Daycare Early Education Director

Building Blocks Early Learning Center•Hamden, CT

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Babilou Family US is seeking a proactive and collaborative School Director to lead one of its early childhood education centers. The School Director is responsible for ensuring a safe, high-quality, and nurturing environment for children and families, while also managing school operations, mentoring staff, engaging families, and driving enrollment and financial performance. This role is guided by the company's educational approach, Sustainable Education®, and HONOR values (Humility, Open-Mindedness, Nurture, Ownership, and Recognition). The position requires independent judgment and decision-making authority on various aspects of school management, including operations, staffing, compliance, budgeting, and safety. The School Director acts as the primary leader for the school, representing the organization externally and making decisions that impact business performance.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Business Administration, or related field.
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.
Director state credentials.

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

Maintain a safe, compliant, and high-quality learning environment.
Ensure 100% licensing compliance with zero violations.
Strengthen staff culture, reduce turnover, and build a high-performing team.
Elevate parent satisfaction to 90%+ through exceptional communication and engagement.
Grow enrollment 5–10% annually while maintaining healthy profit margins.
Host meaningful family events to build community and connection.
Ensure smooth daily operations that meet company standards.
Maintain safe, clean, and nurturing classroom environments.
Ensure full compliance with all state childcare and school regulations.
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.
Prepare for and manage all state inspections.
Recruit, train, and mentor, and support staff.
Build a positive, collaborative workplace culture.
Build strong, trusting relationships with parents through consistent communication.
Address parent questions and concerns promptly and professionally.
Host family‑focused events to strengthen community connection.
Manage the school’s budget and overall financial performance.
Implement local marketing strategies to increase enrollment.
Manage and direct the work of teachers and staff, including hiring recommendations, onboarding, scheduling, coaching, performance management, and disciplinary actions.
Hold primary responsibility for the overall success of the school, including operational performance, compliance readiness, financial stewardship, staff engagement, and family satisfaction.
Lead non‑manual, high‑level administrative and managerial work that requires specialized knowledge of ECE licensing, curriculum implementation, staffing models, safety practices, and regulatory requirements.
Exercise autonomy in setting priorities, solving problems, and determining how to meet operational, financial, and enrollment goals, without day‑to‑day supervision.
Represent the organization in external communications, licensing interactions, inspections, community partnerships, and parent relations.
Develop and implement operational processes and school‑wide improvements, using discretion to interpret company policies, local needs, and regulatory environments.
Make decisions that directly impact business performance, including enrollment strategy, cost management, staffing ratios, and classroom allocation.
Provide direct supervision to staff who collectively contribute to the business operations of the school.
Hold authority to influence employment decisions, including hiring, corrective action, performance evaluations, and training requirements.
Lead organizational culture at the school level, shaping employee engagement, morale, retention, and team effectiveness.
Function as a strategic partner to Regional Managers and senior leadership, offering insights and recommendations that directly influence organizational practices and school‑level outcomes.