Benefits:

401(k)

401(k) matching

Bonus based on performance

Company parties

Competitive salary

Dental insurance

Employee discounts

Flexible schedule

Free food & snacks

Free uniforms

Health insurance

Opportunity for advancement

Paid time off

Parental leave

Training & development

Vision insurance

Are you a passionate early childcare education leader ready to make a lasting impact and can thrive in a fast-paced environment to bring excellence, compliance, and culture together to serve children, teachers and families?

We're seeking an experienced Early Childcare Education Center Director to lead our high-quality program and nurturing school community that fosters a lifelong love of learning through a balanced approach to academic, mental, physical, and social-emotional growth.

About the Role

As Director, you’ll be at the heart of our school’s success—leading and supporting a dynamic team of teachers and administrators, ensuring compliance with state and franchise standards, partnering with families, and creating a safe, enriching, and inclusive environment for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years.

Key Responsibilities

Administrative

Oversee all aspects of school operations, including educational programming, staff management, inventory and supply management, compliance & quality management and driving growth for the school’s future

Maintain all required records, including children's files, faculty records, health & safety logs, licensing documentation, and training records

Annually review and update the Employee Handbook to reflect current policies and state requirements

Compliant use of all franchise required systems and data regarding child & family management, class lists, transitions and other such requirements

Demonstrate highly effective organizational, time management, and multitasking skills with the ability to continually prioritize and reprioritize tasks depending on the events of the day

Possess genuine love for children and a strong commitment to children’s education, growth and well-being

Leadership & Staff Management

Recruit, hire, onboard, and mentor a high-performing team of teachers and staff

Thorough onboarding, including training on policies, curriculum, and classroom management, following all state and franchise requirements.

Conduct performance reviews, coaching, and support professional growth

Facilitate regular staff meetings and periodic teacher meetings

Create a positive and collaborative workplace culture rooted in respect and accountability

Manage scheduling, ratio compliance, and staff coverage with precision

Ensure the staff is current with all required training, certifications and appropriate documentation

Compliance & Quality Assurance

Ensure full compliance with New Jersey licensing regulations, franchise requirements and health/safety protocols

Own the compliance and upkeep of records for all state and franchise licensing, accreditation and health/safety regulations

Maintain complete and current staff and child files, emergency procedures, and licensing documentation

Lead fire drills, safety checks, and health program implementation

Work closely with local and state agencies and accreditation bodies

Develop action plans for all Emergency Preparedness

Curriculum, Classroom & Program Oversight

Oversee implementation of a developmentally appropriate, engaging curriculum

Support lesson planning and classroom management in collaboration with teachers

Conduct classroom observation, student monitoring & reporting regular ratio checks and teacher performance checks against learning objectives

Manage a maintenance system to maintain facility upkeep and repairs

Coordinate enrichment programs, field trips, community outreach programs and seasonal events

Evaluate program effectiveness and identify opportunities for innovation and improvement

Family & Community Engagement

Build and sustain trusting relationships with families

Communicate school policies and child development updates clearly and professionally

Manage the end-to-end Enrollment process for a smooth and easy experience for families

Maintain effective home-school communication through newsletters, parent-teacher meetings, and progress reports.

Resolve escalations transparently and quickly

Plan parent orientations, conferences, and education events

Develop and maintain relationships with local pediatricians, dentists, and agencies supporting children with special needs

Represent the school in the community and at professional events

Operations & Fiscal Management

Manage school budget, purchasing, payroll oversight, and petty cash

Ensure inventory control and timely ordering of supplies

Implement a nutritious snack program

Maintain a clean, well-equipped, and inviting learning environment

Collaborate with ownership on strategic planning, marketing, and enrollment growth

What You Bring

B.S. in Early Childcare Education or related field (M.S. preferred)

Minimum 3 years of leadership in a licensed childcare/preschool center (or 8+ years in absence of degree)

In-depth knowledge of state licensing standards, developmentally appropriate practices, NJCCIS and NJ Grow and compliance-focused way of working

Demonstrated leadership and team-building skills with a positive, solutions-oriented mindset

Ability to handle emergencies and day-to-day challenges with grace and confidence

Excellent communication, time management, organizational abilities, and fluid use of technologies (computers, Microsoft and iPads)

What We Offer

Salary: $70,000–$85,000 (commensurate with experience) + Bonus Potential

Benefits: Health Insurance | Paid Time Off | 401(k) Match | Professional Development | Discounted Childcare

Competitive Pay with annual performance bonuses

Full Benefits Package: Health, vision, dental, PTO, and 401(k) match

Professional Development Support and networking opportunities

Discounted Childcare and a family-first culture

Ownership Collaboration: Front-row seat to center operations and potential for career growth

Ready to Lead with Purpose?

We are more than a childcare center—we’re a learning community where children flourish, families feel supported, and educators grow. If you’re a compassionate, strategic leader ready to elevate early education, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply Today with your resume and cover letter.

Together, we’re shaping the future—one child at a time.

Each Goddard School location is privately owned and operated by Goddard Franchisor LLC franchisees. The Goddard School franchise owner(s) are the employers at each school, and the franchise owner(s) set their own wage and benefit programs, which vary by location.