Assistant Director

Yellow Brick Road Early Childhood Development Center; West Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development

Monday–Friday schedule

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) plan

Paid time off & holidays

Employee childcare discount

Job summary

Yellow Brick Road Early Childhood Development Center in West Des Moines, IA, seeks an Assistant Director to help lead a nurturing, compliant, and high-quality program for children and families. You will partner with the Director and leadership team to uphold our mission, manage daily operations, and support staff development.

Requirements include a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field, 2–4 years of childcare leadership, strong communication, and the ability to lift up

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
• 2–4 years of experience in childcare management, early education, or leadership support role.
• Knowledge of childcare regulations, licensing standards, and best practices in early education.

Responsibilities

• Support the Director in leading and developing a high-performing team.
• Assist with staff meetings, trainings, and performance check-ins.
• Help maintain a positive, professional work culture with strong communication and accountability.
• Provide coaching and guidance on compliance, classroom quality, and growth.
• Collaborate with marketing, enrollment, HR, finance for policy implementation.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organizational Skills

Staff coaching

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field

Tools

CRM systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Description

At Yellow Brick Road, we’re on a mission to put good humans into the world and leave it better than we found it. Our team creates warm, inclusive, and joyful environments where children, families, and staff can thrive. If you’re energized by purpose, connection, and meaningful work, you’ll love being part of a community that invests in your growth and celebrates what makes you exceptional.

The Assistant Director plays a vital role in supporting the overall success and smooth daily operation of the school by ensuring adherence to company policies, regulatory requirements, and high-quality standards. You’ll help create a fun, nurturing, and positive environment for our students, families, and staff through collaboration, organization, and communication.

The Assistant Director will partner closely with the Director and leadership team to uphold the school’s mission, assist with daily management, and contribute to continuous growth within the community — ensuring every child benefits from the company’s exceptional care and educational programs.

What You’ll Do

Leadership & Team Support

• Support the Director in leading and developing a high-performing team that embodies the company’s mission and values.
• Assist with conducting staff meetings, trainings, and performance check-ins to ensure staff are supported and equipped for success.
• Help maintain a positive, professional work culture by modeling strong communication, teamwork, and accountability.
• Provide ongoing coaching and guidance to staff in compliance, classroom quality, and professional growth.
• Collaborate with internal departments (marketing, enrollment, HR, finance, etc.) to ensure smooth communication and consistent implementation of policies and initiatives.

Program Quality & Compliance

• Assist in classrooms and ratios to ensure compliance with state and company standards (50% of time).
• Conduct classroom observations and support curriculum implementation using instructional coaching techniques.
• Help review and maintain school policies, procedures, and documentation to meet regulatory and quality standards.
• Support the Director in preparing for and maintaining licensing inspections and internal audits.

Family & Community Engagement

• Build strong relationships with current and prospective families by providing excellent communication and customer service.
• Support parent engagement through intake meetings, family events, and parent communication platforms.
• Assist in coordinating community outreach and partnerships with local organizations and schools.

Operational & Financial Support

• Assist the Director in maintaining accurate records of enrollment, attendance, and staffing.
• Help monitor expenses, labor hours, and supplies to ensure budget efficiency and compliance with company guidelines.
• Support enrollment goals by engaging with prospective families, conducting tours, and following up on leads.
• Partner with the Director and Finance Team to resolve billing or financial discrepancies.

Organizational Health

• Work collaboratively with the Director and leadership peers to align with company mission and goals.
• Support employee engagement efforts, team morale, and overall operational excellence.
• Step into leadership or classroom roles as needed to maintain coverage and program quality.

What You’ll Need

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Business Administration, or related field preferred (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• 2–4 years of experience in childcare management, early education, or a leadership support role.
• Knowledge of childcare regulations, licensing standards, and early education best practices.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with CRM systems or parent communication apps is a plus.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

Other Requirements

• Ability to commute to assigned school location.
• Commercial Drivers License (or willingness to obtain within 30 days).
• Valid CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain within 30 days).
• Ability to lift and carry up to 65 lbs and perform tasks requiring kneeling, crouching, and physical activity.
• Willingness to occasionally travel to other schools (up to 25%) or attend conferences and trainings.
• Flexible, proactive attitude with a willingness to assist wherever needed, including stepping into classroom support or teacher roles.

What We Offer

• Ongoing professional development & growth opportunities
• Monday–Friday schedule
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) plan
• Paid time off & holidays
• Employee childcare discount

The starting pay for this position is starting at $37,440 annually and is applicable for candidates who will be working in the following location[s] Iowa. This range is subject to adjustment for other geographic work locations. In addition to geographic location, Yellow Brick Road considers education, experience, internal equity, market demands, and other qualifying criteria to determine starting salaries.

In addition to compensation benefits, Yellow Brick Road offers a variety of health and welfare benefits, based on eligibility, including medical and dental insurance, life insurance, and career development.