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Job Description
Center Director Little Poppins LLC Melbourne, FL Job Details Full-time | Contract $48,000 - $51,000 a year 10 hours ago Benefits Health insurance 401(k) Paid time off Employee assistance program Career development plan Professional development assistance Retirement plan Qualifications Teamwork Team development Hiring Quality assurance Recruiting Full Job Description Center Director - Founding Team Opportunity Little Poppins Academy |
Melbourne, Florida Salary:
Starting from $50,000 per annum (DOE), with opportunity for salary progression linked to successful opening, occupancy growth and company expansion Position expected to commence following successful licensing approval Are you looking for something different? Have you built experience as a Childcare Center Director and are now looking for a new, meaningful and exciting challenge? This could be your opportunity. Little Poppins Academy is bringing something different to Melbourne, Florida — combining the strong foundations of American early education and care with the globally recognised standards and child-centred philosophy developed through over 16 years of British early years experience. We are seeking a passionate, experienced and ambitious Center Director to become part of our founding team and help launch our new setting. This is more than managing a center — it is an opportunity to help shape culture, influence practice and build something exceptional from the very beginning. Importantly, this is not a role where you will be expected to carry the full weight of the business alone. You will work in close partnership with our CEO and international founder, who remains actively involved in the strategic direction, quality standards, environment design, growth planning and ongoing support of the center. Together, we want to combine your knowledge of American childcare, licensing and family expectations with our founder's British early years experience to create something truly unique and inspiring for children and families in Melbourne. At Little Poppins, everything starts and ends with the child. We believe children thrive when they feel safe, nurtured and genuinely cared for. We aim for exceptional levels of safety and quality through strong adult relationships, thoughtful staffing and environments where every child feels seen, heard and valued.
Our approach is inspired by:
Calm, welcoming spaces with natural resources, light and neutral tones influenced by Scandinavian and Danish design principles Outdoor environments used as another classroom for exploration, discovery and learning Respect for childhood curiosity and each child's individual journey Child-led learning experiences that encourage independence and confidence A culture where nurturing care and high-quality education work hand in hand Encouraging creativity, wellbeing and a lifelong love of learning This is an exciting opportunity to help launch and shape a brand-new setting from the beginning, while benefiting from ongoing collaboration, support and mentorship from an experienced founder. Key Responsibilities Lead the successful opening and launch of Little Poppins Academy following licensing approval Ensure compliance with Florida childcare licensing requirements and internal quality standards Build, recruit and develop a positive and high-performing team culture Oversee staffing, scheduling and maintain strong adult ratios Support occupancy growth through tours, family engagement and creating an exceptional parent experience Build trusted family partnerships and a welcoming community reputation Champion calm, inspiring environments that support curiosity, exploration and learning Promote outdoor learning and meaningful child-led experiences Maintain exceptional standards of safeguarding, health, safety and wellbeing Support operational delivery and work alongside the CEO to achieve occupancy and business goals Embed continuous improvement and quality assurance across the setting Help shape procedures and practices as the company grows We are looking for someone who: Has experience as a Childcare Center Director (preferred) Has strong knowledge of Florida childcare licensing and regulatory requirements Brings excellent people leadership and coaching skills Understands how to balance quality with sustainable growth Is a confident and calm decision maker in a fast-paced environment Values child-led learning and outdoor environments Builds strong relationships with children, families and teams Is excited by innovation and helping create something new Enjoys collaboration and wants to work alongside an engaged founder rather than independently Believes children learn best through exploration, curiosity, nurturing and meaningful experiences What we offer Starting salary from $50,000 per annum (DOE) Opportunity for salary progression linked to successful opening, occupancy growth and company expansion Healthcare contribution Inclusive, welcoming and supportive working environment Genuine opportunity for professional growth and progression Direct collaboration with the CEO and influence over how the center develops Opportunity to influence staffing structure, environment design and operating practices before opening The chance to become a key leader in shaping the future of Little Poppins As a new setting, this role is designed to grow alongside occupancy and success, creating future opportunities for increased responsibility and reward. Our CEO is dedicated, ambitious and compassionate, with over 16 years of experience in British early years education. She believes every member of the team is vital and wants to create an environment where both children and educators can flourish. This position is being advertised in advance to identify the very best candidate and is expected to commence following successful licensing. If what you've read here reflects your own values and early years journey — we would love to hear from you. Please get in touch with any questions or to find out how to apply: Join us in creating something special.
Pay:
$48,000.00 - $51,000.00 per year
Benefits:
401(k) Employee assistance program Health insurance Paid time off Professional development assistance Retirement plan
