Childcare Director

Little Sprouts•Woburn, MA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The School Director is the key decision-maker responsible for the daily success of a school, providing leadership to ensure a safe, high-quality, nurturing environment for children and families. The role oversees school operations, regulatory compliance, staff leadership and development, family engagement, budgeting, enrollment growth, and financial performance. The Director reports directly to the Regional Manager and represents the organization in licensing interactions, inspections, community partnerships, and parent relations. The Director is expected to exercise independent judgment and autonomy in setting priorities, managing staff, interpreting policies, and achieving operational, financial, and enrollment goals. The role includes directing teachers and staff, influencing employment decisions, implementing school-wide improvements, and partnering with Regional Managers and senior leadership. The position is guided by Sustainable Education® and the 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.
Ability to complete a background check 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 at a child’s eye level, and participate in age-appropriate activities, including light running and outdoor play supervision.
Ability to supervise children across playgrounds, classrooms, hallways, entryways, and common areas, respond safely to emergencies, and 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.

Responsibilities

Oversee daily school operations and maintain safe, clean, nurturing classroom environments that meet company standards.
Ensure compliance with state childcare and school regulations, serve as a mandated reporter, and prepare for and manage state inspections.
Recruit, onboard, train, mentor, coach, schedule, and support staff; manage performance and disciplinary actions as needed.
Build a positive, collaborative workplace culture and support employee engagement and retention.
Build trusting relationships with parents through consistent communication and timely, professional responses to questions and concerns.
Host family-focused events to strengthen community connection.
Manage the school budget and overall financial performance.
Implement local marketing strategies to increase enrollment and maintain healthy profit margins.
Exercise decision-making authority over school operations, staffing, parent communication, culture, compliance, budgeting, and safety.
Represent the organization in external communications, licensing interactions, inspections, community partnerships, and parent relations.
Develop and implement operational processes and school-wide improvements.
Supervise staff and influence employment decisions, including hiring, corrective action, performance evaluations, and training requirements.
Set priorities and solve problems independently to meet operational, financial, and enrollment goals.

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 (EAP).
Employee referral bonus program.
Tuition and professional development reimbursement.
Pet insurance and other lifestyle and fringe benefit programs.