School Director Early Childhood

Children of America, Inc.; Woodbridge (VA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

Performance incentives

Relocation assistance

Employee childcare discount

Additional company-sponsored benefits

Job summary

Children of America is seeking a School Director to lead a childcare center, develop a high-performing team, build strong family relationships, and create an exceptional learning environment. You will oversee daily operations, ensure licensing compliance, drive enrollment growth, and mentor educators while shaping school culture and performance across the COA network.

Join a organization committed to quality early childhood education with opportunities for leadership growth and meaningful impact

Qualifications

• 2–4 years of leadership experience.
• At least 2 years in a licensed childcare facility.
• Strong knowledge of early childhood education and licensing requirements.
• Proven ability to lead, coach, and motivate a team.
• Excellent communication, organization, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily school operations, staffing, scheduling, and admin functions.
• Lead, coach, mentor, and develop teachers, administrators, and support staff.
• Ensure compliance with state childcare licensing, health and safety, and company policies.
• Monitor school performance and collaborate with regional leadership on goals.
• Build positive relationships with families and the local community.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Organization

Team building

Travel readiness

Education

Early Childhood Education degree / CDA

Tools

Microsoft Office 365

Job description

School Director (Early Childhood Education)

$70,000–$80,000 Annual Salary + $5,000 Sign-On Bonus | Performance Incentives & Bonuses | Potential Relocation Assistance | 100% Employee Childcare Discount

Lead with Purpose. Inspire Educators. Make a Lasting Impact.

Are you a passionate early childhood education leader ready to take the next step in your career? At Children of America (COA), we're looking for an experienced, driven, and people-focused School Director to lead a thriving childcare center, develop a high-performing team, build strong family relationships, and create an exceptional learning environment for children.

This is an exciting opportunity for an early childhood professional who combines strong business and operational skills with a genuine passion for education. You'll have the opportunity to shape school culture, strengthen enrollment, develop future leaders, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of children, families, and employees.

At COA, you'll be supported by regional and senior leadership while having the opportunity to grow your career with an organization committed to quality early childhood education.

About Children of America

Children of America is a nationally recognized early childhood education provider serving children from 6 weeks through 12 years of age. Our programs include Infant Care, Toddler Care, Preschool, Pre-K, Before & After School Care, and Summer Camp.

We believe great schools begin with great people. Our success is built on strong leadership, teamwork, high-quality education, and meaningful partnerships with families.

What You'll Do

As a School Director, you'll take ownership of your school's daily operations, team development, educational quality, family experience, and overall performance.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, coach, mentor, and develop teachers, administrators, and support staff.
• Build a positive, collaborative, and accountable workplace culture.
• Recruit, develop, and retain talented educators who are passionate about working with children.
• Provide ongoing feedback, recognize achievements, and support professional growth.
• Promote teamwork, employee engagement, and consistent performance.

School Operations & Business Performance

• Oversee daily school operations, staffing, scheduling, and administrative functions.
• Ensure compliance with state childcare licensing regulations, health and safety requirements, and company policies.
• Monitor school performance and partner with regional leadership to achieve operational goals.
• Maintain appropriate staffing levels and support efficient classroom operations.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, strengthen performance, and enhance the overall school experience.

Educational Excellence & Child Safety

• Champion high-quality early childhood education and developmentally appropriate learning.
• Support consistent implementation of COA's curriculum and educational standards.
• Ensure classrooms provide safe, nurturing, engaging, and welcoming environments.
• Support teachers in creating meaningful learning experiences for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children.
• Maintain a strong commitment to children's safety, well-being, and development.

Family Relationships, Enrollment & Community Engagement

• Build lasting relationships with current and prospective families.
• Deliver an exceptional COA Experience that encourages family satisfaction and retention.
• Support enrollment growth through effective tours, family engagement, and community outreach.
• Address parent concerns professionally and promptly.
• Represent the school positively and build strong connections within the local community.

What We're Looking For

We're seeking a confident, organized, and solutions-oriented leader who can inspire a team, manage competing priorities, and balance educational excellence with operational success.

Qualifications

• Associate's or bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, or a CDA credential, as applicable to state licensing requirements.
• 2–4 years of leadership experience.
• At least 2 years of experience working in a licensed childcare facility.
• Strong knowledge of early childhood education, childcare operations, and applicable licensing requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, and motivate a team.
• Excellent communication, organization, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to build positive relationships with employees, families, and community partners.
• Comfort managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 and industry-specific technology.
• Ability to meet all applicable state licensing and regulatory requirements.
• Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and willingness to travel up to 10% for training and organizational meetings.

Compensation & Performance Incentives

Competitive base salary: $70,000–$80,000 annually

Your leadership and contributions may be rewarded through additional compensation opportunities, including:

• $5,000 sign-on bonus
• Performance-based incentives and bonus opportunities
• Quarterly PEEEPs (IOS) bonus
• Annual longevity bonus
• Potential relocation assistance for qualified candidates
• Additional company-sponsored benefits

Compensation is based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and internal equity. Bonus and incentive eligibility is subject to applicable program requirements.

Benefits & Perks

At Children of America, we invest in our employees and their professional growth.

• 100% Employee Childcare Discount
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Life, accident, and disability insurance
• Paid vacation and holidays
• Educational assistance and reimbursement
• T.E.A.C.H. Scholarship Partnerships
• Employee referral bonus program
• Employee recognition programs
• Annual longevity bonus
• Quarterly PEEEPs (IOS) bonus
• Opportunities for internal career advancement
• Potential relocation assistance for qualified candidates

Benefits and eligibility are subject to applicable plan terms and company policies.

Why Join Children of America?

At COA, you're more than a school administrator. You're a leader who helps shape the future of children, empowers educators, supports families, and builds a school community where people can thrive.

If you're ready to bring your leadership skills to an organization that values education, teamwork, accountability, and professional growth, we'd love to meet you!

Equal Employment Opportunity

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 status protected by applicable law. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

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