunities
• Tuition assistance or educational support
• Employee assistance program

Qualifications Required

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive leadership experience in early childhood education or child care administration.
• Knowledge of Maryland Office of Child Care licensing regulations and Maryland EXCELS quality standards.
• Experience managing state-funded grants and government-funded programs.
• Strong fiscal management, budgeting, and reporting skills.
• Excellent leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and child care management systems.

Preferred

• Master's degree in Early Childhood Education, Educational Leadership, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Maryland Child Care Credential at an Administrator Level.
• Experience overseeing accredited early learning programs.
• Grant writing and fundraising experience.
• Bilingual language skills.