Assistant Childcare Director

The Assistant Childcare Director supports the Director in the overall leadership, administration, and daily operations of the childcare center. This role ensures high-quality programming, regulatory compliance, and effective staff performance in alignment with state licensing requirements, Step Up To Quality (SUTQ) standards, and Early Head Start (EHS) guidelines. The Assistant Director plays a key role in staff supervision, training, and professional development; curriculum implementation and oversight; and maintaining a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate environment for children.

Responsibilities:

• Support the Child Care Director in overseeing daily center operations, including program quality, staffing, and scheduling to ensure smooth and effective functioning.
• Lead recruitment efforts, including interviewing, hiring, and onboarding new staff.
• Partner with the Director to conduct staff and classroom observations, as well as annual performance evaluations and professional development.
• Ensure staff compliance with Step Up To Quality (SUTQ)and Early Head Start (EHS)professional development and performance standards.
• Communicate SUTQ standards and updates to staff, families, and the community.
• Maintain full compliance with state licensing regulations, proactively identifying and communicating any personnel, facility, or financial concerns that could impact compliance.
• Oversee the completion and maintenance of child records, including portfolios, assessments, and screenings.
• Ensure all staff training is properly logged in the Professional Development Registry.
• Ensure staff develop and input lesson plans into the Teaching Strategies Gold system.
• Review weekly lesson plans to ensure alignment with SUTQ and EHS standards.
• Participate in and coordinate training related to curriculum, assessment tools, and compliance systems.
• Facilitate weekly staff meetings and ongoing training sessions.
• Attend administrative, board, and committee meetings as required.
• Participate in strategic planning processes to support program growth and quality improvement.
• Coordinate partnership efforts with Canton City Schools Preschool Program, including scheduling and program alignment.
• Maintain positive relationships with families, community partners, and external agencies.
• Develop and distribute a monthly childcare newsletter.
• Assist in planning and supporting parent engagement activities, including family events and EHS meetings.
• Maintain and update the childcare handbook.
• Provide direct support in classrooms, transportation, or kitchen operations as needed.
• Respond to facility issues or emergencies, coordinating with leadership as appropriate.
• Support teamwork, communication, and collaborative problem solving among staff.

Qualifications:

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Business Administration, Organizational Development, or a closely related field required.
• Minimum three (3) years of experience in an early childhood education setting.
• Knowledge of Head Start Program Performance Standards, Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) Child Care Licensing Rules and Step Up to Quality preferred.
• Ability to establish respectful, collaborative relationships with staff, parents, service providers, and community partners.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills. Strong organizational, problem-solving, and time-management abilities.
• Ability to utilize data for program planning, monitoring, and continuous improvement.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and basic office technology.
• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and proof of automobile insurance required.
• Successful completion of: BCI and FBI background checks, physical exam and TB test, pre-employment drug screening, first aid and CPR certification, child abuse and communicable disease training.

Physical Requirements

• Frequent standing, walking, reaching, bending, sitting on floor, and stair climbing.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to actively supervise infants and toddlers in classroom and outdoor environments.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Pay: $45,000.00 - $50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Associate (Required)

Experience:

• Childcare: 3 years (Required)

Work Location: In person