Assistant Director

The Learning Center; Hamden (CT); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Company parties

Employee discounts

Paid time off

Signing bonus

Training & development

Tuition assistance

Job summary

The Learning Center in Hamden, CT, is seeking an Assistant Director to lead a respected early childhood education program. This role involves balancing administrative tasks, compliance, staff supervision, and classroom support. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership qualities and a passion for early childhood education.

Responsibilities include managing daily operations, overseeing classroom quality, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Candidates should have a Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field and at least three years of experience in childcare.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education, Education, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a licensed childcare center.
• Minimum of 1 year of leadership experience.
• Knowledge of Connecticut childcare regulations.
• CPR, First Aid, and Medication Administration Certification (or ability to obtain).

Responsibilities

• Assist the Director in managing daily center operations.
• Oversee classroom quality and staffing compliance.
• Supervise and mentor teaching staff.
• Support curriculum implementation.
• Ensure compliance with state regulations.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organization

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field

Master's Degree (preferred)

Job description

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Company parties
• Employee discounts
• Paid time off
• Signing bonus
• Training & development
• Tuition assistance

The Learning Center | Hamden, CT

About the Role

Join The Learning Center as an Assistant Director and become a key leader in one of Hamden's most respected early childhood education programs. This role is ideal for a hands‑on leader who can successfully balance administration, compliance, staff supervision, and classroom support.

As a NAEYC-recognized program working toward accreditation, we are seeking a highly organized, motivated professional who can help maintain exceptional standards while supporting children, families, and staff.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Director in managing daily center operations.
• Oversee classroom quality, staffing, schedules, and ratio compliance.
• Serve as acting Director when needed.
• Supervise, mentor, and support teaching staff.
• Assist with hiring, onboarding, orientation, and staff development.
• Step into classrooms as needed to maintain ratios and continuity of care.
• Support curriculum implementation and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Monitor child progress and classroom environments.
• Maintain child, family, and staff records.
• Ensure compliance with Connecticut OEC regulations, licensing requirements, and NAEYC standards.
• Manage attendance records, incident reports, health documentation, and other required paperwork.
• Support enrollment, parent communication, and family engagement.
• Build positive relationships with children, families, staff, and community partners.
• Assist with accreditation preparation, audits, inspections, and quality improvement initiatives.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education, Education, Child Development, Human Services, Business Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a licensed childcare center.
• Minimum of 1 year of leadership, supervisory, or administrative experience.
• Strong knowledge of Connecticut childcare regulations and licensing requirements.
• Experience managing paperwork, compliance, and staff supervision.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to effectively lead staff while maintaining positive relationships with families and children.
• CPR, First Aid, and Medication Administration Certification (or ability to obtain).

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Education, Educational Leadership, Business Management, or related field.
• Experience with NAEYC Accreditation standards and processes.
• Experience supervising multiple classrooms and managing center operations.
• CDA or advanced early childhood credentials.

What We're Looking For

• A strong leader who leads by example.
• Comfortable running both the floor and administrative operations.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented.
• Able to multitask in a fast‑paced environment.
• Passionate about early childhood education and continuous improvement.
• Professional, dependable, and solution‑focused.
• Committed to maintaining high‑quality standards and supporting accreditation efforts.

About Us

For more than 10 years, The Learning Center has provided high‑quality early childhood education to children and families throughout Hamden. Our family‑centered approach, commitment to excellence, and focus on professional growth have made us a trusted community resource.

We believe great programs are built by great teams. If you are passionate about leadership, education, and making a difference in the lives of children and families, we encourage you to apply.

Join our team and help shape the future of early childhood education.