Job Description

Assistant Director (Full-Time)

Do you believe the earliest years are the most powerful? We are seeking a compassionate, supportive, and driven Assistant Director who understands that strong leadership, nurturing care, and intentional play create the foundation for a thriving early learning environment.

This role supports the Center Director in overseeing daily center operations, maintaining regulatory compliance, supporting educators, and partnering with families to deliver exceptional care and education. The Assistant Director serves as a collaborative leader, helping ensure that classrooms are safe, engaging, and aligned with our mission while supporting the professional growth of our educators.

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

• Support the Center Director in overseeing the daily operations of the preschool center
• Assist in ensuring compliance with California Title 22 and Title 5 licensing regulations and center policies
• Support, coach, and develop teaching and administrative staff to promote high-quality care and instruction
• Help create and sustain a safe, warm, and engaging learning environment across all classrooms
• Assist with staffing, scheduling, ratios, and classroom coverage to maintain operational efficiency
• Support enrollment, admissions, tours, and family onboarding processes
• Assist with administrative operations, documentation, and center reporting
• Support the implementation of curriculum and child assessment systems, including DRDP as applicable
• Maintain licensing readiness and assist with preparation for inspections and audits
• Support the Center Director with staff hiring, onboarding, training, and professional development
• Model strong, nurturing, and responsive leadership with children, families, and staff
• Foster a positive, collaborative, and mission-driven center culture
• Serve as a leadership support for families, staff, and the Center Director
• Help identify opportunities for continuous quality improvement and program growth

Required Qualifications

• Must meet the applicable educational requirements for an Assistant Director position under California Title 22 and Title 5 regulations
• Must hold a valid California Child Development Site Supervisor Permit OR be willing and eligible to obtain one upon hire, based on the position's requirements
• Ability to pass a criminal background check
• CPR/First Aid certification or willingness to obtain
• Strong communication, organizational, leadership, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to support staff, maintain professional relationships, and promote a positive learning environment
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment
• Calm, solution-oriented, and nurturing leadership approach

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience as an Assistant Director, Site Supervisor, or in a leadership role within a preschool setting
• Experience supporting daily center operations and staff supervision
• Experience with DRDP implementation and data-informed instruction
• Familiarity with Environment Rating Scale (ERS)
• Experience supporting licensing visits, compliance processes, and documentation
• Strong background in staff coaching, mentorship, and professional development
• Experience supporting enrollment, family engagement, and classroom quality improvement
• Familiarity with California Title 5 and Title 22 regulations

Position Details

• Full-Time
• Competitive pay based on experience and qualifications
• Work Location: In person

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
• Clear pathways for career growth
• A supportive, collaborative, mission-driven environment that values educators

Join Our Team

If you are ready to lead with purpose, support educators, 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 Assistant Director.

• Must meet applicable educational and administrative qualification requirements
• Must hold a valid California Child Development Site Supervisor Permit OR be willing and eligible to obtain one upon hire, based on the position's requirements
• Ability to pass a criminal background check
• CPR/First Aid certification or willingness to obtain
• Strong leadership, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Calm, solution-oriented, and nurturing leadership approach
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment

Benefits

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Work Location: In person

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Staff Development

• Support the Center Director in leading and maintaining daily center operations
• Assist teachers in implementing developmentally appropriate, play-based curriculum
• Provide ongoing coaching, mentorship, and performance feedback to teaching staff
• Support consistent classroom routines while meeting individual child needs
• Strengthen classroom management and positive behavior guidance practices
• Assist with staff onboarding, training, and professional development
• Promote teamwork, accountability, and a positive workplace culture
• Support staff performance improvement and communicate concerns to the Center Director
• Help ensure classrooms maintain high standards of quality and care

Health, Safety & Licensing Compliance

• Ensure active supervision and child safety at all times
• Support compliance with California Title 22 and Title 5 licensing regulations and center policies
• Assist with health, sanitation, and emergency procedures
• Support the Center Director in maintaining licensing readiness
• Help ensure facility readiness, cleanliness, and safety standards are consistently met
• Monitor classroom environments and identify areas requiring corrective action
• Assist with maintaining accurate licensing documentation and compliance records
• Support preparation for licensing visits, inspections, and audits
• Communicate health, safety, and compliance concerns promptly to the Center Director
• Help ensure required staff training and documentation are completed

Family Partnerships & Enrollment

• Build strong, respectful, and collaborative relationships with families
• Support enrollment, admissions, tours, and family onboarding processes
• Communicate program updates and respond to family needs in a timely and professional manner
• Assist with parent-teacher conferences, family events, and engagement initiatives
• Support teachers in maintaining open and respectful communication with families
• Help address family concerns and escalate matters appropriately to the Center Director
• Promote family partnerships that support children's development and well-being
• Assist with enrollment retention and maintaining a welcoming center environment

Administrative & Operational Leadership

• Support staffing, scheduling, classroom coverage, and daily operational efficiency
• Assist with monitoring classroom ratios and ensuring appropriate staff coverage
• Support accurate documentation, records, and compliance files
• Assist with staff hiring, onboarding, and training processes
• Support the Center Director with administrative reporting and operational tasks
• Help monitor classroom supplies, equipment, and facility needs
• Assist with identifying operational concerns and implementing solutions
• Support center goals related to enrollment, retention, and program quality
• Collaborate with the Center Director and organizational leadership on quality improvement initiatives
• Uphold confidentiality and professional standards at all times
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned by the Center Director or organizational leadership

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