Benefits:
Company parties
Employee discounts
Opportunity for advancement
Paid time off
Training & development
Wellness resources
Assistant Director of Education – Early Childhood Programs Employer: Sakonnet Early Learning Center Location: Tiverton, RI Schedule: Full-Time | Monday–Friday | Up to 40 hours per week Compensation: $680–$850 per week (based on education and experience)
Lead Instructional Excellence in a High-Quality Early Learning Program
Sakonnet Early Learning Center, a trusted early childhood education provider in Tiverton for more than 40 years, is seeking an experienced and collaborative Assistant Director of Education to help strengthen instructional quality, support educators, and advance program outcomes across all classrooms.
This leadership role is ideal for an early childhood professional who is passionate about coaching teachers, improving classroom practice, and ensuring alignment with RIELDS, DCYF licensing regulations, and BrightStars (QRIS) quality standards.
Position Summary
The Assistant Director of Education partners closely with the Director of Education to support daily operations, instructional leadership, and continuous quality improvement. This role serves as an instructional coach, mentor, and program leader—supporting teachers, strengthening curriculum implementation, and fostering an inclusive, high-quality learning environment for children and families.
Core Responsibilities
Program Quality, Licensing & Compliance
Support daily operations to ensure full compliance with Rhode Island DCYF child care licensing regulations, classroom ratios, and health and safety requirements
Assist with preparation for licensing inspections, audits, and BrightStars quality reviews
Support documentation and recordkeeping to meet state and program standards
Curriculum & Instructional Leadership
Partner with classroom educators to implement developmentally appropriate practices (DAP) and research-based frameworks, including Creative Curriculum, Reggio Emilia, Montessori, and HighScope
Support classroom integration of STEAM, social-emotional learning (SEL), PBIS / Conscious Discipline, trauma-informed practices, and culturally responsive teaching
Strengthen instructional consistency across all classrooms
Coaching, Mentoring & Professional Development
Conduct classroom observations and walkthroughs
Provide constructive, strengths-based feedback and coaching
Model effective instructional strategies and classroom practices
Support individualized professional development and growth plans for teaching staff
Assist with onboarding and training of new educators
Assessment, Data & Continuous Improvement
Support the use of classroom assessment and observation systems such as Teaching Strategies GOLD
Assist with data review, classroom goal-setting, and continuous quality improvement (CQI) initiatives
Family & Community Engagement
Strengthen partnerships with families through communication, conferences, and engagement initiatives
Support family workshops and connections to community resources
Operations, Documentation & Systems
Maintain and support records including lesson plans, incident reports, and health and safety documentation
Assist with staff scheduling, onboarding documentation, and training records
Support daily communication and reporting using Procare, Brightwheel, and Google Workspace
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field (required)
Master’s degree preferred
Minimum of three (3) years of experience in early childhood education, including at least one (1) year in a leadership, coaching, or supervisory role within a licensed child care program
Working knowledge of:
RIELDS (Rhode Island Early Learning and Development Standards)
DCYF child care regulations
DLT employment standards
BrightStars quality indicators
Current CPR and First Aid certification (or ability to obtain upon hire)
Strong coaching, communication, leadership, and organizational skills
Ability to pass all required background checks (BCI) and meet state onboarding timelines
Must be at least 18 years of age or older.
Compensation & Benefits
Weekly pay of $680–$850 per week, based on credentials and experience
Paid holidays, vacation, and personal time
Funded professional development and leadership coaching opportunities
Supportive and collaborative leadership culture focused on educator well-being
Opportunities for career growth within a well-established early learning organization
Why Join Sakonnet Early Learning Center?
Sakonnet Early Learning Center has proudly served the Tiverton community for more than four decades. Our programs are grounded in high standards, strong relationships, and a commitment to inclusive, joyful, and high-quality early learning environments.
How to Apply
If you are ready to take the next step in your early childhood leadership career, please submit your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your instructional philosophy and experience with RIELDS, DCYF regulations, and BrightStars standards.
This franchise is independently owned and operated by a franchisee. Your application will go directly to the franchisee, and all hiring decisions will be made by the management of this franchisee. All inquiries about employment at this franchisee should be made directly to the franchise location, and not to Association for Early Learning Leaders.