Center Director

The Learning Experience; Ledgewood (NJ); On-site; USD 68,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

401(k) match

Paid time off

Training & development

Leadership development

Regional leadership support

Job summary

The Learning Experience - Ledgewood, NJ is seeking an experienced Center Director to lead our school, support our teaching team, and create an exceptional experience for children and families.

This hands-on leadership role focuses on operations, curriculum leadership, enrollment support, and building a positive center culture. You will coach teachers, ensure licensing compliance, manage staffing, and partner with regional leadership to drive center growth.

Qualifications

• Previous leadership experience in a licensed childcare, preschool, or early childhood education setting is required.
• Proven ability to coach, develop, and hold a team accountable.
• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operations of the childcare center.
• Lead, coach, develop, and support teachers and center leadership.
• Recruit, onboard, train, and retain high-quality team members.
• Maintain appropriate staffing, classroom ratios, and scheduling.
• Ensure compliance with New Jersey childcare licensing, health, and safety requirements.
• Support implementation of LEAP Curriculum.
• Conduct classroom observations and provide coaching feedback.
• Build strong relationships with children and families.
• Support enrollment, tours, onboarding, and retention.
• Monitor center performance and identify growth opportunities.

Skills

Leadership

Coaching

Communication

Organization

Problem-solving

Education

Early Childhood Education coursework

CDA

Associate degree

Bachelor's degree

Job description

The Learning Experience - Ledgewood, NJ

Salary: $68,000-$75,000 annually, based on experience and qualifications

Schedule: Full-Time, Monday-Friday

The Learning Experience - Ledgewood is seeking an experienced Center Director to lead our school, support our teaching team, and create an exceptional experience for children and families.

This is a hands-on leadership position for someone who understands that a successful early childhood center requires both strong operations and strong relationships. You'll lead and develop the team, maintain high standards for curriculum and compliance, support enrollment and family retention, and help create a center culture where teachers and children can thrive.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operations of the childcare center
• Lead, coach, develop, and support teachers and center leadership
• Recruit, onboard, train, and retain high-quality team members
• Maintain appropriate staffing, classroom ratios, and scheduling
• Ensure compliance with New Jersey childcare licensing, health, and safety requirements
• Support implementation of The Learning Experience's L.E.A.P. Curriculum
• Conduct classroom observations and provide meaningful coaching and feedback
• Build strong, professional relationships with children and families
• Support family tours, enrollment, onboarding, and retention
• Monitor center performance and identify opportunities for continued growth
• Maintain required licensing, staffing, and operational documentation
• Address family and employee concerns professionally and effectively
• Partner with regional and ownership leadership on center goals and initiatives
• Create a positive, accountable, and supportive workplace culture

Qualifications

• Previous leadership experience in a licensed childcare, preschool, or early childhood education setting required
• Center Director, Assistant Director, or comparable early childhood management experience strongly preferred
• Strong knowledge of childcare center operations, licensing, staffing, and classroom quality
• Proven ability to coach, develop, and hold a team accountable
• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills
• Comfortable supporting enrollment, family relationships, and center growth
• Early Childhood Education coursework, CDA, associate degree, bachelor's degree, or related education preferred
• Must meet all applicable New Jersey licensing requirements for the Center Director position

What We Offer

• $68,000-$75,000 annual salary, based on experience and qualifications
• Health, dental, and vision benefits for eligible employees
• 401(k) with available company match
• Paid time off
• Paid training and professional development
• Leadership development and career growth opportunities
• Support from an experienced regional leadership team

At The Learning Experience, our Center Director sets the tone for the entire school. We're looking for a leader who can build a strong team, create meaningful relationships with families, maintain high standards, and make the center a place where both children and educators are excited to be.