Center Director

Acelero Learning; South Amboy (NJ); On-site; USD 81,000 - 87,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

HSA contributions

FSA

401(k) match

Disability & Life Insurance

Professional Development

EAP

Employee Discounts

Job summary

Acelero Learning Monmouth Middlesex- South Amboy is seeking a dedicated center leader to guide operational and educational programs, ensuring high-quality learning environments aligned with Head Start standards. The role includes coaching staff, data-driven improvement, and active family engagement.

Winter 2026 start with compensation in the $81,000–$87,000 range plus comprehensive benefits. Requires a Bachelor's in ECE (Master's preferred) and at least one year of supervisory experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field with six ECE courses and preschool teaching experience.
• Master's degree preferred.
• At least 1 year of supervisory/management/coaching experience.
• Familiarity with Head Start/Early Head Start standards and community partnerships a plus.

Responsibilities

• Serve as operational and educational lead for the center and extended day programs.
• Oversee the full implementation of the early learning system, policies, and tools.
• Maintain compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, local/state licensing regulations, and health and safety requirements.
• Coach and mentor teaching staff to strengthen instructional quality, curriculum fidelity, and classroom management.
• Use data-driven insights and child outcome results to guide decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Facilitate collaboration across education and service areas to ensure integrated and holistic support for children and families.
• Partner with families to promote engagement and parent participation in center activities and decision-making.
• Manage recordkeeping, reporting, and documentation systems to ensure timeliness and accuracy.
• Participate in meetings, trainings, and community events-occasionally during evenings or weekends-to advance program goals.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Data literacy

Bilingual English/Spanish

Education

Bachelor's degree in ECE or related field

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Are you a socially conscious, dedicated individual who is committed to building a better future for children, families, and their communities? If so, join us as we support early childhood education programs across the country to create positive outcomes for the children and families served.

Why Acelero?

Our mission is bold:
To design and deliver inclusive, anti-bias, and research-informed approaches that eliminate the gaps between young children's inherent potential and their achievement in school and life.
With our partners, we accelerate child and family outcomes that honor the aspirations and cultures of the communities we serve.

What You'll Do

• Serve as the operational and educational lead for the center and extended day programs, providing direction and support to ensure high-quality learning environments.
• Oversee the full implementation of Acelero Learning's early learning system, policies, and tools, ensuring that all children meet or exceed School Readiness Goals.
• Maintain compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, local/state licensing regulations, and health and safety requirements.
• Coach and mentor teaching staff to strengthen instructional quality, curriculum fidelity, and classroom management.
• Use data-driven insights and child outcome results to guide decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Facilitate collaboration across education and service areas to ensure integrated and holistic support for children and families.
• Partner with families to promote engagement and parent participation in center activities and decision-making.
• Manage recordkeeping, reporting, and documentation systems to ensure timeliness and accuracy.
• Participate in meetings, trainings, and community events-occasionally during evenings or weekends-to advance program goals.

Supervision & Leadership

• Directly supervise all center staff, including teachers, assistant teachers, floaters, substitutes, and extended day team members.
• Manage all aspects of the employee lifecycle—hiring, onboarding, scheduling, training, and performance evaluation.
• Lead regular team meetings to review progress, address challenges, and celebrate successes.
• Build a culture of accountability, inclusivity, and professional growth, aligned with Acelero Learning's mission and values.
• Model collaboration, transparency, and trust-centered leadership to inspire others.

What You'll Bring

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or related field with at least six (6) courses in ECE and experience teaching preschool-aged children.
• Master's Degree preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum of one (1) year of supervisory, management, or coaching experience required.
• Previous experience leading an infant/toddler or preschool program strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with Head Start/Early Head Start standards and community partnerships a plus.

Skills & Abilities:

• Strong knowledge of early childhood education practices and compliance requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop teams through coaching and mentoring.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and comfort working with data systems and reports.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining a positive, solutions-focused approach.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.

Requirements:

• Physical exam and background checks required.
• CPR and First Aid certification (or obtained within one year).
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation required.
• Local or long-distance travel up to 10% for meetings and trainings.

When/Where/How Much:

When: Winter 2026

Where: Acelero Learning Monmouth Middlesex- South Amboy

How Much: $81,000- $87,000 Annually + comprehensive benefits package

Why You'll Love Working with Us

• A mission-driven organization making a lasting impact in the lives of children and families.
• A collaborative, inclusive workplace that values your expertise, growth, and voice.
• Comprehensive benefits to support your total well-being, including:
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance with multiple plan options
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer contributions
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for health and dependent care
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan with up to 4% company match and immediate vesting
  • Company-paid Short-Term & Long-Term Disability and Basic Life Insurance
  • Up to $500 per year in Professional Development Reimbursements
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with counseling and wellness support
  • Pet Insurance, Legal Assistance, ID Theft Protection, and Employee Discounts

Why Acelero Learning or Shine Early Learning?

• Ability to make an impact in the lives of the children, families, and partners we serve
• Career growth and professional development opportunities
• Supportive working environment
• Average of 5 weeks of paid time off during 1st year of employment
• Comprehensive benefits, including 401K matching and 100% vesting program

We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a diverse and healthy work place.