Director

La Petite Academy; Gaithersburg (MD); On-site; USD 71,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Childcare discount

Health insurance

401(k) company match

Paid time off

Education assistance

Job summary

La Petite Academy in Gaithersburg, Maryland, is seeking a dedicated Center Director to lead a child care center. You will manage staff, ensure a supportive educational environment, and connect with families to promote children’s growth.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in early childhood education, effective communication skills, and supervisory experience. This role offers a salary between $71,000 and $78,000 with benefits including health insurance and education assistance.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• 1-2 years of supervisory/management experience; experience in early childhood education preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage school staff by planning work schedules and evaluating performance.
• Ensure the school operates in accordance with licensing standards.
• Recruit, select, and retain quality staff.

Skills

Supervisory skills

Early childhood education knowledge

Communication skills

Team management

Education

CDA, associate, or bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education

Job description

Join a strong community where all we do is care for the children and families we serve every day, as well as for our dedicated team members. Our people are our best asset. We listen and we know what you're looking for:

• Benefits: 50% childcare discount, immediate access to benefits, innovative health programs, 401(k) company match, and more.
• Balance: flexible schedules, no nights or weekends, ability to bring your children to work, paid time off.
• Opportunity: ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, credential assistance, and our unique Master Teacher Program.
• Recognition: a positive, fun workplace where employees are appreciated.

This is more than just a daycare job. It’s a journey, where you learn, grow, thrive—and play—every day. Leading a child care center is something special. We’re hiring and we want difference makers who will inspire children to become lifelong learners.

In a Center Director role, we look for committed individuals who want to have a positive impact in the lives of children and their families, while effectively and efficiently running all school operations. The Director promotes the social, physical, and intellectual growth of the children and works with the staff to create a warm, inspiring environment, while keeping parents informed and engaged.

As a Director, you will:

• Be a leader: Manage school staff by planning work schedules, evaluating staff performance, and developing performance improvement plans. Assist with implementation of Company-provided curriculum, which includes coaching, communicating, and interpreting standards with teachers.
• Be an expert: Ensure the school is operating in accordance with company and state licensing standards, while promoting a positive partnership within the surrounding community.
• Be an innovator: Spark imagination, build self‑esteem, and help children discover new things each day in an educational, caring, and safe environment.
• Be a team player: Recruit, select, and retain quality staff.

Job Requirements:

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• High School diploma or equivalent.
• CDA, associate, or bachelor’s degree preferred in Early Childhood Education or related field.
• Must meet state requirements for education and our center/school requirements.
• 1-2 years of supervisory/management experience; experience in early childhood education strongly preferred.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Compensation of $71,000 - $78,000 salary based on position, education, and experience. Bi‑weekly and daily pay options.
• Health insurance (medical, dental, and vision), paid time‑off, and 401(k) (plus company match) provided for full‑time employees.
• Child‑care discount.
• Education assistance including tuition reimbursement and certification available to all employees.

Learning Care is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against an employee or applicant based on race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status or any other protected status under federal, state, or local law.