Leadership and Professional Learning Assistant Director

The Centers•Cleveland, OH

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Director of Leadership and Professional Learning supports the Director of Curriculum and Instruction in strengthening professional growth, instructional quality, credential advancement, and leadership development for educators across The Centers’ Early Learning programs, including directly operated early learning centers and designated delegate and affiliate sites. This position assists with the implementation and coordination of systems that promote continuous learning and professional excellence among early childhood educators. The Assistant Director supports coaching and professional learning initiatives that strengthen teacher practice, support effective curriculum implementation, develop emerging leaders, improve staff morale and engagement, and promote clear pathways for credential and career advancement. Working under the direction of the Director of Curriculum and Instruction and in collaboration with the Education and Family Service leadership team, early childhood teachers, and external partners, the Assistant Director helps ensure educators are supported from recruitment and onboarding through credential attainment, degree completion, leadership development, and career advancement.

Requirements

Master's degree in early childhood education, Curriculum & Instruction, Educational Leadership, or a related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
Ohio Approved Trainer through the Ohio Child Care Resource & Referral Association (OCCRRA), or ability to obtain approval.
Child Development Association (CDA) Content Trainer and Professional Development Specialist.
Minimum of three (3) years of experience in Early Childhood Education, professional learning, coaching, or Early Learning leadership, with strong background experience in a Head Start program preferred.
Minimum of three (3) years of experience designing and facilitating professional development training for early childhood educators, specifically Ohio-approved professional development through the Ohio Child Care Resource & Referral Association (OCCRRA).
Demonstrated background in curriculum and instruction, including experience developing curriculum, supporting instructional practices, implementing curriculum, and creating professional learning content for adult learners.
Experience providing CDA training and supporting staff pursuing Child Development Associate credential attainment.
Strong organizational, coaching, facilitation, collaboration, and project coordination skills.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of Ohio's Professional Development Registry, credentialing systems, and licensing requirements preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist with the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of a comprehensive onboarding program for all Early Learning staff.
Design onboarding experiences that ensure new educators successfully transition into classroom environments and the organizational culture.
Coordinate structured onboarding rotations that provide new teachers and Family Development Professionals with hands-on experience in Infant/Toddler (MIT), Preschool, Specialized Classrooms, and Smart Start Home Visiting.
Develop onboarding resources, checklists, orientation materials, and individualized support plans for new staff.
Partner with Site Managers and Early Learning leadership to monitor onboarding progress and ensure successful integration into assigned classrooms.
Evaluate onboarding outcomes and implement improvements based on staff feedback and performance data.
Coordinate and facilitate high-quality professional learning opportunities for Early Learning leadership, administration, site staff, and delegate and affiliate partners aligned with organizational goals, licensing requirements, and best practices in early childhood education.
Support leadership development pathways that prepare Site Managers and teachers for expanded leadership roles within the organization.
Identify professional learning needs through classroom observations, coaching data, credential reviews, and program outcomes.
Collaborate with the Director of Curriculum and Instruction to create specialized training, leadership academies, and career advancement opportunities.
Coordinate with internal and external trainers to ensure high-quality professional learning experiences across service areas.
Collect, analyze, and utilize Professional Development Day data to evaluate effectiveness and guide future learning initiatives.
Monitor credential expiration dates, educational progress, and professional development requirements to ensure compliance.
Guide teachers through educational planning, credential attainment, degree completion, and career advancement opportunities.
Serve as a CDA content trainer and Professional Development Specialist, assessing candidates by conducting verification visits, observing classrooms, and leading reflective dialogues.
Support TEACH implementation and connect staff with educational resources, scholarships, coaching, and training opportunities that support continued professional growth.
Partner with local and state colleges and universities to provide learning opportunities at early learning sites and access to employment opportunities.
Develop individualized professional growth plans that align employee career goals with organizational workforce development initiatives.
Provide coaching and mentoring to teachers to support effective implementation of professional learning within classrooms.
Promote evidence-based child development and instructional practices through ongoing coaching and technical assistance.
Support Site Managers in addressing site-specific instructional needs, team development, and staff engagement.
Collaborate with the Director of Curriculum and Instruction and Early Learning leadership on staffing transitions, classroom assignments, and workforce planning related to professional learning and instructional support.
Serve as a resource for teachers and families by providing expertise in child development, curriculum implementation, and best practices.
Provides supervisory oversight for Early Learning staff at The Centers, including approximately five to six (5–6) staff members, and supports oversight of delegate services through Catholic Charities across four (4) sites.