This position is responsible for the overall leadership and management of two preschool locations, with one location serving as the primary home center. This position is responsible for the day-to-day operations, financial management, curriculum delivery, employee/student retention and achievement, parent/community relations, and strategic planning for both schools. The Lead Director must perform a variety of highly responsible, confidential, and complex administrative duties including, but not limited to, budgeting, marketing, bookkeeping/recording procedures, curriculum knowledge, employee relations, and leadership development while ensuring consistency and operational excellence across both locations. Essential Functions
- Recruit, select, train, and orientate staff following Company and state guidelines.
- Supervise and evaluate all school personnel.
- Schedule staff and arrange for substitutes in order to meet state ratios.
- Create a positive working environment through praise, recognition, and morale boosters.
- Maintain professional rapport with staff and parents.
- Conduct tours for potential families in accordance with the Company's tour protocol.
- Implement and continually monitor effective marketing strategies for both schools.
- Maintain physical environments that conform to licensing standards.
- Ensure the implementation of curriculum along with activities, special events, and field trips in order to enhance the learning and development of every child.
- Perform and/or oversee all administrative tasks including, but not limited to, billing, collection/posting of payments, bank deposits, payroll, school records (including staff and children files), USDA reports, and inquiry systems.
- Monitor and maintain an updated inventory of supplies, equipment, and materials necessary to execute program activities. Order food as required by the menu and in accordance with USDA and budgetary guidelines.
- Meet and maintain all state licensing requirements/qualifications and comply with all Child Development Schools policies and procedures at all times.
- Maintain flexibility regarding the business demands of the schools, including cooking, cleaning, driving the bus, and working in a classroom when needed.
- Provide operational leadership and oversight for two schools, ensuring consistency in quality, compliance, and customer experience.
- Maintain a regular presence at both locations to support staff, families, and overall school performance.
- Complete weekly, monthly, and quarterly operational reviews to ensure compliance with company standards, licensing requirements, safety expectations, and sanitation guidelines.
- Evaluate school adherence to company safety policies with emphasis on building security, equipment maintenance, staff supervision, and overall school readiness.
- Review revenue and expense reporting to ensure accuracy, monitor financial performance, and identify opportunities for improvement.
- Monitor accounts receivable to ensure validity and timely collection of outstanding balances.
- Continuously evaluate overall program quality to ensure curriculum and best practices are consistently implemented across both locations.
- Provide ongoing coaching, feedback, and support to leadership teams and staff.
- Complete documented performance evaluations and support professional development planning.
- Identify and develop future leaders through mentoring, training, and succession planning efforts.
- Foster strong community relationships and partnerships to enhance school visibility and enrollment growth.
- Recommend process improvements and policy enhancements that support organizational goals.
- Partner with families and stakeholders to maintain a positive culture and exceptional customer experience.
- Travel between assigned locations as needed to provide leadership and operational support.
Skills
- Ability to foster trust and respect with children, parents, and staff.
- Strong level of patience and understanding of young children.
- Ability to communicate, train, and educate employees and families.
- Excellent customer service skills.
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
- Proficient time management and multitasking skills.
- Ability to be flexible in work and schedule.
- Strong management and leadership skills.
- Solid experience managing budgets and understanding profit and loss statements.
- Working knowledge of state licensing and regulatory requirements.
- Exceptional organizational skills.
- Ability to solve complex issues and conflicts.
- Demonstrates compassion and respect toward all stakeholders.
- Ability to interact and work with diverse cultures.
- Ability to make sound decisions and assume responsibility for school operations.
- Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Google Workspace.
- Ability to coach, mentor, and develop leaders.
- Ability to travel between assigned locations.
- Valid driver's license and satisfactory driving record.
Equal Employment Opportunity
[Child Development Schools] is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or any other protected status. #CDSMA