School Director

Children of America, Inc.; Glen Allen (VA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-On Bonus

Performance Incentives

Employee childcare benefits

Educational assistance

Professional development opportunities

401(k)

Paid vacation

Job summary

Children of America seeks a proven School Director to lead our early childhood program, drive enrollment, and manage a high-performing team. You will partner with families and staff to sustain a safe, engaging learning environment and ensure compliance with state regulations.

The role emphasizes strong leadership, relationship-building, and continuous improvement to deliver a high-quality educational experience for children aged 6 weeks to 12 years.

Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field; CDA may be considered.
• 2-4 years of leadership or management experience.
• At least 2 years of experience in a licensed childcare or early childhood setting.
• Strong knowledge of early childhood education and childcare regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and develop a team.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities.
• Effective decision-making skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to professional development and continuous improvement.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 and industry-specific software.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, develop, and retain a high-performing team.
• Create a positive, collaborative, and engaging school culture.
• Oversee daily school operations and ensure policies and procedures are followed.
• Maintain compliance with state childcare regulations.
• Build strong relationships with children, families, teachers, and the community.
• Support enrollment growth and family retention.
• Ensure delivery of COA's educational programs and curriculum.
• Monitor classroom quality and educational standards.
• Recruit, interview, onboard, and develop team members.
• Provide ongoing feedback, coaching, and performance support.
• Manage staffing, scheduling, and operational priorities.
• Partner with regional and senior leadership to achieve school goals.
• Maintain a safe, clean, welcoming, and high-quality learning environment.
• Meet operational, educational, enrollment, and financial performance expectations.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Decision making

Technology proficiency

Education

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education

CDA may be considered

Tools

Microsoft Office 365

Industry-specific software

Job description

School Director (Early Childhood)

$65,000-$75,000 Annual Salary + Performance-Based Incentives

Lead. Inspire. Grow. Make an Impact.

At Children of America (COA), we believe great schools start with great leaders. We are looking for an experienced, passionate School Director to lead our school, inspire a talented team of educators, build strong family relationships, and create an exceptional experience for the children and families we serve.

This is an exciting leadership opportunity for an early childhood professional who is ready to take ownership of school operations, develop people, drive enrollment, and help create a high-quality educational environment.

What You Can Expect:

• $65,000-$75,000 annual salary
• Performance-based incentives
• Career advancement opportunities
• Employee childcare benefits
• Professional development and educational assistance
• Support from experienced regional and senior leadership

About Children of America

Children of America is a growing early childhood education organization built on people, principles, and pride. Our schools serve children from 6 weeks through 12 years, providing a variety of programs including:

• Infant
• Toddler
• Preschool
• Pre-K
• Before & After Care
• Summer Camp

As a School Director, you will play a key role in creating a positive school culture, developing your team, maintaining high standards of care and education, and ensuring an outstanding experience for children and families.

You will work closely with teachers, support staff, families, operations leadership, and our regional support team. You'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while continuing to grow as a leader.

What You'll Do

As School Director, you will oversee the day-to-day operation of the school while leading and developing a team of educators and support staff.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead, coach, develop, and retain a high-performing team
• Create a positive, collaborative, and engaging school culture
• Oversee daily school operations and ensure policies and procedures are followed
• Maintain compliance with all applicable state childcare regulations
• Build strong relationships with children, families, teachers, and the community
• Support enrollment growth and family retention
• Ensure consistent delivery of COA's educational programs and curriculum
• Monitor classroom quality and educational standards
• Recruit, interview, onboard, and develop team members
• Provide ongoing feedback, coaching, and performance support
• Manage staffing, scheduling, and operational priorities
• Partner with regional and senior leadership to achieve school goals
• Maintain a safe, clean, welcoming, and high-quality learning environment
• Meet operational, educational, enrollment, and financial performance expectations

  What We're Looking For

  We're looking for a confident, organized, people-focused leader who is passionate about early childhood education.

  Qualifications:

  • Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field preferred; CDA may be considered based on applicable state requirements
  • 2-4 years of leadership or management experience
  • At least 2 years of experience in a licensed childcare or early childhood education setting
  • Strong knowledge of early childhood education and childcare regulations
  • Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and develop a team
  • Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
  • Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities
  • Effective decision-making skills
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
  • Commitment to professional development and continuous improvement
  • Proficiency with technology, Microsoft Office 365, and industry-specific software
  • Must meet all applicable state licensing and regulatory requirements

  Your Leadership Style

  You may be a great fit for COA if you are someone who:

  • Leads by example
  • Builds trust with employees and families
  • Enjoys developing and mentoring others
  • Takes ownership and follows through
  • Can confidently navigate challenging situations
  • Is comfortable balancing people, operations, and business priorities
  • Brings energy, professionalism, and a genuine passion for children

  What We Offer

  At COA, we want our employees to have opportunities to grow personally and professionally.

  Benefits and Perks may include:

  • $5,000 Sign-On Bonus
  • Performance-Based Incentives
  • Internal Career Advancement Opportunities
  • Employee Childcare Discount
  • Annual Longevity Bonus
  • Quarterly PEEEPs (IOS) Bonus
  • Educational Assistance/Reimbursement
  • T.E.A.C.H. Scholarship Partnerships
  • Employee Referral Bonus
  • Employee Recognition Programs
  • Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
  • 401(k)
  • Life, Accident & Disability Insurance
  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Holidays
  • Professional Development Opportunities

  Travel Requirements

  • Valid driver's license and reliable transportation required
  • Ability and willingness to travel up to 10% for training, professional development, and organizational meetings

  Ready to Lead a School and Make a Difference?

  All job offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and the submission of the required state documents.

  Compensation: $65,000-$75,000 annually, based on experience, skills, location, and internal equity. This position is also eligible for performance-based incentives, subject to applicable terms and conditions.

  Children of America is committed to fair and transparent hiring practices. This job description is intended to comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) guidelines, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and applicable state-specific pay transparency requirements.

  Children of America is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other protected status under applicable law. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.