Assistant Director of Early Childhood Education

Penfield Children's Center•Milwaukee, WI

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Director of Early Childhood Education supports the daily leadership of Penfield’s early learning programs, helping ensure that every child and family experiences a welcoming, inclusive, and developmentally rich environment. Working closely with the Director of Early Childhood Education, this role provides guidance to teaching teams, strengthens classroom quality, and helps maintain compliance with State Licensing, NAEYC Accreditation, and Head Start standards. The Assistant Director builds strong relationships with staff and families, supports professional growth, and helps create a positive, collaborative culture rooted in Penfield’s Core Values. This role plays a key part in ensuring that children receive high-quality care and education that prepares them for lifelong learning.

Requirements

Bachelor’s in early childhood education or related field.
Prior classroom experience working directly with young children.
Demonstrated understanding of child development, developmentally appropriate practice, State Licensing, and Accreditation standards.

Nice To Haves

Prior supervisory or management experience in an early childhood or educational setting.
Experience using systems that support efficiency, communication, and data tracking.
A valid drivers’ license
First Aid/CPR certification
Bilingual (English & Spanish)
Familiarity with systems that support workflow, efficiency, communication, and data tracking.
Deeper knowledge of best practices in inclusive, high-quality early childhood programming.
Ability to coach, mentor, and support staff in professional growth and team functioning.

Responsibilities

Directly supervise center teachers, assistant teachers, floating caregivers, and extended-day teachers; provide ongoing coaching, feedback, and performance support.
Partner with the Director of Childcare to develop and maintain individual staff development plans and training logs for assigned staff.
Meet regularly with supervised staff to review performance, plan work, and ensure adherence to regulatory standards.
Complete annual evaluations, approve timecards, manage PTO requests, and participate in recruitment, selection, and disciplinary processes.
Educate and monitor staff for compliance with WI State Licensing, NAEYC Accreditation, OHS standards, and Registry requirements.
Coach staff on communication, roles, responsibilities, and problem-solving to support effective team functioning.
Oversee day-to-day operations, maintain awareness of ratios, and adjust staffing or workflows to meet program needs.
Manage childcare billing, authorizations, EBT and tuition payments, payment plans, and account adjustments; ensure accurate child and staff files.
Provide tours, orientations, and enrollment information; collaborate on newsletters and family communications; maintain positive customer relations.
Assist with staff meetings, quarterly family-teacher conferences, and department strategic planning to monitor program goals.
Coordinate Health Services and Family Engagement on enrollment and program alignment across respite care, EHS/ Head Start, and childcare.
Build strong, respectful relationships with parents and caregivers; support staff in effective family communication; ensure families receive timely information, responsive support, and a welcoming experience throughout enrollment and participation.
Perform other duties as assigned.