Assistant Director

Kiddie Academy of Ballenger Creek•Frederick, MD

19d

About The Position

Kiddie Academy is seeking an energetic, organized, and inspiring educator to lead a child care team. The Assistant Director combines early childhood education and small business management experience with communication and creative skills to support Academy operations, educational programs, staff development, and relationships with children, families, licensing authorities, vendors, and community contacts. The role helps ensure the Academy operates effectively, stays within budget, complies with applicable requirements, and delivers a high-quality experience for children and parents. The Assistant Director supports hiring, staffing, staff training and performance management; oversees operational and financial processes; maintains the facility; communicates priorities and goals; and supports enrollment and family engagement. The role also oversees implementation of Kiddie Academy’s Life Essentials® curriculum, classroom quality, accreditation, and required continuing education. The position includes greeting parents during specified peak periods and participating in team meetings, training, open houses, and family and community activities.

Requirements

Four-year degree in Early Childhood Education or a related area of Child Development.
Two years of experience as a Director or Assistant Director in a child care school.
Must meet all State requirements stipulated for the position.
Pleasant and friendly demeanor with an outgoing personality.
Highly professional and dependable.
Ability to interact appropriately with students of all ages and skill levels, as well as parents, coworkers, and management.
Ability to consistently lift at least 40 pounds throughout the workday to at least waist height.

Responsibilities

Recruit, identify, and hire qualified candidates; maintain staffing levels through succession planning and timely hiring.
Prepare, post, and update weekly staffing schedules; submit new staff to licensing representatives for approval and maintain current human resources files.
Assess staff strengths and development needs; train, develop, and inspire staff using performance management processes; recommend merit raises when appropriate.
Train staff to plan and implement creative, developmentally appropriate programs for children.
Promote teamwork, involve staff in decision-making, recognize individual and team performance, and support staff retention.
Analyze business metrics and results to identify strengths and opportunities.
Work under the franchisee’s direction to understand Academy budgets, manage resources within budget constraints, and potentially assist with annual budget drafting.
Manage salary and other controllable expenses within budget and compensation guidelines; track customer and vendor monetary transactions as approved by the franchisee.
Maintain working relationships with State licensing authorities, approved vendors, and community contacts; meet with licensing specialists during inspections and report to the franchisee promptly.
Oversee the physical condition of the building and its contents; obtain approval and estimates for repairs, coordinate work with vendors, and monitor janitorial work.
Communicate priorities and relevant information throughout the Academy; establish goals and action plans, assign accountability, and follow up.
Support a disciplined culture focused on execution and create an exceptional parent and child experience.
Ensure management is available to greet parents during peak hours of 6:30–9:00 AM and 4:00–6:30 PM.
Respond to and follow up on enrollment inquiries; tour prospective customers and explain the Academy’s philosophy, mission, values, programs, and procedures.
Minimize customer dis-enrollments by identifying their reasons and addressing contributing problems.
Represent and reinforce the brand through professional presentation and staff quality.
Create the Academy’s monthly newsletter and other communications needed for successful operations.
Complete State-required continuing education clock hours during the licensing year.
Ensure compliance with Federal, State, and Local requirements and laws, as well as Kiddie Academy requirements.
Support and lead new Kiddie Academy initiatives and facilitate staff adoption of new programs and business imperatives while upholding Academy values and integrity.
Ensure the Life Essentials® curriculum is delivered as intended and that teachers can explain the curriculum and children’s learning.
Plan Academy activities and participate in team meetings, training sessions, open houses, family and community activities, and planning sessions.
Conduct regular classroom observations and provide feedback and direction to support curriculum use and learning.
Manage accreditation processes and maintain quality standards and procedures; ensure quality control programs meet State and Kiddie Academy requirements.
Perform other duties as assigned.