Preschool Center Director

The Learning Experience`; Ledgewood (NJ); On-site; USD 68,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free uniforms

Health insurance

Opportunity for advancement

Paid time off

Training & development

Vision insurance

401(k) matching

Competitive salary

Dental insurance

Employee discounts

Flexible schedule

Job summary

The Learning Experience in Ledgewood, NJ is seeking an experienced Center Director to lead our preschool, support the teaching team, and create an exceptional experience for children and families.

This hands-on leadership role emphasizes strong operations, curriculum quality, licensing compliance, enrollment growth, and a thriving center culture with teachers and children thriving together.

Qualifications

• Previous leadership experience in a licensed childcare, preschool, or early childhood education setting.
• Strong knowledge of childcare center operations, licensing, staffing and classroom quality.
• Proven ability to coach, develop, and hold a team accountable.
• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operations of the childcare center.
• Lead, coach, develop, and support teachers and center leadership.
• Recruit, onboard, train, and retain high-quality team members.
• Maintain appropriate staffing, classroom ratios, and scheduling.
• Ensure compliance with New Jersey childcare licensing, health, and safety requirements.
• Support implementation of The Learning Experience's L.E.A.P. Curriculum.
• Conduct classroom observations and provide meaningful coaching and feedback.
• Build strong, professional relationships with children and families.
• Support family tours, enrollment, onboarding, and retention.
• Monitor center performance and identify opportunities for continued growth.
• Maintain required licensing, staffing, and operational documentation.
• Address family and employee concerns professionally and effectively.
• Partner with regional and ownership leadership on center goals and initiatives.
• Create a positive, accountable, and supportive workplace culture.

Job description

Preschool Center Director - Early Childhood Education

The Learning Experience - Ledgewood, NJ

Benefits

• Free uniforms
• Health insurance
• Opportunity for advancement
• Paid time off
• Training & development
• Vision insurance
• 401(k) matching
• Competitive salary
• Dental insurance
• Employee discounts
• Flexible schedule

Salary: $68,000-$75,000 annually, based on experience and qualifications

Schedule: Full-Time, Monday-Friday

The Learning Experience - Ledgewood is seeking an experienced Center Director to lead our school, support our teaching team, and create an exceptional experience for children and families.

This is a hands‑on leadership position for someone who understands that a successful early childhood center requires both strong operations and strong relationships. You'll lead and develop the team, maintain high standards for curriculum and compliance, support enrollment and family retention, and help create a center culture where teachers and children can thrive.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operations of the childcare center
• Lead, coach, develop, and support teachers and center leadership
• Recruit, onboard, train, and retain high-quality team members
• Maintain appropriate staffing, classroom ratios, and scheduling
• Ensure compliance with New Jersey childcare licensing, health, and safety requirements
• Support implementation of The Learning Experience's L.E.A.P. Curriculum
• Conduct classroom observations and provide meaningful coaching and feedback
• Build strong, professional relationships with children and families
• Support family tours, enrollment, onboarding, and retention
• Monitor center performance and identify opportunities for continued growth
• Maintain required licensing, staffing, and operational documentation
• Address family and employee concerns professionally and effectively
• Partner with regional and ownership leadership on center goals and initiatives
• Create a positive, accountable, and supportive workplace culture

Qualifications

• Previous leadership experience in a licensed childcare, preschool, or early childhood education setting required
• Center Director, Assistant Director, or comparable early childhood management experience strongly preferred
• Strong knowledge of childcare center operations, licensing, staffing, and classroom quality
• Proven ability to coach, develop, and hold a team accountable
• Strong communication, organization, and problem‑solving skills
• Comfortable supporting enrollment, family relationships, and center growth
• Early Childhood Education coursework, CDA, associate degree, bachelor's degree, or related education preferred
• Must meet all applicable New Jersey licensing requirements for the Center Director position

What We Offer

• $68,000-$75,000 annual salary, based on experience and qualifications
• Full-time Monday-Friday schedule
• Health, dental, and vision benefits for eligible employees
• 401(k) with available company match
• Paid time off
• Paid training and professional development
• Employee childcare discount
• Leadership development and career growth opportunities
• Support from an experienced regional leadership team

At The Learning Experience, our Center Director sets the tone for the entire school. We're looking for a leader who can build a strong team, create meaningful relationships with families, maintain high standards, and make the center a place where both children and educators are excited to be.

This franchise is independently owned and operated by a franchisee. Your application will go directly to the franchisee, and all hiring decisions will be made by the management of this franchisee. All inquiries about employment at this franchisee should be made directly to the franchise location, and not to The Learning Experience Corporate.