Director of Early Childhood Education

Center Director – Childcare / Preschool / STEM Academy

Kids Academy of Learning & Excellence (KALE)
North Chesterfield (23236) • Full-Time
Up to $70,000 + Enrollment Bonuses • 6-Month Probation

About the Role

KALE is opening a STEM- and AI-focused childcare center in the 23236 area and is seeking a VDOE-qualified Center Director / Childcare Director / experienced in childcare management, preschool administration, enrollment growth, and daycare marketing.

This is a high-impact role leading a licensed child care center, with a strong focus on center enrollment, occupancy growth, and family engagement.

Position Responsibilities

Childcare Center Operations

• Lead daily operations of a licensed childcare center / preschool
• Ensure compliance with VDOE 8VAC20-780 regulations
• Manage ratios, staffing schedules, teacher supervision, and safety procedures
• Maintain children’s files, staff files, training records, and licensing paperwork
• Oversee budgets, tuition, purchasing, vendor relationships

Enrollment, Marketing & Tour Conversion (Top Priority)

• Drive childcare enrollment, preschool enrollment, and occupancy growth
• Meet center occupancy goal of 90% within 12 months
• Conduct high-conversion tours and parent follow-ups
• Manage digital marketing (Facebook, Instagram, Google Business, community groups)
• Build partnerships with schools, churches, community organizations
• Track weekly lead activity, waitlists, enrollment funnels, and conversion metrics
• Improve retention and family satisfaction

STEM / Robotics / AI Curriculum Support

• Support a STEM childcare and technology-forward preschool model
• Encourage robotics, coding basics, project-based learning, digital literacy
• Train teachers on hands-on learning and STEM classroom practices (training provided)

Required Qualifications (VDOE-Compliant)

Must meet ONE of the following:

• Bachelor’s/Master’s in Early Childhood, Child Development, Elementary Education

+ 1 year programmatic experience
OR

• 48+ college credits (12 ECE/Child Development)

+ 1 year experience
OR

• 2 years programmatic experience (1 year supervising)

+ CDA/ECE Certificate

Also required:

• CPR/First Aid + MAT (or within 30 days)
• Management training (10+ hours)
• Ability to pass state & federal background checks

Preferred Experience

• Experience as a childcare director, preschool director, or assistant director
• Proven success increasing childcare enrollment, occupancy, and retention
• Digital marketing experience (Facebook, parent groups, community outreach)
• Ability to lead teachers and manage daily center operations
• Experience with STEM, robotics, coding, early technology (preferred, not required)
• Experience with Abeka, STEM, Reggio, or project-based curriculum

Compensation

• $60,000 to $70,000 (based on experience)
• Enrollment Bonus:

➤ $50 per child enrolled who pays the enrollment fee

• 6-month probationary period, with performance review based on:
• Enrollment growth
• VDOE compliance
• Family satisfaction
• Staff performance
• PTO + holidays
• Tuition discounts
• Professional development in STEM, leadership, and AI tools

Career Growth

High-performing Directors may advance to:

• Regional Director
• Training Director
• Multi-site leadership roles

Who Succeeds Here

• A results-driven childcare leader
• Someone who understands childcare is both education + business
• Confident in tours, marketing, and parent communication
• Comfortable in a fast-growing STEM/AI early learning environment
• Able to meet targeted occupancy and enrollment goals

How to Apply

Submit your résumé + 3 references + a short note describing your experience filling centers or growing childcare enrollment.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $59,838.00 - $70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Paid time off

Application Question(s):

• What is your experience with filling centers or growing childcare enrollment.

Experience:

• Childcare: 10 years (Required)

Location:

• Richmond, VA 23236 (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Richmond, VA 23236 (Required)

Work Location: In person