School Director

The Goddard School; Goddard (KS); On-site; USD 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus opportunities

Professional development

401(k)

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

The Goddard School in Goddard, Kansas, is seeking an experienced Center Director to open and lead a new school anticipated for Fall 2026. The role involves building a strong founding team, leading family tours, hiring staff, and maintaining compliance with licensing standards. Ideal candidates should have a Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education and 4 years' experience in the field, with leadership experience preferred. The position offers a competitive salary between $100,000–$120,000, performance bonuses, and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Must meet California Director qualification requirements before employment.
• Experience in a formal leadership role in early childhood education.
• Willing to complete required infant/toddler coursework.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily operations while upholding brand standards.
• Recruit and support a founding team of educators.
• Build strong relationships with family and community.

Skills

Strong communication

Organization

Problem-solving

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education

Minimum 4 years of early childhood education experience

Job description

Benefits

• Bonus opportunities
• Professional development
• State-of-the-Art facilities
• Affiliation with leaders in the early childhood education industry
• 401(k)
• Bonus based on performance
• Competitive salary
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Opportunity for advancement
• Paid time off
• Training & development
• Vision insurance

Join the founding team at The Goddard School® of Trabuco Canyon. We are seeking an experienced early childhood learning leader to help open and lead a new Goddard School with an anticipated Fall 2026 opening. The Center Director will partner with ownership to prepare for launch, recruit and support a founding faculty, lead family tours and enrollment, uphold licensing and brand standards, and build a warm school culture.

Director Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Operations

Lead daily operations while upholding Goddard brand standards, licensing requirements, school policies, and professionalism. Build systems for communication, staffing, family experience, and launch readiness.

Enrollment and Family Experience

Lead family tours, admissions conversations, and enrollment. Build trust through warmth, responsiveness, professionalism, and clear communication while supporting enrollment goals.

Opening Preparation

Partner with ownership on staff onboarding, classroom readiness, family communication, licensing preparation, and Fall 2026 launch priorities.

Staff Hiring and Culture

Recruit, hire, train, supervise, and support a founding team of educators. Build a positive culture where teachers feel valued, supported, and equipped.

Curriculum, Licensing, and Safety

Support the Wonder of Learning® program and classroom quality. Help maintain compliance with licensing, health, safety, supervision, records, staff qualifications, ratios, and safe classroom practices.

Family, Community, and Resources

Build strong family and community relationships. Partner with ownership on enrollment goals, staffing plans, classroom resources, and operational priorities. Ownership manages P&L, budgeting, and reporting.

Qualifications

• California Director Qualifications Must meet applicable California Director qualification requirements before employment and provide documentation of qualifying education, coursework, permits, and experience.
• Education and Experience Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, or related field preferred. Equivalent coursework, permits, and leadership experience may be considered. Minimum 4 years of early childhood education experience preferred, including at least 2 years in a formal leadership role.
• Center Leadership Experience in a larger or multi‑classroom early childhood center preferred. Premium preschool, franchise early childhood, or private school experience is a plus.
• Infant Program Readiness Candidates should have completed, or be willing and able to complete before licensing/employment requirements are finalized, required infant/toddler coursework and documentation.
• Skills and Clearances Strong communication, organization, follow‑through, problem‑solving, enrollment, family communication, and team leadership skills. Must pass required LiveScan DOJ/FBI background checks and complete required health screening, TB clearance, immunization documentation, and other requirements.

Compensation and Benefits

Base Salary: Annual exempt salary range of $100,000–$120,000, depending on experience, qualifications, and role fit.

Performance Bonuses: Eligible for up to $15,000 in milestone‑based bonuses tied to licensing readiness, staffing readiness, enrollment goals, and launch priorities.

Childcare Tuition Benefit: Tiered childcare benefit while employed, including complimentary tuition for the first enrolled child and discounts for additional children.

Benefits: Health, dental, and vision insurance; Paid Time Off; paid holidays; professional development support; and the opportunity to help shape a new school with active ownership support.

Wonder of Learning® is The Goddard School’s exclusive education program designed to embrace how children learn best — through play and curiosity. The curriculum is designed to make learning enjoyable while supporting important skills such as teamwork, problem‑solving, communication, and social‑emotional development.