Program Director

Director Of Early Childhood EducationThe Director is responsible for the overall leadership, management, and daily operations of a small early childhood program. This role ensures the delivery of high-quality education and care for children, aged 1 month – 12 years, while maintaining compliance with licensing regulations, NAEYC accreditation standards, and program policies. The Program Director fosters a positive culture for children, families, and educators and leads continuous quality improvement efforts across the program.The ideal candidate is a strong instructional and operational leader who is passionate about early childhood education, staff development, family partnerships, and creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment.A central office team offers essential supports to allow directors to focus on children, families, and educators. Various members of the office team conduct interviews, handle subsidy enrollment, authorizations and billing, clerical/secretarial tasks, etc. The regional director offers significant coaching.Key Responsibilities:Provide overall leadership and direction for the early childhood programDevelop and maintain a positive and professional workplace culture, with a focus on collaboration and accountabilityCreate and facilitate continuous quality improvement initiatives and program goalsManage daily operations, staffing, scheduling, ratios, classroom coverage, facilities and safety standardsEnsure program compliance with all company, state, federal and local regulations, policies and reporting requirementsCollaborate with leadership to develop and implement program policies and proceduresHire, onboard, supervise, and evaluate educators and support teamFacilitate staff meetingsSupport educator growth through reflective practice and performance feedback through monthly observations, 1:1s and evaluationsPromote staff engagement, collaboration, accountability, and retentionEnsure implementation of developmentally appropriate practices, curriculum, assessment tools, and individualized learning plans aligned with program philosophy and early learning standards and best practicesEnsure educators offer and maintain developmentally appropriate, high-quality learning environmentsReinforce active supervision practices and safe environmentsPromote positive behavior support, social-emotional learning practices, inclusion and culturally responsive practicesGuide educators in maintaining high standards for teaching and learning through coaching, mentoring, and ongoing professional support to team membersCollaborate with leadership to identify professional development needs and to develop individual professional development plans for educatorsBuild positive relationships with children, families, and community partnersCommunicate effectively with families regarding program information: enrollment, orientation, conferences, ongoing updates, child development, conflict resolution and satisfaction surveysAddress family concerns professionally, collaboratively and immediatelySupport family engagement activitiesBuild and maintain partnerships with community agencies, local schools and stakeholders aligned with the program missionEnsure adherence to all health, safety, and emergency proceduresManage child enrollment, staffing needs, waitlist, and billingMonitor and manage program labor and supplies expensesMonitor facility needs and coordinate with maintenance as neededMaintain and ensure accuracy of records, documentation, and reporting requirementsModel confidentiality, professionalism, ethical leadership, and effective communicationParticipate in strategic planning and program initiativesOther duties as assignedSkillsStrong leadership and team management skillsExcellent communication skillsKnowledge of child development and early childhood best practicesExperience with reflective practice and adult learningAbility to build strong, positive relationships with educators and familiesStrong organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skillsAbility to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environmentAbility to maintain confidentiality and professionalismExperience with coaching, mentoring, and staff developmentStrong knowledge and understanding of licensing regulations and NAEYC standardsProficiency with technology and administrative systemsIndividualized benefits packageRequirementsEEC Director I certificationBachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development or related field, preferredAssociate's degree and coursework/ experience acceptable if coupled with EEC Director I certification and demonstrated EEC leadership experience3 years experience in licensed early childhood education1 year supervisory or leadership experience: supervising staff, managing operations, engaging with families and ensuring high-quality practicesDemonstrated experience with licensing compliance, NAEYC accreditation and continuous quality improvement is highly desirableMust be passionate about children and supporting their growth into becoming the best that they can be and equally as passionate about leading and supporting the educators who guide themSalary Description Starts at $47,000 per year