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Assistant Director
Career Insights for Preschool / Childcare Director
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Scorecard
Based on Louisiana data
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What they do
A Preschool or Childcare Director manages and directs programs for very young children. Supervises child care workers and pre-school teachers. Proposes policies, program fees and budgets for approval by a program board or administrative agency or implements policies of a national organization. Meets with parents and staff to discuss the development, learning and behavior of children in the program or center. Orders supplies and monitors maintenance and cleaning at a facility. Ensures that the program or center meets state and federal guidelines.
$50,778 / year median in Louisiana
+16% projected growth
Job Description
NON-NEGOTIABLES
These are essential expectations of the Assistant Director position and are not optional. 1. Strong Communication Is Required Must communicate clearly, respectfully, and professionally with the Director, teachers, families, and children. Must be comfortable having difficult conversations when necessary. Must communicate concerns promptly rather than allowing problems to continue. Must be approachable, friendly, and outgoing . Must be willing to speak up when something is unsafe, incorrect, or not meeting expectations. 2. Leadership Mentality Must genuinely want to lead, not simply hold a title . Must be confident giving direction and holding staff accountable. Must lead by example. Must be willing to make decisions and take appropriate action without waiting to be told every step. Must understand that leadership means serving and supporting the team while maintaining high standards. 3. Must Be Proactive We need someone who sees what needs to be done and does it. Must not consistently wait for the Director to point out problems. Must take ownership of responsibilities. Must be able to prioritize tasks and manage multiple responsibilities throughout the day. Must look for solutions rather than simply bringing problems to the Director. 4. Must Be Willing to Work in the Classroom This is an administrative leadership position, but it is also a hands-on childcare leadership role . Must be willing to step into classrooms whenever needed. Must support teachers during challenging situations, staffing shortages, transitions, and busy portions of the day. Must be comfortable working directly with children. Must be willing to get on the floor and help—not expect others to do work they are unwilling to do themselves. 5. Staff Accountability Is Essential Must be comfortable addressing staff when expectations are not being met. Must follow through when teachers need correction, coaching, or additional training. Must not ignore poor performance, incomplete paperwork, unsafe practices, or violations of center policies. Must document and communicate significant concerns to the Director. Must be able to hold staff accountable while remaining respectful and professional. 6. Licensing & Safety Come First Must take childcare licensing regulations and safety requirements extremely seriously. Must assist the Director in ensuring licensing regulations are followed at all times . Must immediately address or report anything that could put a child, staff member, or the center at risk. Must never overlook a licensing violation simply because it is inconvenient. Must understand that child safety and compliance are never optional. 7. Attention to Detail Is Required Must be detail-oriented and organized. Must ensure daily paperwork and required documentation are completed correctly. Must regularly review teacher paperwork and correct errors as needed. Must follow up to ensure corrections are actually made. Must understand that accurate documentation is an important part of running a professional childcare center. 8. Professionalism & Confidentiality Must maintain professionalism at all times. Must protect confidential information involving children, families, and employees. Must not participate in gossip or contribute to negativity among staff. Must handle disagreements privately and professionally. Must represent the school positively both inside and outside the center. 9. Must Be Teachable Because this is a Director-in-Training position, the candidate must be willing to learn. Must accept coaching and constructive criticism from the Director. Must be willing to learn areas of the business they may not already know. Must understand that becoming a Director is a process and requires continued growth. 10. Must Be Dependable Must be reliable and consistent. Must understand that leadership positions require dependability because other employees and the children rely on them. Must arrive prepared and ready to lead. Must follow through on commitments and responsibilities. 11. Must Take Charge When the Director Is Absent When the Director is not present, the Assistant Director is expected to step into a leadership role , maintain the normal operation of the center, support staff, address issues appropriately, and ensure that children remain safe and licensing requirements continue to be followed. The expectation is not simply to "watch the center." The Assistant Director must be prepared to lead the center in the Director's absence. Key ResponsibilitiesSupport the Director Work closely with the Director on the daily operation and management of the center. Assist the Director wherever needed to ensure the center runs smoothly and efficiently. Help oversee daily operations, staff needs, classroom needs, and family communication. Learn and assist with administrative responsibilities as part of ongoing Director training. Take initiative in identifying problems and helping find solutions. Take charge of the center when the Director is not present. Teacher Leadership & Support Provide leadership, encouragement, and support to all teaching staff. Train teachers on completing daily paperwork, classroom documentation, attendance records, lesson plans, incident reports, and other required documentation correctly. Review paperwork regularly and provide correction, coaching, and follow-up when necessary. Help ensure teachers understand and consistently follow center policies and procedures. Support teachers in the classroom when needed. Coach and mentor teachers in classroom management, supervision, organization, professionalism, and implementation of the Montessori curriculum. Hold staff accountable while maintaining a respectful, encouraging, and team-oriented environment. Lead by example in professionalism, work ethic, attitude, and interactions with children and families. Licensing & Compliance Assist the Director in ensuring that the center remains in compliance with all applicable childcare licensing regulations at all times. Help monitor classrooms, staff practices, documentation, supervision, ratios, safety procedures, sanitation, and required records. Identify areas of concern and communicate them to the Director promptly. Help train staff on licensing requirements and center policies. Participate in preparation for licensing visits, inspections, and compliance reviews. Help ensure required documentation and records are complete, accurate, and up to date. Family & Community Relations Maintain strong, professional, and positive relationships with families. Communicate confidently and respectfully with parents and guardians. Help address parent questions and concerns and bring significant concerns to the Director. Represent the center in a warm, professional, and positive manner. Be an approachable and welcoming presence for families, staff, and children. Director-in-Training As the Assistant Director demonstrates competency and leadership, they will receive additional training in: Staff management and leadership Licensing and regulatory compliance Enrollment and admissions Family relations Employee training and development Classroom observations Scheduling and staffing Center policies and procedures Safety and emergency procedures Administrative responsibilities Daily center operations Problem-solving and conflict resolution Professional development and staff accountability The long-term goal of this position is to develop a confident, capable, and well-rounded leader who is prepared to successfully step into the Director role. Our Ideal Candidate We are looking for someone who understands that leadership means serving the team, supporting teachers, protecting children, partnering with families, maintaining high standards, and helping the entire center succeed. This is not a position for someone who simply wants a title. We are looking for someone who is ready to learn, lead, serve, communicate, take responsibility, hold others accountable, and grow into a Director.Pay:
$16.00 - $17.50 per hour Expected hours: 40.0 per weekBenefits:
Life insurance Paid time off Professional development assistanceWork Location:
In personBenefits
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Professional Development
- Dental Insurance
- Life Insurance