Assistant Center Director - Uniondale

Harbor Child Care in; Uniondale (NY); On-site; USD 32,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Job summary

Harbor Child Care in Uniondale, NY is seeking an Assistant Director to support daily operations of our licensed early childhood program. You will work closely with the Center Director to ensure high-quality programming, regulatory compliance, staff development, and a safe, nurturing environment for children and families.

The ideal candidate has NYS OCFS knowledge, a bachelor's degree in early childhood education or a related field, and at least three years of supervisory experience in a licensed

Qualifications

• Demonstrated leadership and supervision experience in a licensed center.
• Strong organizational and time-management abilities in a fast-paced setting.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with families and staff.
• Problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the daily management and operation of the childcare center.
• Ensure compliance with NYS OCFS regulations, licensing requirements, and program policies.
• Supervise, coach, and support teaching staff through observations and professional development.
• Maintain appropriate child-to-staff ratios and classroom coverage.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, orientation, and performance evaluations of staff.
• Monitor curriculum implementation to ensure developmentally appropriate practices and alignment with program goals.
• Build relationships with children, families, and community partners.
• Assist with enrollment, tours, and family communication.
• Maintain licensing records, attendance, staff files, and required documentation.
• Respond to incidents, emergencies, and parent concerns promptly and professionally.
• Coordinate health and safety procedures, emergency preparedness, and risk management.
• Serve as Acting Center Director in the Director's absence.
• Support special events, trainings, and organizational initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field

New York State Teacher Certification (Birth-Grade 2 or equivalent) preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Childcare management software

Job description

Location: Uniondale, New York
Hourly Rate: $23-$25
Position Type: Full-Time
Reports To: Center Director

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced, organized, and passionate Assistant Director to support the daily operations of our licensed Early Childhood Education program. The Assistant Director works collaboratively with the Center Director to ensure high-quality educational programming, regulatory compliance, staff development, and a safe, nurturing environment for children and families.

This position requires a strong leader who is knowledgeable in New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) regulations and committed to providing exceptional early childhood education.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the daily management and operation of the childcare center.
• Ensure compliance with all NYS OCFS regulations, licensing requirements, and program policies.
• Supervise, coach, and support teaching staff through classroom observations, mentoring, and ongoing professional development.
• Maintain appropriate child-to-staff ratios and classroom coverage.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, orientation, and performance evaluations of staff.
• Monitor curriculum implementation to ensure developmentally appropriate practices and alignment with program goals.
• Build positive relationships with children, families, and community partners.
• Assist with enrollment, tours, and family communication.
• Maintain accurate licensing records, attendance, staff files, and required documentation.
• Respond to incidents, emergencies, and parent concerns in a professional and timely manner.
• Coordinate health and safety procedures, emergency preparedness, and risk management.
• Serve as Acting Center Director in the Director's absence.
• Support special events, trainings, and organizational initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, or a closely related field required.
• New York State Teacher Certification (Birth-Grade 2 or equivalent) preferred.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in a licensed early childhood program.
• Previous supervisory or leadership experience preferred.
• Thorough knowledge of NYS OCFS childcare regulations and licensing requirements.
• Strong leadership, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and childcare management software.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to move throughout the center and classrooms throughout the day.
• Must be able to lift, carry, or assist children weighing up to 40 pounds when necessary.
• Ability to respond quickly and appropriately during emergencies.
• Ability to bend, kneel, sit on the floor, and actively participate in classroom activities.

Required Clearances

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of:

• Criminal history review
• Medical statement meeting NYS requirements
• CPR and First Aid certification (or ability to obtain upon hire)
• Required OCFS health and safety training
• Discount off child care tuition
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off
• Paid holidays

Minimum of 1 year of experience in a supervisory role

Knowledge of state and NYS OCFS regulations

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Ability to work collaboratively with staff members and families

Availability between 7am and 6pm.

Strong organizational and time management skills

Salary Minimum: 23Salary Maximum: 25