The Assistant Director plays a key leadership role in overseeing the daily operations of the center, ensuring regulatory compliance, supporting staff performance, and driving enrollment and program quality. This role partners closely with the Center Educational Director to maintain a high-performing school environment while delivering an exceptional experience for children, families, and staff.
This position blends operations, people leadership, compliance, and growth, and is ideal for someone ready to step into senior leadership within early childhood education.
Core Responsibilities
- Supervise, coach, and evaluate teaching staff
- Support hiring, onboarding, and retention of high-quality educators
- Lead and coordinate ongoing professional development
- Build a strong, positive, and accountable team culture
- Step in to support classrooms or coverage when needed
Center Operations & Compliance
- Oversee daily school operations to ensure alignment with NYC Article 47, DOH, and DOE regulations
- Ensure proper staff-to-child ratios and classroom coverage at all times
- Stay current on policy updates and ensure implementation across the school
- Support implementation of curriculum aligned with early childhood best practices
- Ensure classrooms provide a safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate environment
- Monitor classroom quality and provide feedback to teachers
Family Experience & Communication
- Build strong relationships with families through consistent communication
- Address concerns proactively and professionally
- Ensure a high-quality family experience from enrollment through daily interactions
- Support parent engagement initiatives and feedback systems
Enrollment Growth & Community Engagement
- Lead tours and convert prospective families into enrollments
- Partner with leadership on enrollment strategy and outreach efforts
- Represent the school in the community to build brand awareness
- Support retention strategies to maintain strong enrollment
- Assist with budget awareness and cost control (staffing, supplies, etc.)
- Ensure classrooms are properly stocked and resourced
- Support operational efficiency across scheduling, staffing, and systems
Qualifications Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education (or related field)
- NYS Teaching Certification (Birth–2nd) or plan to obtain in near future
- Strong knowledge of NYC Article 47 regulations
- Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills
Preferred
- Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field
- Experience in staff management and center operations
- Budgeting or financial management experience
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift up to 30 lbs
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, and respond quickly in emergencies
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k)
- Paid time off
- Growth opportunities within expanding network