National Child Care Field Director

Bright Horizons Children's Centers • Newark, FL

1d

About The Position

The National Child Care Field Director at Bright Horizons is responsible for fostering an environment that allows children, their families, and staff to develop to their full potential when a permanent Director is not in place. This role ensures program operation exceeds NAEYC criteria and aligns with Bright Horizons' mission, goals, values, philosophies, and policies, while developing an inclusive environment and positive relationships. The Field Director will perform all major functions and responsibilities of a Director, serving as a positive representative during transitional situations such as acquisitions, new center openings, Director changes, or maternity leaves. They will evaluate situations, problem-solve, and individualize goals, keeping the Regional Manager updated. This leadership role aims to make a lasting impact on children, families, and staff.

Requirements

• Candidates must pass required state and company background checks, and meet state and company minimum education and experience requirements.
• Associate or higher degree in early childhood education, education, or child development related field is required.
• At least four years of leadership experience in high-quality child care, daycare, or preschool settings is required.
• Experience in both teaching (infant, toddler, or preschool) and administration of a child care center is required.
• Strong understanding of center quality, compliance, health, safety and licensing standards is required.
• 100% Travel. Willingness/ability to travel and be away for long periods of time: weeks and months. Arrangements will be made to travel home every two weeks. This position is primarily based throughout the east coast.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree is preferred

Responsibilities

• Assume management of a center/school on a temporary basis.
• Serve as a positive representative of the organization for centers/school in transitional situations: acquisitions, new center/school openings, Director changes, maternity leaves, etc.
• Establish positive working relationships with staff, families and client.
• Strive to know all the children in the program.
• Evaluate each situation, problem solve and individualize goals within established time frame, while keeping the Regional Manager updated of the situation.
• Provide clarification and guidance to new center Director, staff and parents/guardians on Bright Horizons policies, procedures and philosophies.
• Become familiar with licensing regulations for each state assigned to, as well as other local agencies, such as the Department of Social Services and Board of Health.
• Ensure health & safety and licensing guidelines are upheld.
• Confirm all inspections are current including: health, building and licensing.
• Verify the location has the Bright Horizons resources needed to operate: For example, computer, financial and payroll systems, manuals, employee and parent/guardian handbooks.
• Train or arrange training for new staff in payroll system, computer, New Employee Orientation and Regional Employee Orientation, program initiatives, i.e. The World At Their Fingertips, Bloodborne Pathogens, First Aid and CPR.
• Serve as a mentor for new Directors entering the Bright Horizons community.
• Support other Directors with marketing, recruitment, licensing, etc., as needed.
• Meet regularly with Regional Manager to be debriefed on center/school issues.
• Spend first weeks getting to know children, staff, parents/guardians and client.
• Project positive image/feeling toward Bright Horizons.
• Provide a reassuring presence for staff, parents/guardians and client.
• Provide regular communication through memos, newsletters, individual and group meetings, e-mail and voicemail.
• Conduct individual meetings with client, Assistant Director, Education Coordinators, Lead Teachers and Parent/Guardian Advisory Board President to gain information for planning and goal setting.
• Listen to and resolve concerns; clarify misconceptions.
• Develop action plan.
• Set and evaluate goals.
• Introduce, gradually, Bright Horizons philosophies and policies at acquired centers/schools.
• Fulfill all Director responsibilities as outlined in the Director Job Description for ongoing center/school management.
• Continue with staff recruitment and enrollment as appropriate.
• Address, immediately, any issues regarding staff performance, parent concerns, health & safety, licensing or facility issues.
• Inform Regional Manager of all issues and involve them in the decision making process.
• Ensure the smooth transition of new Director as appropriate.
• Provide training and support in all areas of job responsibility.
• Regularly attend local Director meetings and trainings to keep up to date on company policies and procedures, when possible.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Life insurance
• Long-term and short-term disability insurance
• Paid time off
• Career development for you plus free college degrees for your teachers through our Horizons CDA & Degree Program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Associate degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees