Preschool Principal

Chesterbrook-Academy; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) match

PTO

Childcare tuition discounts

Ongoing leadership development

Job summary

Chesterbrook Academy in Richmond, VA seeks an experienced Program Director to lead and develop a dynamic team of educators, ensuring compliance with Virginia licensing standards and company expectations. The role focuses on growing enrollment, strengthening family and community partnerships, and maintaining a culture of educational excellence with a focus on child success.

The successful candidate will bring leadership experience in licensed childcare, strong organizational and communication

Qualifications

• Must be at least 21 years old and meet Virginia Program Director qualifications for a licensed child day center.
• Two years of leadership/supervisory experience in a licensed childcare center preferred.
• Thorough knowledge of Virginia licensing standards, compliance, health and safety practices.
• Ability to lead and develop teams, manage daily center operations, and drive compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team of educators.
• Ensure compliance with Virginia licensing regulations and company standards.
• Drive enrollment growth and build strong family/community partnerships.
• Foster a positive school culture focused on educational excellence and child success.

Skills

Leadership

Staff development

Communication

Problem solving

Regulatory compliance

Organizational skills

Education

Early childhood degree

Early childhood credentials

Montessori credentials

Job description

Your Impact at Chesterbrook Academy

• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team of educators.
• Ensure compliance with Virginia licensing regulations and company standards.
• Drive enrollment growth and build strong family and community partnerships.
• Foster a positive school culture focused on educational excellence and child success.

What We're Looking For

• Must be at least 21 years of age and meet Virginia Program Director qualifications for a licensed child day center as outlined in 8VAC20-780-190. Virginia provides several qualifying education/experience pathways, including qualifying child-related degrees, college coursework, early childhood credentials, or Montessori credentials combined with required programmatic and supervisory experience.
• Minimum of two (2) years of leadership or supervisory experience in a licensed childcare center, preschool, or early childhood education program preferred, with demonstrated experience leading staff and managing day-to-day operations.
• Thorough knowledge of Virginia child day center licensing standards, compliance requirements, health and safety practices, and best practices in early childhood education.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop teams, manage daily center operations, support staff performance, maintain regulatory compliance, and foster a positive learning environment.
  Strong organizational, communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• Candidates without qualifying management experience must meet Virginia’s additional management education/training requirements. Virginia defines qualifying management experience as at least six months of administrative on-the-job training involving supervision, orientation, training, and scheduling of staff.
• Ability to maintain all required background checks, training, certifications, and ongoing professional development required by Virginia regulations and company standards.

Why Join Chesterbrook Academy?

• Competitive salary and quarterly bonus opportunities with an annual target of up to $8,000.
• Medical, dental, vision, 401(k) match, PTO, and childcare tuition discounts.
• Ongoing leadership development, professional growth, and career advancement opportunities.
• The opportunity to make a lasting impact on children, families, and educators every day.

If you're an experienced early childhood leader who is passionate about developing educators, building strong school communities, and creating exceptional experiences for children and families,