Assistant Director

Assistant Director Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY: The Assistant Director supports the Director in planning, organizing, and implementing the daily operations and services of the childcare program in full compliance with company policies and all applicable state licensing and regulatory requirements. This role provides leadership in staff supervision, program quality, compliance monitoring, and operational efficiency while fostering a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate environment for children and families. The Assistant Director serves as acting Director in the Director's absence and plays a key role in maintaining the center's reputation, profitability, and overall success.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Assists in overseeing the daily operation of the center to ensure compliance with company policies and state licensing standards. Helps maintain a safe, caring, and educational environment for children, families, and staff. Supports the implementation of developmentally appropriate programs that promote children's social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth. Promotes a positive image of the organization and supports its mission as a provider of high-quality early childhood education. Assists with recruiting, hiring, training, supervising, and retaining qualified staff. Supports operational efficiency and contributes to achieving financial and enrollment goals. Opens and/or closes the center as scheduled, ensuring proper staffing, security, and operational readiness. Monitors compliance in classrooms, kitchen operations, health and safety documentation, first aid logs, medication records, supply inventories, ICCPP records, healthcare summaries, and immunization records. Assists with preparing for and responding to licensing visits, audits, and inspections. Maintains accurate documentation and records as required by licensing and company standards. Performs other related duties as assigned by management.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Directly supervises Teachers, Assistant Teachers, and Teacher Aides across all classrooms. Supervises maintenance staff and support personnel during opening and closing operations, as applicable. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with organizational policies, procedures, and applicable employment laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, onboarding, training, scheduling, assigning work, evaluating performance, providing feedback, and administering corrective action when necessary. Addresses employee concerns, resolves conflicts, and supports staff development. Serves as Acting Director in the Director's absence due to illness, leave, or vacancy until a Director is appointed.

QUALIFICATIONS: Meets DHS Assistant Director requirements, including a minimum of 9 quarter credits as required. Bachelor's degree (BA/BS) from an accredited four-year college or university preferred. One to two years of related supervisory or childcare management experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Minimum of 1,040 hours of documented staff supervision experience. Minimum of 9 quarter credits or 90 hours in any combination of accredited coursework in staff supervision, human relations, and child development. Certificates, Licenses, and Training Adult and Pediatric CPR and First Aid certification required within 30 days of employment and must remain current. Completion and maintenance of all DHS-required annual trainings, which may include AHT, SUIDS, Risk Reduction, Supervision for Safety, Child Development, OSHA, and other mandated coursework. Current Food Safety Certification required. Valid driver's license required; must qualify as a backup driver per DHS requirements. Completion and maintenance of Car Seat Safety training as required by DHS. Technology and Computer Skills Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite. Experience using accounting, payroll, HR, inventory, scheduling, and contract management systems. Ability to download, manage, and effectively use required mobile and web-based applications for onboarding, scheduling, documentation, parent communication, and staff communication. Responsible for proficient use of the center's parent communication app via phone or tablet. ADDITIONAL SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS Must be at least 18 years of age and possess a high school diploma or equivalent. Teaching certification or previous classroom teaching experience preferred. Strong organizational, time management, and multitasking abilities. Ability to draft policies, procedures, reports, and professional correspondence. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to use tact, discretion, and diplomacy. Demonstrates ethical behavior, professionalism, and confidentiality. Maintains a positive attitude and openness to feedback. Demonstrates dependable attendance and a strong work ethic. Ability to meet attendance expectations essential to center operations.

CORE COMPETENCIES: Leadership and People Management Ethical Conduct and Professional Integrity Adaptability and Change Management Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills Customer and Family Service Orientation Organizational and Planning Skills Delegation and Team Development Communication (Oral and Written) Strategic and Financial Awareness Quality Assurance and Continuous Improvement Safety, Security, and Risk Awareness Teamwork and Collaboration Cultural Awareness and Inclusivity PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT Frequently required to sit, talk, hear, and use hands and fingers for computer and documentation tasks. Occasionally required to stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, climb, or balance. May occasionally lift or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Frequently exposed to moderate to loud noise levels. Frequently exposed to bloodborne or airborne pathogens common in childcare environments. Occasionally exposed to outdoor weather conditions.