Childcare Director

Little Sprouts • Boston, MA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The School Director leads the daily success of a childcare school, ensuring a safe, compliant, high-quality, and nurturing environment for children and families. The role oversees school operations, staff leadership and development, family engagement, regulatory compliance, budgeting, enrollment growth, and financial performance. The Director exercises independent judgment and decision-making authority, manages and directs teachers and staff, and is accountable for the school’s operational results, compliance readiness, staff engagement, and family satisfaction. The position reports directly to the Regional Manager.

The Director represents the school in licensing interactions, inspections, community partnerships, and parent relations, and works with Regional Managers and senior leadership. The role is grounded in the company’s Sustainable Education® approach and HONOR values: Humility, Open-Mindedness, Nurture, Ownership, and Recognition.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Business Administration, or a related field.
• State Director credentials.
• 3–5 years of experience in childcare or school management.
• 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 move throughout the school for prolonged periods, including standing and walking for up to 75% of the workday.
• Ability to transition between sitting, standing, bending, kneeling, and squatting throughout the day.
• Ability to safely lift, carry, and move items up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to sit on the floor, engage with children at their eye level, and participate in age-appropriate activities, including light running and outdoor play supervision.
• Ability to supervise children in playgrounds, classrooms, hallways, entryways, and common areas, and respond quickly and safely in emergencies.
• Ability to work in a dynamic, sometimes noisy environment with frequent interruptions and movement between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Ensure smooth daily school operations and maintain safe, clean, nurturing classroom environments.
• Maintain operational quality, including targets of 95% or higher on operational audits and 90% or higher classroom quality ratings.
• Ensure compliance with state childcare and school regulations and licensing standards; prepare for and manage inspections.
• Serve as a mandated reporter and recognize, document, and immediately report suspected child abuse, neglect, or endangerment in accordance with state law.
• Recruit, onboard, train, mentor, schedule, coach, and support staff; manage performance and disciplinary actions as needed.
• Build a positive and collaborative workplace culture, support employee engagement, and reduce staff turnover.
• Build trusting relationships with parents through consistent communication and respond to questions and concerns promptly.
• Host family-focused events to strengthen community connection.
• Manage the school budget and overall financial performance, including cost management and profit margins.
• Implement local marketing and enrollment strategies to support annual enrollment growth.
• Exercise independent judgment in decisions related to operations, staffing, parent communication, culture, compliance, budgeting, and safety.
• Develop and implement operational processes and school-wide improvements, interpreting company policies in light of local needs and regulatory requirements.
• Represent the school in external communications, licensing interactions, inspections, community partnerships, and parent relations.
• Partner with Regional Managers and senior leadership, providing insights and recommendations on organizational practices and school-level outcomes.

Benefits

• Up to 50% childcare tuition discount.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance effective on the first day of employment.
• Free First Stop Health membership with 24/7 access to 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.
• Generous 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.
• Other lifestyle and fringe benefit programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager