Now Hiring: Founding Center Director (STEM & AI Early Learning Academy)

Summary

Kids Academy of Learning & Excellence (KALE) North Chesterfield, VA (23236) Full-Time | $60,000–$70,000 + Enrollment Bonuses | 6-Month Probation

About the Role

Kids Academy of Learning & Excellence (KALE) is launching a next-generation STEM- and AI-focused early learning center in North Chesterfield (23236). We are seeking a VDOE-qualified Center Director / Childcare Director with strong leadership, operational excellence, and experience in:

• Childcare management
• Preschool administration
• Enrollment growth
• Digital marketing
• Family engagement

This is a high-impact leadership role overseeing a licensed childcare center with a strong emphasis on center enrollment, occupancy growth, and family partnership.

Duties

Position Responsibilities

Childcare Center Operations

• Lead daily operations of a licensed childcare center / preschool
• Ensure full compliance with VDOE 8VAC20-780 regulations
• Manage ratios, staffing schedules, teacher supervision, and safety procedures
• Maintain all children’s records, staff files, licensing paperwork, and training logs
• Oversee budgets, tuition billing, purchasing, and vendor relationships

Enrollment, Marketing & Tour Conversion (Top Priority)

• Drive childcare enrollment, preschool enrollment, and center occupancy growth
• Achieving 90% occupancy within 12 months
• Conduct high-conversion tours and timely parent follow-ups
• Manage digital marketing (Facebook, Instagram, Google Business, community groups)
• Build partnerships with local schools, churches, and community organizations
• Track weekly lead activity, waitlists, enrollment funnels, and conversions
• Improve family satisfaction and retention metrics

STEM / Robotics / AI Curriculum Support

• Support a STEM-forward, technology-rich preschool program
• Encourage robotics, coding basics, digital literacy, and project-based learning
• Train teachers on hands-on STEM learning practices (training provided)
• Promote a culture of innovation, creativity, and excellence 

Requirements

Required Qualifications (VDOE-Compliant)

Must meet ONE of the following pathways:

• Bachelor’s/Master’s in Early Childhood, Child Development, or Elementary Education + 1-year programmatic experience, OR
• 48+ college credits (12 in ECE/Child Development) + 1 year experience, OR
• 2 years of programmatic experience (1 year supervising) + CDA/ECE Certificate

Additional Requirements:

• CPR/First Aid + MAT (or obtained within 30 days)
• Minimum 10 hours of management/business training
• Ability to pass all state & federal background checks
• Completion of Virginia Preservice Training for Child Care Staff within 90 days
• Daily Health Observation (DHO) training preferred (or within 90 days)
• Emergency Preparedness & Response training within required timelines

⭐ Preferred Experience

• Experience as a childcare director, preschool director, or assistant director
• Proven history of growing enrollment and increasing center occupancy
• Digital marketing, social media, or community outreach experience
• Ability to lead and develop teachers
• Experience with STEM, robotics, coding, or early technology (preferred, not required)
• Familiarity with Abeka, STEM, Reggio, or project-based learning 

Nice To Haves

❤️ Who Thrives Here

This role is ideal for someone who is:

• A results-driven childcare leader
• Skilled at both education + business
• Confident in tours, marketing, and parent communication
• Comfortable in a fast-growing STEM/AI environment
• Capable of meeting targeted occupancy and revenue goals 

Benefits

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $60,000–$70,000 (based on experience)
• Enrollment Bonus: ➤ $50 for every child enrolled who pays the enrollment fee
• 6-month probationary period with performance review based on:
• Enrollment growth
• VDOE compliance
• Family satisfaction
• Staff performance
• PTO + holidays
• Tuition discounts
• Professional development in STEM, leadership, and AI tools

🚀 Career Growth Opportunities

High-performing Directors may advance to:

• Regional Director roles
• Training Director
• Multi-site executive leadership