The Lead Center Director provides leadership and operational oversight for the center, ensuring the delivery of high-quality early childhood education and care services that align with the mission, values, and strategic goals of Encompass. This position is responsible for program quality, staff leadership, family engagement, enrollment management, regulatory compliance, and fiscal stewardship while fostering a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment for children, families, and employees.

Support and develop center staff while promoting the consistent implementation of HighScope curriculum, COR Advantage assessment practices, Conscious Discipline strategies, and developmentally appropriate learning experiences. This position ensures compliance with DCF licensing regulations, NAEYC accreditation standards, YoungStar requirements, and agency policies.

The Lead Center Director oversees center operations, budget performance, enrollment, customer service, and facility maintenance while building positive relationships with families, staff, and community partners. Through effective leadership and collaboration, this position fosters a culture that reflects The Encompass Way.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Provide leadership and oversight for all center operations, program quality, enrollment, staffing, customer service, and fiscal performance.
2. Supervise, coach, and develop center leadership, teaching, and support staff while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
3. Ensure the consistent implementation of HighScope curriculum, COR Advantage assessment practices, Conscious Discipline strategies, and developmentally appropriate learning experiences.
4. Maintain compliance with DCF licensing regulations, NAEYC accreditation standards, USDA requirements, YoungStar expectations, and agency policies and procedures.
5. Oversee enrollment management, family accounts, staffing patterns, scheduling, payroll processes, budgeting activities, and operational planning to support center sustainability.
6. Lead development, performance, and training initiatives that support employee growth and program excellence.
7. Foster positive relationships with children, families, staff, community partners, volunteers, and other stakeholders while promoting exceptional customer service.
8. Ensure the safety, cleanliness, maintenance, and functionality of the center environment, equipment, and resources.
9. Collaborate with agency departments and leadership teams to support organizational initiatives, operational effectiveness, and continuous improvement efforts.
10. Foster a culture that reflects the Encompass mission, vision, and values while demonstrating professionalism, integrity, and confidentiality in all interactions.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Other duties as assigned

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work is performed in a classroom and childcare setting with young children. The position requires active supervision and engagement with children both indoors and outdoors. The work environment may include moderate to high noise levels and exposure to varying weather conditions during outdoor activities. Occasional travel for training, meetings, or agency events may be required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

• Frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, crouching, and sitting on the floor while supervising and engaging with children.
• Ability to lift, carry, and assist children, supplies, and equipment weighing up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to move quickly and respond appropriately to children's needs and emergency situations.
• Ability to actively supervise children by sight and sound in classroom, playground, and outdoor environments.
• Frequent use of hands and arms for classroom activities, feeding, diapering, cleaning, and assisting children.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to see, hear, and communicate effectively with children, families, and staff.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: 

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field required.
• Two or more years of leadership experience in an early childhood education setting or related management role required.
• Experience with HighScope or other play-based curriculum preferred.
• Experience in a NAEYC-accredited program preferred.
• Knowledge of childcare center operations, enrollment management, staffing, budgeting, and regulatory compliance preferred.

SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Strong leadership, coaching, and team development skills.
• Demonstrated critical thinking, problem-solving, organizational, and time management abilities.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with children, families, staff, and community partners.
• Working knowledge of childcare center financial management and operational practices.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and the ability to learn agency software systems.
• Exhibits agency values in daily work and demonstrates commitment to the agency mission.