Early Childhood - Center Associate Director

Summary

Lily Pad Learning Center is seeking a motivated, organized, and passionate Director to join our leadership team. In this key role, you will work closely with the Center Director to ensure the health, safety, and overall quality of care and education for every child in our program.

The Director partners with teachers and staff to support high-quality curriculum implementation, maintain a positive and nurturing learning environment, and ensure each child’s individual needs—and the goals of the center—are met with excellence. This role plays an essential part in day-to-day leadership while supporting the overall operational success of the center.

Responsibilities include supporting operational management in accordance with established guidelines, including curriculum oversight, staff and facilities management, compliance with licensing and regulatory requirements, and long-range planning. The Director helps ensure that the needs of students, families, and staff align with the mission and standards of Lily Pad Learning Center.

We are looking for a strong, compassionate leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment, builds meaningful relationships with families and staff, and supports smooth daily operations while maintaining full compliance with licensing standards.

If you are committed to shaping the future of early childhood education and making a lasting impact on children and families, we would love to welcome you to the Lily Pad Learning Center community.

Duties

• Assume duties of current Center Director and Teachers as needed during their absence.
• Collaborate with staff to ensure adherence to quality standards in accordance with center guidelines and state and local requirements; implement improvements where needed.
• Assist with developing general education curriculum that meets the learning goals of the center and supports the cognitive development of the children.
• Collaborate with the teachers to develop lesson plans with positive learning activities that support the curriculum, ensuring they have access to the appropriate materials.
• Maintain communication with current and prospective families through direct conversation, newsletters and parent handbook; implement appropriate outreach activities with the community.
• Follow all center policies and state regulations.
• Maintain personal professional development plan to ensure continuous quality improvement.
• Resolve conflicts, including corrective action plans when necessary.

Other Duties may include:

• Maintain student records in accordance with established enrollment procedures and guidelines.
• Approve menus and food purchases.
• Maintain positive relationships with regulatory agencies; ensure legal and financial compliance.
• Oversee all office functions including payroll, accounts payable and receivable, tuition billing and payment, human resources and personnel management (staff supervision) and purchasing.
• Manage budget planning and review.
• Establish illness and emergency procedures; ensure staff is trained appropriately.
• Implement strategic plan and goals in keeping with mission of program.

Requirements

• 3 – 5 years of direct professional experience in a licensed early childhood setting.
• Associates or Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field.
• Must be willing to complete the ECE Administrative Credential within 1 year of start
• Strong oral and written communication skills; technology skills.
• A strong understanding of child development.
• Excellent leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong knowledge of state childcare licensing requirements
• Ability to work well with others (staff, children, and parents) and to foster a team environment.
• Infant/child CPR and First Aid certification.
• Must clear full background check.
• Must pass health screening.
• High energy.
• Strong finance and budgeting skills.

Benefits

• Paid holidays (After 90 days of employment for full time)
• Discounted childcare
• Dental/Vision offered (employee buy in)
• Aflac offered (Short-term disability, accident, cancer, hospital care, and life insurance, employee buy in)
• REWARD Stipend program
• TEACH Scholarship program
• Retirement plan with employer match