Associate Executive Director for Early Learning Programs

HEALTHY KIDS PROGRAMS • Town of Highlands, NY

3d • $62,500 - $65,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Healthy Kids is seeking an Associate Executive Director to streamline daily operations across its eight Early Learning Centers in New York’s Hudson Valley and Capital Regions. The centers have one to four classrooms each. The position is based at the Union Avenue office in New Windsor, New York, and requires travel. Reporting to the CEO, the Associate Executive Director works directly with the CEO to coordinate center operations, support staff, maintain regulatory compliance, and improve children’s and families’ experiences.

The role develops and implements toddler and preschool curricula, leads staff training, conducts quarterly program observations, monitors operational performance, oversees the Early Learning Centers team, and manages staff schedules and payroll approvals. It also involves family and staff communications, enrollment support and facility tours, inventory and budget monitoring, coordination with internal departments, and implementing procedures that support effective, fiscally responsible operations.

The position is full-time and exempt, with a Monday–Friday schedule and varying hours. The listed annual pay range is $62,500–$65,000. Healthy Kids describes itself as a Certified Benefit Corporation and highlights professional development, inclusion, and employer-paid childcare for children enrolled in its programs on days the employee works.

Requirements

• Associate degree in Early Childhood Education or equivalent is preferred.
• Experience with curriculum development and creating lesson plans.
• Two years of experience working with children under age five; experience in a licensed childcare facility is preferred.
• Three to five years of supervisory experience.
• One year of experience managing staff in a childcare setting, with business management experience.
• Superior administrative and supervisory skills; experience in a consumer-driven environment is preferred.
• Excellent customer service and parent communication skills.
• Track record of teamwork and helping create a team-oriented work environment.
• Commitment to delivering excellent programs and managing personnel expenses.
• Must pass a full background check, including fingerprinting and reference checks.
• Must be medically fit to perform job duties.
• Professional, reliable, prompt, warm, friendly, caring, and upbeat personality.
• Excellent time management skills.

Nice To Haves

• Associate degree in Early Childhood Education or equivalent.
• Experience working with children under age five in a licensed childcare facility.
• Familiarity with Office of Children and Family Services regulations.
• Administrative and supervisory experience in a consumer-driven environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop, adapt, and implement curriculum for toddler and preschool programs across the organization.
• Lead trainings and ongoing workshops on curriculum development and instructional practice.
• Conduct quarterly observations to ensure program staff follow the daily schedule and curriculum.
• Develop and implement training and observations related to caregiver–child interactions.
• Track and report operational performance.
• Conduct monthly staff meetings to share information and program updates.
• Manage day-to-day operations of the Early Learning Centers.
• Oversee the Early Learning Centers team and assign tasks.
• Communicate with staff and families, answer questions, and resolve issues.
• Onboard and train new employees to follow standard operating procedures.
• Implement orientation procedures, staff development, ongoing technical assistance, and training.
• Use Paylocity to monitor and approve assigned employees’ time and attendance for biweekly payroll.
• Continuously monitor and implement staff schedules based on program needs, making changes to support fiscally responsible operations.
• Ensure operations comply with Office of Children and Family Services regulations.
• Review handbooks and recommend procedures to improve day-to-day operating efficiency.
• Assist with implementing new processes and procedures.
• Identify ways to improve experiences for children and families.
• Manage program inquiries and facility tours to increase enrollment.
• Work with the Marketing team to develop grassroots marketing strategies.
• Order supplies and manage inventory in coordination with purchasing and finance, adhering to budget.
• Coordinate with Registration, Marketing, Recruiting, Buildings and Grounds, Finance, and Human Resources to support effective work across departments.
• Monitor expenses and budgets in coordination with the finance department.
• Implement family engagement opportunities.
• Promote positive morale, continuous learning, staff retention, and positive partnerships.
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned by the CEO.

Benefits

• Employer-paid childcare for children enrolled in the program on days the employee works.
• Medical, vision, and dental insurance.
• AFLAC supplemental plans.
• 401(k) for eligible employees.
• Paid holidays.
• Paid time off (PTO).
• Paid sick time off.
• On-demand pay.
• Career development and growth opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: Associate degree