Branford Early Learning Center Executive Director belcinc.org Our Mission At Branford Early Learning Center, we believe caring for children means caring for the whole child. As a nonprofit early childhood center, we provide high-quality, affordable care and education in a warm, nurturing environment that supports children's academic growth, physical and emotional well-being, nutrition, and social development. We recognize families as children's first teachers and work together with parents, educators, and our community to give every child a strong foundation for the future. Position Summary The Executive Director serves as the chief administrative and educational leader responsible for guiding the overall operation, strategic direction, and regulatory compliance of Branford Early Learning Center. The Executive Director ensures high-quality early childhood education in a safe, inclusive, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate environment while building strong relationships with children, families, staff, and the broader community and maintaining compliance with Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC) licensing regulations, applicable federal and state laws, accreditation standards, and organizational policies. The Executive Director provides visionary and collaborative leadership in educational programming, fiscal management, personnel administration, strategic planning, community engagement, and organizational development while fostering a welcoming culture of excellence, collaboration, connection, and continuous improvement. Leadership & Administration Develop and implement the Center's strategic vision, mission, and long-term goals. Lead organizational planning and continuous quality improvement initiatives. Foster a collaborative and positive organizational culture. Ensure ethical leadership and sound administrative practices. Advise the governing Board regarding policies, operations, and planning. Represent the Center before regulatory agencies and community organizations. Attend regular Board of Directors meetings. Directly supervise the Assistant Director, administrative staff, teachers, assistant teachers, support staff, volunteers, consultants, and student interns. Program Administration Direct daily operations of infant, toddler, preschool, and pre-kindergarten programs. Ensure implementation of CT ELDS-aligned educational practices. Monitor classroom quality, curriculum, assessments, enrollment, and inclusive programming. Licensing compliance, child safety, educational quality, staff retention, family satisfaction, enrollment growth, financial stewardship, successful inspections, accreditation, strategic goals, and community partnerships. Promote excellence in teaching and learning. Supervise curriculum planning, developmental screenings, assessments, and educational outcomes. Support innovative, evidence-based instructional practices. Connecticut OEC Licensing & Regulatory Compliance Serve as the Designated Director under Connecticut OEC requirements. Maintain licensing compliance, staff ratios, records, health and safety standards, medication procedures, emergency preparedness, Fire Marshal and Department of Public Health requirements, mandatory reporting, licensing inspections, corrective actions, and required professional development. Personnel Administration Recruit, hire, supervise, evaluate, and retain qualified staff. Develop professional development plans and administer progressive discipline when appropriate. Financial Management Develop and administer the annual operating budget. Monitor revenues, expenditures, tuition collection, grants, and financial reporting. Facilities and Outreach Management Maintain personnel policies, employee records, benefits administration, background checks, and orientation. Build strong family partnerships, encourage involvement, and maintain effective communication. Ensure child safety, emergency preparedness, infection control, incident reporting, and security. Develop partnerships with OEC, Boards of Education, Birth to Three, community agencies, colleges, businesses, and family resource centers. Oversee facilities, accreditation, policy development, grant administration, and continuous quality improvement. Promote the Center through community outreach and public engagement. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, Human Services, Educational Administration, or related field (Master's preferred). Five (5) years of progressively responsible early childhood experience. Three (3) years of administrative or supervisory experience. Experience with budgeting, personnel management, Connecticut licensing regulations, and educational leadership. Required Knowledge & Abilities Connecticut OEC Licensing Regulations, CT ELDS, child development, curriculum, supervision, HR, budgeting, grants, accreditation, OSHA, ADA, Department of Public Health regulations, and mandatory reporting laws. Knowledge of NAEYC Accreditation standards. CT Early Start compliance preferred. Leadership, strategic planning, budgeting, personnel management, conflict resolution, communication, problem solving, relationship building, data analysis, and technology proficiency. Move throughout classrooms and playgrounds, lift up to 40 pounds, respond to emergencies, and work occasional evenings/weekends. Pay Range, Details & Benefits Salaried position, non-exempt employee.

Salary:

$69,600-$91,500 annually based on experience. Salary is firm and it will not exceed the established salary range. Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance available. In-person Monday-Friday, minimum 40 hours/week, with additional hours as needed. Additional Employment Information Employment is subject to successful completion of a 60-day provisional period. Eligible employees receive sick days, vacation days, and paid major holidays in accordance with center policies. Life at Branford Early Learning Center At BELC, leadership is about more than running a successful center. It's about becoming part of a community that cares deeply about children, families, educators, and one another. As Executive Director, you'll have the opportunity to bring your own experience, ideas, and leadership to BELC while continuing to grow professionally. You'll build relationships with families and community partners, support and develop a dedicated team of early childhood professionals, and help shape the future of an organization with a longstanding commitment to children and working families. We believe the same whole-person approach we bring to children should extend to the people who make their growth possible. We want our Executive Director to feel supported in their leadership, challenged to grow, and proud of the community they help build. At BELC, you won't simply oversee a center—you'll help lead a community where children, families, educators, and leaders can thrive together. Serious inquiries only, please.

Pay:

$69,600.00 - $91,500.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Vision insurance Ability to

Commute:

Branford, CT 06405 (Required)

Work Location:

In person