Early Childhood Center Director

The Learning Experience - Bakersfield, CA•Bakersfield, CA

1d•$66,000 - $78,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Center Director at The Learning Experience leads the center team in creating a nurturing, fun, and educational environment for children and families. The role is accountable for the center’s business outcomes and for ensuring that front-of-house and back-of-house operations meet high standards. The director works to meet enrollment and profitability goals while maintaining a high-quality team and upholding the brand’s standards. The position oversees staffing, employee development and retention, enrollment and marketing, financial performance, licensing and safety compliance, center facilities and inventory, records, and payroll. The director is expected to use the required software, web platforms, and TLE processes to support effective operations and to address parent and staff concerns promptly.

Requirements

High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
At least one year of center management or people leadership experience.
Must be 21 years of age or older.
Strong knowledge of state licensing rules and regulations.
Must meet applicable background screening or state licensing requirements for the role.

Nice To Haves

Two or more years of center management or people leadership experience.
Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field.

Responsibilities

Meet or exceed school-level KPIs, including utilization, student retention, staff turnover, payroll percentage, and lead-to-tour conversion.
Recruit and onboard employees, respond to applicants within one business day, and keep the center fully staffed with well-trained teachers.
Maintain a professional teaching team that upholds brand standards and lead by example to foster a positive center atmosphere and employee engagement.
Conduct and document monthly staff development meetings using TLE-provided content.
Ensure employee annual performance reviews are completed, submitted on time, filed, and uploaded into Paylocity.
Promote employee retention, hold the team accountable, provide clear instructions and constructive feedback, and address poor performance promptly.
Resolve parent and staff concerns at the center level promptly.
Execute an ongoing marketing plan focused on enrollment and retention, track leads, and improve lead-to-start conversion.
Meet or exceed the center’s active enrollment budget and accurately forecast new starts and drops.
Conduct competitive shops at least twice per year, post engaging social media content regularly, secure positive customer reviews monthly, and support family retention.
Implement brand initiatives in a meaningful way.
Manage the center toward its EBITDA budget, understand budget goals, and analyze monthly profit-and-loss statements and expenses.
Maintain accurate family and agency billing, escalate billing errors or financial inquiries, collect tuition by due dates, and manage tuition discounts.
Uphold health and safety procedures and comply with local and state licensing regulations.
Prioritize supervision practices and maintain center-wide compliance regarding medical conditions, allergies, dietary restrictions, medications, and accommodation requests.
Keep the center organized, safe, clean, clutter-free, and ready for tours.
Keep student and staff files secure, organized, and compliant with TLE and state licensing requirements; maintain required records accurately.
Stay current with and follow state mandates, labor laws, health regulations, fire code, and TLE policies.
Manage and replenish inventory within the center’s budget.
Prepare and process payroll accurately and on time.
Use required software, web platforms, and TLE systems and processes to maximize operational efficiency.
Take initiative, think ahead, work autonomously, meet deadlines, respond promptly, and use sound judgment in managing people, customers, and operations.