The Program Director is responsible for the overall leadership, management, and daily operations of the early childhood education 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.

Key Responsibilities:

· Provide overall leadership and direction for the early childhood program

· Develop and maintain a positive and professional workplace culture, with a focus on collaboration and accountability

· Create and facilitate continuous quality improvement initiatives and program goals

· Manage daily operations, staffing, scheduling, ratios, classroom coverage, facilities and safety standards

· Ensure program compliance with all company, state, federal and local regulations, policies and reporting requirements

· Collaborate with leadership to develop and implement program policies and procedures

· Hire, onboard, supervise, and evaluate educators and support team

· Facilitate staff meetings

· Support educator growth through reflective practice and performance feedback through monthly observations, 1:1s and evaluations

· Promote staff engagement, collaboration, accountability, and retention

· Ensure implementation of developmentally appropriate practices, curriculum, assessment tools, and individualized learning plans aligned with program philosophy and early learning standards and best practices

· Ensure educators offer and maintain developmentally appropriate, high-quality learning environments

· Reinforce active supervision practices and safe environments

· Promote positive behavior support, social-emotional learning practices, inclusion and culturally responsive practices

· Guide educators in maintaining high standards for teaching and learning through coaching, mentoring, and ongoing professional support to team members

· Collaborate with leadership to identify professional development needs and to develop individual professional development plans for educators

· Build positive relationships with children, families, and community partners

· Communicate effectively with families regarding program information: enrollment, orientation, conferences, ongoing updates, child development, conflict resolution and satisfaction surveys

· Address family concerns professionally, collaboratively and immediately

· Support family engagement activities

· Build and maintain partnerships with community agencies, local schools and stakeholders aligned with the program mission

· Ensure adherence to all health, safety, and emergency procedures

· Manage child enrollment, staffing needs, waitlist, and billing

· Monitor and manage program labor and supplies expenses

· Monitor facility needs and coordinate with maintenance as needed

· Maintain and ensure accuracy of records, documentation, and reporting requirements

· Model confidentiality, professionalism, ethical leadership, and effective communication

· Participate in strategic planning and program initiatives

· Other duties as assigned

Skills

• Strong leadership and team management skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Knowledge of child development and early childhood best practices
• Experience with reflective practice and adult learning
• Ability to build strong, positive relationships with educators and families
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism
• Experience with coaching, mentoring, and staff development
• Strong knowledge and understanding of licensing regulations and NAEYC standards
• Proficiency with technology and administrative systems

Comprehensive Benefits:

Compensation & Financial Support

• Competitive wages
• Bonuses for training, education and credentials
• Paid professional development and training
• Low to no cost CDA and degree programs
• Student loan forgiveness
• Retirement plans with employer match
• Child care discounts for employees’ children
• Referral bonus

Work-Life Balance

• Paid time off and holidays
• Paid winter and summer program closure
• Flexible scheduling when possible
• Reduced burnout initiatives and realistic staffing support

Health & Wellness

• Affordable health, dental, vision, disability insurance
• Monthly wellness stipend
• Access to mindfulness or stress-management resources

Professional Growth & Recognition

• Coaching and mentoring programs
• Leadership pathways and career advancement opportunities
• In-house professional learning opportunities
• Recognition programs and appreciation events
• Opportunities to specialize (curriculum, behavior support, coaching, etc.)

Workplace Culture Benefits

• Supportive leadership and positive team culture
• Adequate, paid planning time
• Consistent classroom resources and supplies
• Staff appreciation initiatives
• Strong communication and inclusion in decision-making
• Psychological safety and respect for educator voice
• Morale committee that plans team events
• Spirit days

• EEC Director I certification
• Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development or related field, preferred
• Associate’s degree and coursework/ experience acceptable if coupled with EEC Director I certification and demonstrated EEC leadership experience
• 5 years experience in licensed early childhood education
• 3 years supervisory or leadership experience: supervising staff, managing operations, engaging with families and ensuring high-quality practices
• Demonstrated experience with licensing compliance and continuous quality improvement is highly desirable
• Must 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 them