ASSISTANT DIRECTOR - Falls Church

Easter Seals Serving DCIMDIVA•Falls Church, VA

7h•Onsite

About The Position

Easterseals DC MD VA (www.eseal.org) is leading the way to full equity, inclusion, and access through direct and life-changing disability and community services. Since 1945, Easterseals DC MD VA has worked tirelessly to enhance quality of life and expand access to healthcare, education, and employment. They take a holistic approach, providing comprehensive services to thousands of children and adults, no matter their disability, military status, income, race, or age, including personalized child development and early intervention services, engaging activities for adults with disabilities, services for military families, and support for families and caregivers. Easterseals DC MD VA works through public-private partnerships to provide community-based services efficiently, as demonstrated by their Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Inter-Generational Center. With over 200 employees, Easterseals values its staff and aims to create a hopeful, inclusive community where all people realize their potential and live meaningful lives. The Assistant Director supports the Center Director in the daily operations of the Child Development Center, ensuring high-quality early childhood education, compliance with licensing and accreditation standards, and a positive environment for children, families, and staff. This role helps lead program implementation, staff supervision, outreach and enrollment efforts, family engagement, and operational functions.

Requirements

A Bachelor’s Degree in early childhood education, education, education administration, or related field.
2–4 years of early childhood teaching experience and/or at least 1 year of supervisory or administrative experience in a child care setting.
Experience with infant, toddler, or preschool programs and familiarity with child care center operations.
Knowledge of NAEYC accreditation standards and state licensing requirements.
Demonstrated ability to lead staff in implementing developmentally appropriate curriculum.
Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and supervisory skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and respond effectively in fast-paced or crisis situations.
Proficiency with computers and administrative systems.
Basic understanding of center financial operations.
Experience working in inclusive environments and supporting diverse staff and families.
Ability to perform responsibilities across both administrative and classroom settings while maintaining strong relationships with families, staff, and children.
Meet all health and safety requirements for early childhood professionals.
Lift and assist children weighing up to 40 pounds (occasionally more).
Supervise children indoors and outdoors for extended periods in varying weather conditions.
Demonstrate mobility necessary to participate in classroom and playground activities and respond to emergencies.

Nice To Haves

Qualified to meet the state requirements for Director preferred or participate in an education plan to meet within 5 years.

Responsibilities

Support implementation of the center’s mission, philosophy, policies, and procedures.
Ensure compliance with NAEYC accreditation standards, state licensing regulations, and organizational guidelines.
Review classroom lesson plans, curriculum implementation, and learning environments in collaboration with teaching teams.
Provide guidance to staff on curriculum practices, including Creative Curriculum and Teaching Strategies Gold.
Monitor children’s developmental progress and collaborate with teachers, families, and the Director to address concerns and coordinate referrals when appropriate.
Promote inclusive, respectful interactions with children and families.
Assist with recruitment, screening, interviewing, hiring, and onboarding of staff and substitutes.
Support implementation of personnel policies and new employee orientation in coordination with Human Resources.
Conduct classroom observations and provide coaching and feedback to support staff performance and professional growth.
Participate in staff evaluations and goal setting with teaching teams.
Address performance concerns using appropriate documentation and progressive discipline procedures.
Foster a collaborative work environment that supports staff engagement and retention.
Provide leadership in marketing and outreach efforts to maintain and increase center enrollment throughout the year.
Promote the center through community engagement (outreach and events) and referral programs.
Assist with inquiries, tours, and follow up to secure enrollments.
Maintain accurate enrollment records and waitlists, ensuring open spaces are filled in a timely manner.
Assist with Family Orientation, Curriculum Nights, and other parent meetings.
Model professional and respectful communication with parents and guardians.
Support consistent family communication including daily updates, parent conferences, and child progress documentation.
Respond to parent concerns promptly and keep the Director informed of issues.
Promote family involvement through events, workshops, and center activities.
Share child development resources and community supports with families.
Ensure the center operates in compliance with all health, safety, licensing, and accreditation standards.
Implement emergency procedures and the center’s emergency response plans.
Ensure proper documentation and reporting of accidents, incidents, and required notifications.
Maintain required staff and child records in accordance with regulatory requirements.
Assist the Director with budget monitoring and cost management.
Support efficient staff scheduling to maintain appropriate ratios and budget performance.
Maintain accurate financial records and assist with tuition collection and deposits using Procare.
Support general center operations, including supply management and facility oversight.
Maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming learning environment for children and families.
Assist with ordering supplies and monitoring facility maintenance and equipment safety.
Ensure classrooms and common spaces support high-quality early childhood learning environments.
Maintain confidentiality regarding children, families, staff, and organizational operations.
Demonstrate knowledge of child development and developmentally appropriate practices.
Participate in staff meetings, leadership meetings, professional development, and organizational initiatives.
Support organizational goals and represent the program positively within the community in alignment with Easterseals Core Values.
Foster cooperative and respectful relationships among staff.
Work collaboratively with teaching teams to support children’s development and classroom quality.
Provide classroom coverage when needed to maintain required ratios.
Assist the Director in ensuring smooth daily center operations.