Assistant Director

Assistant DirectorTierra Encantada Spanish Immersion Early EducationAbout Tierra Encantada Tierra Encantada is the leader in Spanish immersion early education, providing high-quality language immersion education and care for children ages 6 weeks through 6 years. Our mission is to cultivate confident, curious, and globally minded learners through exceptional early childhood education and authentic Spanish language immersion experiences. Our Values Passion We are committed to nurturing children's growth and development through meaningful learning experiences. Diversity We celebrate and embrace diverse cultures, backgrounds, perspectives, and languages. Intentionality We create purposeful learning environments that inspire exploration, creativity, and discovery. Optimism We believe in the potential of every child, family, and team member and work together to build a brighter future. At Tierra Encantada, we are dedicated to making a lasting impact—one child, one family, and one community at a time. Position Overview The Assistant Director plays a vital role in supporting the daily operations, educational excellence, and overall success of the center. Working closely with the Center Director, this individual helps foster a positive team culture, maintain compliance with licensing requirements, support enrollment growth, and ensure an exceptional experience for children, families, and staff. As a key member of the leadership team, the Assistant Director serves as a role model for Tierra Encantada's mission and values while helping create a safe, welcoming, and engaging environment where children can thrive. Key ResponsibilitiesLeadership & Team Support Partner with the Center Director to uphold and model Tierra Encantada's mission and core values. Foster a positive, collaborative workplace culture through coaching, mentoring, recognition, and staff support. Assist with staff development, retention, and performance management initiatives. Assume leadership responsibilities during the Center Director's absence. Lead and support floaters, aides, and kitchen staff. Provide classroom and kitchen coverage as needed due to breaks, PTO, staff absences, or business needs. Administrative Operations & Family Communication Support daily administrative functions, including enrollment activities, phone calls, emails, child record management, and family communications. Serve as a primary point of contact for families by addressing questions, resolving concerns, and providing timely updates. Communicate important center information, upcoming events, and program updates to families. Coordinate parent-teacher conferences and encourage strong family engagement. Maintain organized and accurate records and documentation. Assist with purchasing food, classroom materials, and operational supplies while maintaining budget expectations. Operations & Compliance Support daily center operations while ensuring compliance with KDHE licensing regulations and company policies. Assist with staff scheduling, time-off requests, and payroll documentation. Conduct and monitor safety procedures, emergency drills, and facility inspections. Maintain a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for children, families, and team members. Educational Quality & Program Support Collaborate with teachers and leadership to maintain high-quality educational programming. Support child development assessments and family communication regarding developmental progress. Help maintain accreditation standards and continuous quality improvement initiatives. Promote developmentally appropriate practices and authentic Spanish language immersion experiences. Community Engagement & Enrollment Growth Participate in marketing initiatives, community outreach events, open houses, and enrollment activities. Build and maintain strong relationships with current and prospective families. Support enrollment growth and family retention efforts. Represent Tierra Encantada positively within the local community. Position RequirementsRequired Qualifications Must be at least 18 years of age. Bilingual Spanish-English fluency is required and is an essential function of this position. High School Diploma or equivalent required. Must successfully pass all required background checks and fingerprinting. Must complete all required KDHE licensing requirements and annual professional development training. CPR and First Aid Certification, or ability to obtain certification within 90 days of hire. Strong verbal and written communication skills. Ability to build positive relationships with children, families, and team members. Ability to maintain a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate learning environment. Education & Experience Requirements Candidates must meet Kansas qualifications for an Assistant Program Director in a licensed child care center. Qualified candidates must meet one of the following requirements: Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Elementary Education, Special Education, Family Studies, or a related field and at least three months of experience providing direct care and supervision to children; OR Bachelor's degree in a non-related field and one of the following: Six months of experience providing direct care and supervision to children; Twelve (12) credit hours in Early Childhood Education coursework; Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential; or Technical certificate or diploma in Early Childhood Education; OR Associate degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Elementary Education, Special Education, Family Studies, or a related field and at least six months of experience providing direct care and supervision to children; OR Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential and at least one year of experience providing direct care and supervision to children; OR Six years of experience providing direct care and supervision to children in a licensed early childhood setting. Preferred Qualifications Previous leadership, supervisory, or management experience in an early childhood education setting. Experience supporting enrollment, family engagement, staff scheduling, and center operations. Experience working in a Spanish immersion or bilingual educational environment. Strong organizational, problem-solving, and customer service skills. Passion for Tierra Encantada's mission of cultivating confident, curious, and globally minded learners through authentic Spanish language immersion. Physical Requirements Ability to frequently walk, stand, sit, squat, kneel, bend, stoop, crawl, climb stairs, reach, twist, and rise from the floor. Ability to frequently lift and carry up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift up to 50 pounds. Ability to push, pull, and move classroom equipment and supplies as needed. Ability to supervise children both indoors and outdoors in various weather and lighting conditions. Ability to hear, observe, and respond appropriately to children's needs in a moderately active environment. Compensation & Schedule Full-time, salaried, exempt position. Monday-Friday schedule with occasional evenings or weekends as needed.

Salary range:

$45,000-$50,000 annually , based on education, qualifications, and experience. Eligible for additional compensation through a monthly performance-based bonus program. Total Rewards Package In addition to a competitive salary, Tierra Encantada offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support our team members professionally and personally. Benefits Medical Insurance Dental Insurance Vision Insurance 12 Paid Holidays Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) 401(k) with Employer Match Monthly Performance Bonus Discounted Childcare and Enrollment Priority Company-Paid Professional Development Opportunities Additional Information Employment is contingent upon successful completion of all required background checks, fingerprinting, and verification of work authorization through E-Verify. Tierra Encantada is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees and families feel welcomed, respected, and valued. Join our team and help inspire the next generation of confident, curious, and globally minded learners through the power of language immersion and exceptional early childhood education.

Pay:

$45,000.00 - $50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance Employee discount Health insurance Paid time off Professional development assistance

Work Location:

In person