Interim Center Director

About Our School

We are a licensed, Reggio-inspired preschool serving children ages 1–5. Our program values curiosity, collaboration, documentation, and deep respect for children as capable learners. We believe in strong relationships, thoughtful environments, and reflective teaching practices.

We are seeking an experienced Interim Center Director to provide instructional and operational leadership during a transitional period. This role has the potential to become a permanent leadership position.

This position operates within a shared leadership structure:

• The Center Director leads classroom staff, program quality, and day-to-day school operations.
• A separate Business Director manages billing, payroll, regulatory agency communication, and administrative functions.

We are looking for a collaborative, steady leader who can guide teachers while maintaining licensing excellence and supporting our Reggio-inspired approach.

Key Responsibilities:

• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate classroom teachers and support staff
• Maintain full DSS licensing compliance within classrooms
• Ensure staff-to-child ratios are consistently met
• Support curriculum development aligned with Reggio-inspired practices
• Promote documentation, reflective practice, and child-centered learning
• Prepare for and lead classroom readiness for DSS visits and inspections
• Foster strong relationships with families
• Partner with the Business Director to ensure cohesive school operations
• Maintain a positive, professional, and growth-oriented team culture

Required Qualifications (Must Meet DSS Center Director Requirements)

Candidates must qualify as a Center Director under DSS regulations by meeting one of the following:

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Child Psychology, or related field with at least 18 credit hours in child development and/or early childhood education;

OR

• Bachelor’s degree in any field with six months’ experience in a licensed child care facility;

OR

• Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Child Psychology, or related field (with at least 18 credit hours in child development and/or early childhood education) and six months’ experience in a licensed facility;

OR

• Diploma in Child Development/Early Childhood Education from a state-approved institution or a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential with one year of experience in a licensed facility;

OR

• High School Diploma or GED, completion of ECD 101, and three years’ experience in a licensed child care facility (including one year supervising child care staff).

Three professional letters of reference are required for Director qualification.

Preferred Experience

• Experience as a Director or Assistant Director in a licensed child care center
• Strong knowledge of DSS regulations and classroom compliance
• Experience leading teaching teams in a child-centered, inquiry-based environment
• Familiarity with Reggio Emilia principles or a strong interest in this approach
• Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills

What We’re Looking For

• A calm, confident leader during times of transition
• Someone who values collaboration and reflective practice
• A director who balances regulatory excellence with inspirational leadership
• A professional who sees children as capable, teachers as researchers, and families as partners

Compensation & Opportunity

Compensation: Based on education, leadership experience in licensed child care, demonstrated success supervising staff and maintaining regulatory compliance, and ability to actively support classroom operations as a working leader.

This interim role has the opportunity to transition into a permanent Center Director position. You will work within a supportive leadership structure with clearly defined responsibilities and a collaborative partnership model.

If you meet DSS Director qualifications and are passionate about leading a high-quality, relationship-centered preschool serving children ages 1–5, we encourage you to apply.

Job Types: Full-time, Temporary

Pay: $38,000.00 - $62,500.00 per year

Work Location: In person