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.
About the Role The Goddard School in Federal Way is looking for an experienced, hands-on Director to lead daily operations and help drive a culture of high-quality early childhood education. This is a great opportunity for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, genuinely loves working with children and families, and wants to grow with a school that's investing heavily in staff development, curriculum quality, and community reputation. You'll work closely with our Executive Director and Regional Director to keep the school running smoothly - from staffing and licensing compliance to family relationships and classroom quality. What You'll Do Oversee day-to-day school operations, ensuring a safe, nurturing, and compliant environment for children and staff Support hiring, onboarding, scheduling, and ongoing coaching for teaching staff Maintain licensing compliance and serve as a key point of contact for state licensors Build and maintain strong relationships with enrolled families, addressing concerns promptly and professionally Support enrollment efforts, tours, and community outreach Monitor classroom ratios, curriculum fidelity, and overall program quality Assist with incident documentation, staff performance management, and corrective action as needed Partner with the Executive Director on budgeting, KPIs, and operational goals Step in as a leader on the floor when needed — this is not a desk-only role What We're Looking For Meets Washington State DCYF requirements for a Center/Assistant Director role (education and experience requirements per licensing regulations) Prior experience in a licensed childcare or early learning center in a leadership capacity Strong working knowledge of DCYF licensing standards and classroom ratios Excellent communication skills - with families, staff, and vendors alike Calm, solutions-oriented approach to conflict and incident management Comfortable with basic administrative systems (scheduling, documentation, task management tools) A genuine passion for early childhood education and high standards for child safety and care What We Offer Competitive salary based on experience Growth path within a multi-site, growing organization Supportive regional leadership team Ongoing professional development opportunities
