Early Childhood Education Director

Novastar Kids Co; Centennial (CO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Novastar Kids Co is seeking an experienced Early Childhood Education Director to lead a thriving center, drive enrollment growth, and uphold the highest care standards. You will oversee operations, mentor a leadership team, ensure regulatory compliance, and foster a collaborative, mission-driven culture.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in early childhood education with supervisory experience, a strong business acumen, and the ability to build strong family partnerships in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field required; Master's preferred.
• Colorado Shines PDIS 3.0 Level 4 or higher with Large Center Director Certification.
• 5+ years of experience in early childhood education, including 3+ years in a supervisory or director role.
• Knowledge of Colorado childcare licensing regulations and compliance requirements.
• Proven leadership with coaching, mentoring, and driving teams to high performance.
• Strong business acumen including budget management, enrollment growth, and operations strategy.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• CPR and First Aid certification current or ability to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee daily operations, admin tasks, and long-term strategy for the center.
• Lead enrollment growth through tours, marketing support, family communication, and registration.
• Maintain records for students, staff, and operations.
• Manage budget, forecast expenses, supply ordering, and resource management.
• Oversee licensing inspections and ensure audit-ready documentation.
• Recruit, hire, onboard, coach, and retain a high-performing team.
• Ensure compliance with Colorado Shines and licensing requirements.
• Engage families through events, open houses, and community partnerships.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Enrollment growth

Communication

Team coaching

Education

Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Childcare management software

Job description

Novastar Kids Co provides private educational service to children ages six weeks to fourteen years. The service includes child care, preschool, kindergarten, elementary through secondary education, summer camps, special events, enrichment classes, and after‑school programs. The foundation of our service is the continuity of care and education. Novastar's unique educational program is focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) curriculum, and World Languages fluency. Our teaching methodology is anchored in whole child and project‑based learning approaches. Novastar's vision is becoming a community hub where children and families grow and learn together, reaching their unique personal potential. Our values of community, innovation, and life‑long learning are the principles for our company's philosophy, operations, and service. The service is provided with integrity, rigor, and empathy.

About the Role:

Join Novastar Kids Co as an Early Childhood Education Director and lead a thriving early childhood education center to new heights of excellence. We are seeking a visionary, experienced leader who is passionate about child development, operational excellence, and building a strong team culture. In this role, you will oversee all aspects of center operations, drive enrollment growth, develop and mentor your leadership team, ensure full regulatory compliance, and uphold the highest standards of care and education. This is a rewarding opportunity for an established early childhood leader ready to shape the experience of children, families, and staff in a mission‑driven, innovative, and growth‑oriented environment.

Responsibilities:

Leadership & Operations:

• Direct and oversee all daily operations, administrative functions, and long‑term strategic planning for the center.
• Lead enrollment growth initiatives including tours, marketing support, family communication, and registration processes.
• Maintain accurate records for students, staff, and center operations.
• Manage center budget, forecast expenses, oversee supply ordering, and ensure responsible resource management.
• Partner with corporate leadership to align center operations with organizational goals and initiatives.

Staff Management:

• Recruit, hire, onboard, supervise, coach, and retain a high‑performing team of teachers and support staff.
• Develop and maintain staff schedules that meet required child‑to‑staff ratios and support operational needs.
• Conduct regular classroom observations, performance evaluations, and deliver constructive feedback.
• Design and coordinate meaningful professional development opportunities aligned with Novastar's educational philosophy.
• Foster a positive, collaborative workplace culture and effectively address staff concerns and conflicts.

Compliance & Quality:

• Ensure full compliance with all federal, state, and local childcare licensing regulations.
• Lead Colorado Shines quality rating efforts and drive continuous improvement across the program.
• Oversee health, safety, and sanitation practices throughout the center.
• Guide curriculum implementation and ensure developmentally appropriate practices in every classroom.
• Manage licensing inspections and maintain all required documentation in audit‑ready condition.

Family & Community Relations:

• Build strong, trusting relationships with families and serve as the primary point of contact for escalated parent concerns.
• Resolve parent inquiries and conflicts professionally, promptly, and with empathy.
• Plan and lead family engagement events, open houses, and community‑building activities.
• Represent Novastar Kids Co in the broader community and cultivate partnerships that support our mission.
• Provide classroom coverage as needed to maintain ratios and support staff.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field required; Master's degree preferred.
• Colorado Shines PDIS 3.0 Level 4 or higher with Large Center Director Certification.
• 5+ years of experience in early childhood education, including 3+ years in a supervisory or director‑level role.
• Comprehensive knowledge of Colorado childcare licensing regulations and compliance requirements.
• Demonstrated experience with Colorado Shines quality rating system and achieving high quality ratings.
• Proven leadership skills with a track record of coaching, mentoring, and motivating high‑performing teams.
• Strong business acumen including budget management, enrollment growth, and operational strategy.
• Excellent organizational, time management, and multitasking skills.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and childcare management software.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Ability to diffuse and manage stressful situations with professionalism and composure.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification (or ability to obtain).
• Experience working with diverse populations is a plus.
• Criminal background check and fingerprinting required for hire.