Position Summary The Director leads daily operations at Vibrant Scholars Academy (VSA), ensuring a safe, nurturing, and high-quality early childhood education environment. Reporting directly to executive leadership, the Director is responsible for program safety, organizational culture, curriculum execution, and strict compliance with Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) Office of Early Childhood licensing regulations under Bulletin 137. This leadership role oversees all lead and floating educators, drives developmental growth, coordinates administrative operations, and serves as the primary point of contact for families, community partners, and licensing officials.

Key Responsibilities Regulatory Compliance & Safety:

Ensure full compliance with LDOE Bulletin 137 regulations at all times, including staff-to-child ratios, Child Care Criminal Background Checks (CCCBC), background documentation, and facility safety standards. Maintain emergency preparedness plans, execute routine drills, and oversee incident reporting.

Staff Leadership & Development:

Recruit, hire, onboard, schedule, supervise, and evaluate all teaching staff and caregivers. Foster a collaborative team culture, manage staff performance, promote continuous professional growth, and guide staff in positive behavior management strategies.

Curriculum & Inclusive Learning:

Oversee the planning and execution of age-appropriate early education, child development, and social-emotional learning curricula. Maintain engaging, safe classroom environments that accommodate diverse learning needs, including children with disabilities or those requiring specialized support.

Mandated Reporting & Health:

Serve as VSA's primary mandated-reporting lead, ensuring all team members understand their legal reporting obligations. Enforce health protocols, sanitary guidelines, and current CPR/Pediatric First Aid certification standards across all classrooms.

Family Engagement & Community Relations:

Act as the main liaison for parents and guardians. Provide regular progress updates, address concerns per VSA's Grievance Procedure, cultivate strong family partnerships, and participate in community outreach.

Administrative & Financial Operations:

Oversee enrollment processes, staff scheduling, tuition billing, payroll coordination, and day-to-day budget management. Maintain accurate, secure, and confidential records for all staff and enrolled children.

Qualifications & Skills Credentialing:

LDOE Director's Credential (or active enrollment in the credentialing program) required.

Experience:

Proven leadership or center-management experience in early childhood education, with demonstrated expertise working across infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and children with diverse needs.

Knowledge & Expertise:

Deep working knowledge of Louisiana childcare licensing standards, early childhood development principles, and positive reinforcement classroom techniques.

Leadership & Communication:

Exceptional interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills with strong abilities in conflict resolution, team coordination, and parent engagement. Louisiana-Specific Requirements Successful completion of a Child Care Criminal Background Check (CCCBC) through the Louisiana State Police, including a child abuse and neglect registry check, prior to unsupervised contact with children. Current CPR and Pediatric First Aid certification (or commitment to obtain within 30 days of hire). Completion of all required annual Louisiana health and safety training hours. Physical Requirements Ability to lift and carry up to 40 lbs, including infants and toddlers. Ability to sit, kneel, bend, and rise from the floor repeatedly throughout the day. Capability to stand and move for extended periods, including outdoor playground supervision in Louisiana heat. Continuous visual and auditory acuity to actively supervise children at all times.

Pay:

$45,243.80 - $54,487.16 per year

Work Location:

In person