Assistant Director, Early Learning Center

University of Alabama in Huntsville; Huntsville (AL); Hybrid; USD 63,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Alabama in Huntsville seeks an Assistant Director for the Early Learning Center to lead curriculum and instruction, coach teachers, and manage daily operations alongside the Executive Director. You will ensure compliance with state licensing and NAEYC standards, while fostering a positive environment for children, families, and staff.

The role requires a Master’s degree in a related field, a valid teaching license, and at least three years of administrative experience.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Early Childhood Education or Early Childhood Special Education or a closely related field.
• Licensed teacher in early childhood, elementary, or special education.
• 3 years of full‑time, verifiable administrative work experience (including teaching or related work).
• Excellent presentation, written, and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage the day‑to‑day operations of the Early Learning Center in the absence of the Executive Director.
• Oversee curriculum development that supports growth in all domains and inclusion for children with special needs.
• Coordinate professional development and staff training to ensure integrated program components.
• Assist in HR and personnel actions with confidential documentation and record‑keeping.

Skills

Communication skills

Education

Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field

Licensed early childhood/elementary or special education teacher

Tools

MS Office Suite

Job description

Assistant Director, Early Learning Center

Job no: 504209
Department: College of Education, Sport, and Human Sciences
Work type: Staff Full-time Exempt
Location: Alabama
Categories: Early Education

Purpose of the Position

The Assistant Director, Early Learning Center Curriculum and Instruction will work closely with and serve as the educational lead for the RISE School classrooms, providing training and coaching on matters of curriculum, assessment, and classroom management in accordance with ELC and the University’s policies, procedures, and guidelines, Alabama state licensing requirements, and NAEYC accreditation standards. This individual will collaborate with the Executive Director on a consistent basis and will be responsible for managing the day‑to‑day operations of the center in the absence of the Executive Director. The Assistant Director provides operational support to the Early Learning Center (ELC) and demonstrates leadership by creating and maintaining a positive environment for children, families, college students, and ELC staff.

Duties / Responsibilities

• Work closely with the Executive Director in the management of the daily operations of the Early Learning Center. Serve as the educational lead and provide leadership in the development and maintenance of the Rise classrooms.
• Oversee the development of curriculum that facilitates growth and development in all domains and encourages an inclusive environment for children with special needs, utilizing concepts from Positive Approaches to Discipline, Creative Curriculum, and Teaching Strategies Gold Assessments.
• Coordinates professional development of staff, developing staff meetings to ensure continuing education and to ensure that all program components are well integrated and functioning smoothly.
• Provides training and coaching on matters of curriculum, assessment, and classroom management in accordance with the Early Learning Center and the University’s policies, procedures, and guidelines, Alabama state licensing requirements, and NAEYC accreditation standards.
• Serving as a key member on the ELC leadership team that adheres to risk management processes and related safety and security processes, develops or modifies operational procedures including, but not limited to, child care licensing, and maintenance of the NAEYC Accreditation as needed.
• Oversee development and implementation of IFSPs and IEPs, and support the transition of children to subsequent educational environments.
• Play an active role in the hiring process and onboarding of new staff, integrating them into the program.
• Conduct classroom observations and model appropriate classroom instructional and management techniques.
• Collaborate with parents, teaching staff, and therapists to problem-solve solutions for behavioral, developmental, and educational issues that arise and to develop positive learning experiences for all enrolled children.
• Work with faculty to ensure the program contributes to the scholarly work of students.
• Collaborates with faculty to coordinate internships and clinical experiences.
• Assists with parent tours and provides interested families with information about the Early Learning Center.
• Gathers and collects pertinent information, creates, develops, prepares, and generates various reports as assigned by the Executive Director.
• Manage HR and personnel action items, fulfilling confidential documentation and record‑keeping responsibilities in compliance with ELC and University policies, guidelines, and procedures.
• Assist in presenting the program to local, state, and national visitors including the media, government and agency heads, and professional colleagues.
• Stays abreast of new developments in the field so as to contribute new philosophies and practices related to current trends in early intervention and early childhood education.
• Assists the Executive Director with special projects, center events, and activities as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Early Childhood Special Education, or a closely related field.
• Licensed early childhood, early childhood special education, elementary, or special education teacher.
• 3 years of full‑time, verifiable administrative work experience (which includes teaching or related work experience).
• Experience using MS Office Suite.
• Must have excellent presentation, written, and verbal communication skills.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in an instructional coach or team lead position is preferred.
• Knowledge of NAEYC and ELC standards is desired.
• Experience in an early childhood setting is preferred.
• CPR/First Aid Certification is desired.

Published Salary (if available)

$62,500 - $67,500

Advertised: Sep 22 2026 Central Daylight Time
Applications close:

Please note, job openings are posted for a minimum of three (3) business days and may be removed from the job posting board and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

The University of Alabama in Huntsville is an equal opportunity employer (EOE), including an EOE of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.