Center Director

Job Description

Center Director (Full-Time)

Do you believe the earliest years are the most powerful? We are seeking a compassionate, visionary, and driven Center Director who understands that strong leadership, nurturing care, and intentional play create the foundation for a thriving early learning environment. This role leads overall center operations, ensures regulatory compliance, manages fiscal and enrollment systems, and partners with educators and families to deliver exceptional care and education.

Our Mission

To illuminate young minds for a brighter tomorrow through research-based play, safeguard every child’s day, and elevate educators’ lives—hand in hand with families.

Our Vision

• Give back
• Teach 1,000 children daily
• Build lasting opportunities for our communities

What You’ll Do

• Lead the overall daily operations of the preschool center
• Ensure full compliance with California Title 22 and Title 5 licensing regulations and center policies
• Supervise, coach, and develop teaching and administrative staff to ensure high-quality care and instruction
• Create and sustain a safe, warm, and engaging learning environment across all classrooms
• Oversee staffing, scheduling, ratios, and classroom coverage
• Lead enrollment, admissions, tours, and family onboarding processes
• Manage center budgeting, fiscal operations, and financial oversight in collaboration with leadership
• Monitor operational expenses and support financial sustainability of the program
• Model strong, nurturing, and responsive leadership with children, families, and staff
• Oversee curriculum implementation and child assessment systems (including DRDP as applicable)
• Maintain licensing readiness and lead preparation for inspections and audits
• Foster a positive, collaborative, and mission-driven center culture
• Serve as the primary liaison between families, staff, and leadership

Required Qualifications

• ECE units required under California Title 22 and Title 5 for Director qualification
• Must have completed administrative units 
• Must hold a valid California Child Development Site Supervisor Permit OR be willing to obtain one upon hire
• Ability to pass a criminal background check
• CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain)
• Strong leadership, organizational, communication, and financial management skills
• Calm, solution-oriented, and nurturing leadership approach
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Director or Assistant Director in a preschool setting
• Experience with budgeting, fiscal oversight, and enrollment management
• Experience with DRDP implementation and data-informed instruction
• Familiarity with Environment Rating Scale (ERS)
• Experience leading licensing visits and compliance processes
• Strong background in staff development and team leadership

Position Details

• Full-Time
• Competitive pay based on experience and qualifications

Why You’ll Love Working With Us

• Medical, dental, and life insurance
• Paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays
• Retirement plan options
• Ongoing professional development and paid training
• Continued education support
• Clear pathways for career growth
• A supportive, collaborative, mission-driven environment that values educators

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Staff Development

• Lead and support teachers in implementing developmentally appropriate, play-based curriculum
• Provide ongoing coaching, mentorship, and performance feedback
• Ensure consistent routines while meeting individual child needs
• Strengthen classroom management and positive behavior guidance practices

Health, Safety & Licensing Compliance

• Ensure active supervision and child safety at all times
• Maintain full compliance with licensing regulations and policies
• Oversee health, sanitation, and emergency procedures
• Ensure facility readiness, cleanliness, and safety standards are consistently met

Family Partnerships & Enrollment

• Build strong, respectful, and collaborative relationships with families
• Oversee enrollment, admissions, tours, and onboarding processes
• Communicate program updates and respond to family needs
• Support conferences, events, and family engagement initiatives

Administrative, Fiscal & Operational Leadership

• Oversee staffing, scheduling, and daily operational efficiency
• Manage center budgeting, financial planning, and expense oversight
• Support revenue goals through strong enrollment and retention practices
• Ensure accurate documentation, records, and compliance files
• Lead hiring, onboarding, and staff development processes
• Collaborate with leadership on program growth and quality improvement
• Uphold confidentiality and professional standards at all times

Physical Requirements

• Ability to respond quickly in emergencies
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and reaching
• Occasional lifting of children up to 40 pounds
• Ability to supervise classrooms actively and continuously
• Participation in facility support tasks as needed

Join Our Team

If you are ready to lead with purpose, elevate early childhood education, and be part of a community that believes in giving back and lifting one another up, we would be honored to welcome you as our Center Director.