Child Care Assistant Director

Heartworks Early Education•South Burlington, VT

10d•$54,000 - $64,000•Onsite

About The Position

Babilou Family US is seeking a proactive and collaborative Assistant Director to support their mission in early childhood education. This role involves supporting the Certified Teacher in maintaining a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate environment for children. The Assistant Director will assist with daily classroom operations, child supervision, curriculum implementation, sustainable education practices, and family interaction. The position is guided by the company's educational approach, Sustainable Education®, which is rooted in research on child development and emphasizes lifelong learning. The company also adheres to HONOR values: Humility, Open-Mindedness, Nurture, Ownership, and Recognition, to foster a valued and empowered environment for educators, children, families, and partners.

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.
Ability to move throughout the school for prolonged periods, including standing and walking for up to 75 percent of the workday.
Ability to transition between sitting, standing, bending, kneeling, and squatting throughout the day to engage with children and support staff.
Ability to safely lift, carry, and move items up to 30 pounds, including classroom materials, supplies, and occasional assistance with children’s belongings.
Ability to sit on the floor, engage at a child’s eye level, and participate in age-appropriate activities including light running, outdoor play supervision, and interactive learning experiences.
Comfort working in a dynamic, sometimes noisy environment with frequent interruptions and regular movement between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Ability to supervise children on playgrounds, in classrooms, hallways, entryways, and common areas.
Ability to respond quickly and safely in emergency situations, including evacuations, drills, and urgent classroom needs.
Ability to follow and model all safety procedures.
All employees must complete a background check as required by the Department of Early Education and Care.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in Early Childhood Education or Business (optional but beneficial).
Prior experience leading school-level operational improvement or quality initiatives.

Responsibilities

Assist the classroom teachers in delivering daily lesson plans and learning activities.
Help ensure the classroom remains clean, organized, and safe.
Support the implementation and oversight of sustainable education practices, including environmentally responsible routines, age-appropriate sustainability concepts, and stewardship habits within the classroom.
Supervise children during activities, meals, transitions, and outdoor play.
Serve as a Mandated Reporter in accordance with state law, maintaining full responsibility to recognize, document, and immediately report any suspected child abuse, neglect, or endangerment.
Support individual developmental needs and help children achieve age-appropriate milestones.
Greet families and support daily communication as directed by the Certified Teacher.
Participate in conferences and family events when requested.
Attend all required training and maintain certifications.
Collaborate with the teaching team for continuous improvement, including learning opportunities tied to sustainable education initiatives.
Exercises independent judgment in daily decision-making related to school operations, staff support, safety, and classroom quality.
Assists with the supervision and direction of school staff, contributing to hiring, training, coaching, and performance feedback.
Acts as a management representative in the absence of the School Director, supporting the leadership of the overall school program.
Has authority to recommend personnel actions, including staff assignments, scheduling changes, disciplinary recommendations, and staffing adjustments.
Makes decisions that directly impact school operations, including compliance, curriculum implementation, and family communication workflows.
Performs administrative and leadership duties that require specialized knowledge of early childhood education, regulatory compliance, and center operations.
Regularly engages in non-manual work related to business operations, including documentation, compliance audits, enrollment oversight support, and center preparedness.
Expected to manage time independently to fulfill leadership responsibilities without reliance on a set number of hours worked.
Supports operational functions tied to revenue, occupancy, staffing ratios, and school-wide performance metrics, demonstrating responsibility for key business outcomes.
Holds a primary role in maintaining school licensure standards, ensuring the site's continual compliance with state regulations, safety policies, and accreditation guidelines.

Benefits

Up to 50% childcare tuition discount.
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, effective on your first day of employment.
Free First Stop Health membership, providing 24/7 access to virtual primary care, urgent care, and short-term mental health support.
401(k) retirement plan with annual discretionary employer match contribution.
Optional life insurance and short/long-term disability coverage, helping provide financial protection and peace of mind.
Performance-based pay, including increases tied to certification and/or degree completion.
Career growth and professional development opportunities, including training, mentorship, and our dedicated CHILD Conference.
Generous paid time off and holiday benefits, including an annual Winter Break closure between Christmas and New Year's so employees can enjoy additional time with family and friends.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP), offering confidential resources and support for mental health, financial wellness, work-life balance, and other personal needs.
Employee referral bonus program, because great people know great people! Earn bonuses for helping us build an exceptional team.
Additional lifestyle and fringe benefits, including tuition and professional development reimbursement, pet insurance, and other programs designed to support you and your family.