ECE Assistant Center Director at Learning Jungle Concord

Landed; Concord (NC); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Leadership opportunity

Competitive compensation

Professional development

Supportive culture

Job summary

Learning Jungle in North Carolina is seeking an experienced Assistant Center Director to help lead the center's daily operations and ensure high-quality programs for children and families. You will support licensing compliance, staff development, and family engagement while collaborating with the Center Director and regional teams to drive continuous improvement.

Qualified candidates will meet DCDEE requirements, have supervisory experience, and hold an administrator credential or be eligible

Qualifications

• Must meet NC DCDEE requirements to serve as Assistant Center Director.
• Possess either NC DCDEE Credential Level II/III or a Bachelor's in ECE with credential eligibility.
• At least 2 years of experience in a licensed childcare center with supervisory responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Assist in recruiting, hiring, onboarding, and retaining qualified staff in line with regulations.
• Supervise and mentor teachers through evaluations, coaching, and goal setting.
• Support licensing compliance, safety checks, and documentation of records.
• Foster family engagement and professional relationships with families.

Skills

Leadership

Staff development

Communication

Program coordination

Regulatory compliance

Education

NC DCDEE Credential Level II/III

Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education

Tools

CPR/First Aid Certification

Job description

Ignite Curiosity. Grow Potential.

At Learning Jungle, we believe that exceptional early childhood education has the power to shape communities and transform lives. As a global provider of high-quality educational childcare, we are dedicated to inspiring creativity, curiosity, and lifelong learning in every child we serve. Through a play-based, Reggio-inspired approach rooted in the Creative Curriculum, we nurture confident, mindful, and engaged learners.

We are currently seeking an experienced and passionate Assistant Center Director to support the leadership of our team in North Carolina. This role is responsible for assisting with the overall management and operational success of the center, ensuring high-quality programming, licensing compliance, team development, and strong family engagement.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Team Management

• Assist in recruiting, hiring, onboarding, and retaining qualified early childhood educators and support staff in alignment with state regulations and Learning Jungle's hiring standards.
• Supervise and mentor teachers and staff through regular performance evaluations, coaching, and goal setting.
• Foster a collaborative and professional workplace culture that supports staff development, open communication, and high morale.
• Provide leadership and support in the absence of the Center Director to ensure smooth operations.

Curriculum & Classroom Quality

• Support the effective implementation of Learning Jungle's Creative Curriculum and Reggio-inspired learning approach across all classrooms.
• Monitor lesson plans, classroom environments, and child development documentation to ensure quality, consistency, and alignment with NC Foundations for Early Learning.
• Assist teachers in meeting individual learning goals for each child through assessment and differentiated instruction.

Licensing, Compliance & Safety

• Assist in ensuring full compliance with North Carolina DCDEE licensing regulations, health and safety protocols, and company policies.
• Conduct regular classroom observations, ratio and supervision audits, and safety checks to proactively identify and resolve issues.
• Maintain accurate records related to licensing, training, incident reports, staff qualifications, and child files.

Family Engagement & Communication

• Build trusting, professional relationships with families through ongoing communication, responsive support, and open-door leadership.
• Plan and participate in family events, conferences, and center-wide communications to promote partnership and transparency.
• Address and resolve parent concerns in a timely, empathetic, and solutions-oriented manner.

Operational & Financial Oversight

• Assist with managing daily operations including scheduling, staff coverage, supply orders, maintenance, and food program compliance.
• Monitor and manage center budgets, payroll, and enrollment projections in collaboration with the Center Director.
• Ensure that all center activities are aligned with company objectives and financial goals.

Strategic Alignment & Continuous Improvement

• Partner with the Center Director and Regional teams to implement company-wide initiatives, training, and operational best practices.
• Analyze center performance metrics and lead continuous improvement efforts to enhance quality, efficiency, and outcomes.
• Maintain a strong understanding of local community needs, enrollment trends, and early childhood education developments.

Qualifications:

• Must meet North Carolina DCDEE requirements to serve as an Assistant Center Director, including:
  • A Level II or Level III NC Early Childhood Administrator Credential, or
  • A Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field with eligibility to obtain the credential.
• At least 2 years of experience in a licensed childcare center, including prior supervisory or leadership responsibilities.
• Strong knowledge of North Carolina licensing regulations, quality standards (e.g., ECERS, ITERS), and early childhood best practices.
• Demonstrated leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to build and lead a team in a mission-driven, child-centered environment.
• Must pass all required background checks, health screenings, and meet DCDEE training requirements.
• Current CPR/First Aid Certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire).

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Capable of walking, standing, bending, squatting, and kneeling for extended periods.
• Able to move quickly to respond to children's needs and ensure child safety.

Why Join Learning Jungle?

• Leadership opportunity in a values-driven organization committed to excellence in early childhood education.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package.
• Ongoing professional development and leadership training.
• Supportive culture that prioritizes teamwork, innovation, and impact.

This job description is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position. Learning Jungle is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Learning Jungle is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact the HR Department at [e-mail].