Assistant Child Care Director

Apple Tree Kids – Chesapeake Greenbrier, VA

Full-Time | $42,000–$50,000 BOE | Benefits Eligible

Apple Tree Learning Centers has been providing quality Christian-based preschool and child care education for more than 35 years. We are seeking a motivated, experienced, dependable, and passionate Assistant Child Care Director to join our leadership team at our Chesapeake Greenbrier location.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Child Care Administrator, Assistant Director, Preschool Director, Daycare Director, Child Care Supervisor, or Early Childhood Education professional who is ready to take the next step in their career.

The Assistant Child Care Director works closely with the Center Director to oversee daily operations, support teachers and staff, maintain Virginia licensing compliance, strengthen classroom quality, and ensure children receive a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate learning experience.

At Apple Tree, we invest in our employees through training, professional development, leadership support, and opportunities for career advancement.

What You'll Do

The Assistant Child Care Director assists with the overall management, supervision, administration, and operation of the child care center, including Infant Care, Preschool, School-Age, and Summer Camp programs.

Leadership & Staff Management

• Assist the Center Director with the daily operation of the child care center.
• Lead, supervise, coach, and support teachers and child care staff.
• Assist with hiring, onboarding, training, scheduling, and staff development.
• Provide feedback, coaching, and performance support to employees.
• Help create a positive, professional, and team-oriented work environment.
• Model Apple Tree's expectations for professionalism, classroom management, child supervision, and customer service.
• Support staff meetings, training sessions, and professional development.
• Provide hands-on classroom support and leadership when needed.

Child Care Program Management

• Oversee and support Infant, Toddler, Preschool, Pre-K, School-Age, and Summer Camp programs.
• Monitor classroom quality, curriculum implementation, lesson planning, and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Conduct classroom observations and provide teachers with constructive feedback and coaching.
• Help ensure children are appropriately supervised and required staff-to-child ratios are maintained.
• Promote a safe, nurturing, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning environment.
• Monitor program participation and effectiveness and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Help coordinate special events and family activities.

Licensing, Compliance & Safety

• Maintain compliance with Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) child care licensing regulations.
• Ensure staff follow all required health, safety, supervision, and emergency procedures.
• Assist with licensing visits, inspections, documentation, and corrective action as needed.
• Maintain accurate child and staff records and department files.
• Monitor required staff training and certifications.
• Ensure CPR, First Aid, MAT, Virginia Pre-Service Training, and other required training requirements are maintained.
• Conduct routine safety checks and ensure first aid supplies and safety equipment are maintained.
• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and compliance throughout the center.

Administrative & Operational Responsibilities

• Assist with staff scheduling, attendance, timekeeping, and payroll documentation.
• Monitor enrollment, registrations, and program information.
• Assist with tuition collection and maintaining program revenue goals.
• Monitor program supplies, inventory, facilities, equipment, and classroom needs.
• Help ensure the center remains clean, organized, safe, and welcoming for children and families.
• Assist with marketing, enrollment, tours, community outreach, and family engagement.
• Communicate professionally and effectively with parents, employees, management, licensing representatives, and corporate leadership.
• Support the Center Director in achieving Apple Tree's operational, educational, and organizational goals.

What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate is a strong early childhood leader who can balance administrative responsibilities with hands-on leadership in the classrooms.

We are looking for someone who is:

• Passionate about early childhood education and child development
• A confident, supportive, and accountable leader
• Organized and able to manage multiple priorities
• Dependable, professional, and solution-oriented
• Comfortable providing coaching, feedback, and direction to staff
• Skilled in classroom management and staff development
• Knowledgeable about child care licensing, compliance, and safety requirements
• A strong problem solver who uses sound judgment
• Comfortable working independently and taking initiative
• A strong verbal and written communicator
• Positive, approachable, and professional when working with children, families, and employees
• Committed to providing high-quality care and education

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, Business Administration, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience may be considered.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in child care, preschool, early childhood education, or child care administration, preferably in a supervisory or leadership role.
• Previous experience as an Assistant Director, Center Director, Child Care Director, Preschool Director, Lead Teacher, Program Coordinator, or Child Care Supervisor is preferred.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Knowledge of Virginia child care licensing regulations preferred.
• Strong leadership, staff supervision, conflict resolution, organization, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with children, families, employees, and diverse members of the community.
• Ability to meet the physical requirements necessary to safely supervise children and participate in classroom activities.
• CPR, First Aid, Virginia Pre-Service Training, and MAT Training are required within 30 days of hire, as applicable.

Why Join Apple Tree Learning Centers?

We believe our leadership team plays a critical role in creating an exceptional environment where children can learn, thrive, and grow.

Our full-time employees may be eligible for:

• 401(k) with company match
• Group health insurance
• Company-paid dental insurance
• Company-paid vision insurance
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• Holiday pay
• Company-paid training and professional development
• Childcare discount
• Opportunities for career growth and advancement
• Ongoing leadership and curriculum support

Join Our Leadership Team!

If you're an experienced Assistant Child Care Director, Child Care Administrator, Assistant Center Director, Preschool Director, Daycare Director, Early Childhood Education Leader, or Child Care Supervisor looking for an opportunity to grow with an established organization, we want to hear from you!

Apply today and join the Apple Tree Learning Centers team at our Chesapeake Greenbrier location!