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Director in Training
Career Insights for Preschool / Childcare Director
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Scorecard
Based on Maryland 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.
$54,733 / year median in Maryland
+11% projected growth
Job Description
Director in Training
First Steps Early Learning Center is seeking an exceptional Director in Training who is passionate about early childhood education, operational excellence, and developing high-performing teams. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced childcare professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys solving complex challenges, and is ready to grow into executive-level leadership.
The Director in Training will oversee the daily operations of the center, ensure compliance with Maryland licensing regulations, lead and coach staff, drive enrollment and family satisfaction, and implement systems that support organizational growth and excellence. This individual must be a strategic thinker who leads with integrity, accountability, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Key ResponsibilitiesLeadership & Team DevelopmentLead, coach, mentor, and inspire a team of educators and administrative staff.
Foster a positive, professional, and collaborative workplace culture.
Conduct staff observations, evaluations, coaching sessions, and performance improvement plans.
Recruit, interview, onboard, and retain high-quality team members.
Hold team members accountable to company policies, procedures, and performance standards.
Develop future leaders within the organization.
Operations ManagementOversee all daily center operations to ensure efficiency and excellence.
Ensure compliance with Maryland Office of Child Care licensing regulations and accreditation standards.
Monitor classroom quality, ratios, health and safety practices, and curriculum implementation.
Develop and improve operational systems, policies, and procedures.
Analyze operational data to improve performance and productivity.
Support budgeting initiatives and responsible management of center resources.
Strategic PlanningPartner with executive leadership to develop and strategic initiatives.
Identify opportunities to improve systems, processes, enrollment, and customer satisfaction.
Implement action plans that support long-term organizational growth.
Lead change initiatives while maintaining a positive team culture.
Family & Community RelationsBuild strong relationships with families through excellent communication and customer service.
Resolve parent concerns professionally and efficiently.
Represent the center positively within the community.
Assist with tours, enrollment efforts, and community outreach events.
Compliance & Quality AssuranceMaintain licensing compliance and prepare for inspections.
Ensure staff training requirements remain current.
Monitor documentation, records, and classroom compliance.
Promote a culture of safety, professionalism, and continuous quality improvement.
QualificationsRequiredMinimum of 2 years of leadership experience in an early childhood education or childcare setting.
Experience supervising, coaching, and evaluating staff.
Strong knowledge of childcare licensing regulations and best practices.
Exceptional leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
Self-starter with the ability to work independently.
Strong conflict resolution and relationship-building skills.
High level of professionalism, integrity, and accountability.
Proficient with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and childcare management software.
Education & CredentialsChildcare credentials required or willingness to obtain required Maryland childcare credentials within an established timeframe.
Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Business Administration, Education, or a related field preferred.
Preferred CharacteristicsWe're looking for someone who is:
A visionary leader who inspires othersStrategic and solutions-orientedHighly organized with exceptional attention to detailCalm under pressureResults-driven and goal-orientedAdaptable and resilientPassionate about developing peopleCommitted to excellence and continuous improvementWilling to learn, grow, and advance within the organizationDedicated to providing exceptional service to children, families, and staffTravel RequirementsOccasional local travel for meetings, training, conferences, licensing appointments, community events, or support at additional locations may be required.
Physical RequirementsAbility to lift up to 45 pounds.
Ability to sit, stand, bend, walk, and actively engage throughout the workday.
Ability to respond quickly to emergencies involving children.
Why Join First Steps Early Learning Center?
At First Steps, we believe great leaders build great schools. We invest in our team through leadership development, professional growth opportunities, mentorship, and a collaborative culture w innovative ideas are valued. If you're ready to make a lasting impact on children, families, and educators while advancing your career, we'd love to meet you.
What We OfferCompetitive salaryPaid time off and holidaysProfessional development opportunitiesLeadership coaching and advancement pathwaysSupportive and collaborative work environmentOpportunity to grow into senior leadership positions within the organizationFirst Steps Early Learning Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and high-performing team.
The Director in Training will oversee the daily operations of the center, ensure compliance with Maryland licensing regulations, lead and coach staff, drive enrollment and family satisfaction, and implement systems that support organizational growth and excellence. This individual must be a strategic thinker who leads with integrity, accountability, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Key ResponsibilitiesLeadership & Team DevelopmentLead, coach, mentor, and inspire a team of educators and administrative staff.
Foster a positive, professional, and collaborative workplace culture.
Conduct staff observations, evaluations, coaching sessions, and performance improvement plans.
Recruit, interview, onboard, and retain high-quality team members.
Hold team members accountable to company policies, procedures, and performance standards.
Develop future leaders within the organization.
Operations ManagementOversee all daily center operations to ensure efficiency and excellence.
Ensure compliance with Maryland Office of Child Care licensing regulations and accreditation standards.
Monitor classroom quality, ratios, health and safety practices, and curriculum implementation.
Develop and improve operational systems, policies, and procedures.
Analyze operational data to improve performance and productivity.
Support budgeting initiatives and responsible management of center resources.
Strategic PlanningPartner with executive leadership to develop and strategic initiatives.
Identify opportunities to improve systems, processes, enrollment, and customer satisfaction.
Implement action plans that support long-term organizational growth.
Lead change initiatives while maintaining a positive team culture.
Family & Community RelationsBuild strong relationships with families through excellent communication and customer service.
Resolve parent concerns professionally and efficiently.
Represent the center positively within the community.
Assist with tours, enrollment efforts, and community outreach events.
Compliance & Quality AssuranceMaintain licensing compliance and prepare for inspections.
Ensure staff training requirements remain current.
Monitor documentation, records, and classroom compliance.
Promote a culture of safety, professionalism, and continuous quality improvement.
QualificationsRequiredMinimum of 2 years of leadership experience in an early childhood education or childcare setting.
Experience supervising, coaching, and evaluating staff.
Strong knowledge of childcare licensing regulations and best practices.
Exceptional leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
Self-starter with the ability to work independently.
Strong conflict resolution and relationship-building skills.
High level of professionalism, integrity, and accountability.
Proficient with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and childcare management software.
Education & CredentialsChildcare credentials required or willingness to obtain required Maryland childcare credentials within an established timeframe.
Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Business Administration, Education, or a related field preferred.
Preferred CharacteristicsWe're looking for someone who is:
A visionary leader who inspires othersStrategic and solutions-orientedHighly organized with exceptional attention to detailCalm under pressureResults-driven and goal-orientedAdaptable and resilientPassionate about developing peopleCommitted to excellence and continuous improvementWilling to learn, grow, and advance within the organizationDedicated to providing exceptional service to children, families, and staffTravel RequirementsOccasional local travel for meetings, training, conferences, licensing appointments, community events, or support at additional locations may be required.
Physical RequirementsAbility to lift up to 45 pounds.
Ability to sit, stand, bend, walk, and actively engage throughout the workday.
Ability to respond quickly to emergencies involving children.
Why Join First Steps Early Learning Center?
At First Steps, we believe great leaders build great schools. We invest in our team through leadership development, professional growth opportunities, mentorship, and a collaborative culture w innovative ideas are valued. If you're ready to make a lasting impact on children, families, and educators while advancing your career, we'd love to meet you.
What We OfferCompetitive salaryPaid time off and holidaysProfessional development opportunitiesLeadership coaching and advancement pathwaysSupportive and collaborative work environmentOpportunity to grow into senior leadership positions within the organizationFirst Steps Early Learning Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and high-performing team.