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Early Learning Center Assistant Director
Full Time Nashville, TN, US
Salary Range: $55,000.00 To $60,000.00 Annually
The Assistant Director supports the Director in overseeing the daily operations of the Early Learning Center. This role ensures that the program operates safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with TN DHS childcare licensing regulations while providing a high-quality, joyful early learning environment for children and families.
The Assistant Director applies knowledge of child development and early childhood best practices to support classroom instruction, supervise staff, maintain compliance, and ensure strong communication with families. The Assistant Director regularly serves as a classroom teacher when needed to maintain appropriate staffing and provide consistent care and instruction for children.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Essential duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
- Support the daily operations of the center to ensure classrooms are appropriately staffed, schedules run smoothly, and children are supervised at all times.
- Provides teacher coverage during staff absences, vacancies, breaks, or other staffing needs. When serving in a classroom, carry out the teaching, supervision, and documentation responsibilities of that assignment while maintaining required staff-to-child ratios.
- Serve as a point of contact for families in the Director’s absence, addressing questions or concerns with professionalism and care.
- Support the Director in supervising staff, conducting classroom observations, and providing coaching and feedback.
- Assist with performance evaluations, professional development, and implementation of Ensure the center operates in compliance with DHS licensing regulations, safety requirements, and Martha O'Bryan Center policies.
- Maintain organized documentation including attendance records, incident reports, safety logs, and licensing files.
- Assist the Director in preparing for DHS or DCS monitoring visits and addressing compliance findings.
- Conduct classroom walkthroughs to monitor instructional practices, supervision, and learning environments.
- Support teachers in addressing behavioral or developmental concerns and implementing appropriate strategies.
- Respond to incidents and arrange medical care for ill or injured children according to parent instructions and state regulations.
- Build strong partnerships with families, creating a welcoming and supportive environment that encourages parent involvement.
- Connect families to MOBC's 2Gen services such as adult education, workforce development, and family success programming.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required.
- Bachelor's degree in early childhood education, Child Development, Business Administration, or related field).
- Minimum of 2 years of teaching experience in early childhood education.
- Demonstrated ability to understand and implement DHS rules and regulations and maintain program compliance.
- Experience supervising staff and leading teams through transition and growth.
- Excellent communication, problem-solving, and relationship-building skills.
- Commitment to MOBC's two-generational model and to deliver high-quality programming for children and families.
The above qualifications express the minimum standards of education and/or experience for this position. Other combinations of education and experience, if evaluated as equivalent, may be taken into consideration.
Knowledge and Abilities:
- Strong knowledge of child development, particularly for children and families experiencing poverty, and familiarity with Tennessee Child Care Licensing, NAEYC Accreditation standards, and Tennessee Department of Education Pre-K and Early Learning Development Standards.
- Demonstrated ability to build positive relationships and lead, plan, and direct the work of others.
- Exercises sound judgment in staffing decisions, safety concerns, and program operations. Strong organizational, time management,and attention to detail.
- Ability to analyze and interpret data to support program decisions and present findings effectively.
- Proficiency with computer applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, email, and internet-based systems.
- High level of professional integrity, maintaining credibility through sincerity, honesty, discretion, and confidentiality with sensitive information.
- Ability to document information thoroughly, accurately, and in a timely manner with strong attention to detail.
- Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, courtesy, and tact when interacting with staff, families, and the public.
- Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, including the ability to work independently and remain effective under pressure.
Special Demands:
- Ability to lift, carry, and move children weighing up to 40-50 pounds.
- Ability to bend, kneel, sit and stand for extended periods of time.
- Ability to actively supervise children indoors and outdoors, including on the playground.
- Ability to respond quickly in emergencies and ensure safety of children.
- Ability to follow health and safety protocols, including sanitation procedures and first aid situations.
- Ability to work in environments with moderate noise levels.
- Ability to maintain a calm and patient demeanorin a fast-paced environment with multiple children.
- Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including opening or closing, as necessary.
THE MARTHA O'BRYAN CENTER IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER