Child Care Assistant Director

Little Sprouts • Norwood, MA

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Director supports the Certified Teacher and school leadership in providing a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate environment for children. The role combines classroom support, child supervision, curriculum implementation, sustainable education practices, family interaction, staff support, and administrative responsibilities. The Assistant Director helps implement daily lesson plans, maintain classroom safety and quality, support children’s developmental needs, and build trusting relationships with children, families, and colleagues.

The position also exercises independent judgment in daily school operations and assists with staff supervision, hiring, training, coaching, and performance feedback. In the School Director’s absence, the Assistant Director represents management and supports leadership of the overall school program. Responsibilities include supporting compliance and licensure, enrollment and operational oversight, documentation, audits, staffing, and school performance. The role requires specialized knowledge of early childhood education, regulatory compliance, and center operations.

The work takes place in an active classroom and collaborative school setting, with regular interaction with children, families, and team members and movement between indoor and outdoor learning spaces. Physical demands include standing and walking for up to 75 percent of the workday; changing positions, including bending, kneeling, and squatting; lifting and carrying up to 30 pounds; participating in child-level activities and outdoor play supervision; and responding safely to emergencies. Employees must complete a background check required by the Department of Early Education and Care.

Requirements

• 3–5 years of experience in childcare or school management.
• Director state credentials.
• Strong knowledge of state childcare and school regulations and licensing standards.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational abilities.
• Ability to manage budgets and drive enrollment growth.
• Complete a background check as required by the Department of Early Education and Care.
• Ability to stand and walk for prolonged periods, up to 75 percent of the workday.
• Ability to transition between sitting, standing, bending, kneeling, and squatting.
• Ability to safely lift, carry, and move items up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to sit on the floor and participate in age-appropriate activities, including light running and outdoor play supervision.
• Ability to respond quickly and safely to emergencies, evacuations, drills, and urgent classroom needs.
• Ability to follow and model safety procedures.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree in Early Childhood Education or Business.
• Prior experience leading school-level operational improvement or quality initiatives.
• Director state credentials.

Responsibilities

• Assist classroom teachers in delivering daily lesson plans and learning activities.
• Keep classrooms clean, organized, and safe.
• Implement and oversee sustainable education practices, including environmentally responsible routines, age-appropriate sustainability concepts, and stewardship habits.
• Supervise children during activities, meals, transitions, and outdoor play.
• Recognize, document, and immediately report suspected child abuse, neglect, or endangerment as a mandated reporter under state law.
• Support individual developmental needs and help children reach age-appropriate milestones.
• Greet families and support daily communication as directed by the Certified Teacher.
• Participate in family conferences and events when requested.
• Attend required training, maintain certifications, and collaborate with the teaching team on continuous improvement.
• Exercise independent judgment in daily decisions concerning school operations, staff support, safety, and classroom quality.
• Assist with staff supervision and direction, including hiring, training, coaching, and performance feedback.
• Act as a management representative and support school leadership in the School Director’s absence.
• Recommend personnel actions, including staff assignments, scheduling changes, disciplinary recommendations, and staffing adjustments.
• Support operational decisions involving compliance, curriculum implementation, and family communication workflows.
• Perform administrative and leadership duties, including documentation, compliance audits, enrollment oversight support, and center preparedness.
• Support operational functions tied to revenue, occupancy, staffing ratios, and school-wide performance metrics.
• Maintain school licensure standards and ongoing compliance with state regulations, safety policies, and accreditation guidelines.

Benefits

• Up to 50% childcare tuition discount.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance effective on the first day of employment.
• Free First Stop Health membership with virtual primary care, urgent care, and short-term mental health support.
• 401(k) retirement plan with an annual discretionary employer match contribution.
• Optional life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage.
• Performance-based pay, including increases tied to certification and/or degree completion.
• Career growth and professional development opportunities, including training, mentorship, and the CHILD Conference.
• Paid time off and holiday benefits, including an annual Winter Break closure between Christmas and New Year’s.
• Employee Assistance Program offering confidential support for mental health, financial wellness, work-life balance, and other personal needs.
• Employee referral bonus program.
• Tuition and professional development reimbursement.
• Pet insurance.
• Annual bonus plan based on qualitative and quantitative metrics.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed