Child Care Assistant Director

Position Overview

Title: Assistant Director

Department: Operations

Reports To: School Director

Supervisory Position: Yes

FLSA Status: Exempt

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Winchester, MA

Mission and Role Summary

Assistant Director will support the Certified Teacher and ensure a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate environment for children. Responsibilities include daily classroom operations, child supervision, curriculum implementation, sustainable education practices, and family interaction, while building strong relationships with colleagues and contributing to a positive school culture.

Classroom Support

• Assist the classroom teachers in delivering daily lesson plans and learning activities.
• Help ensure the classroom remains clean, organized, and safe.
• Support the implementation and oversight of sustainable education practices, including environmentally responsible routines, age-appropriate sustainability concepts, and stewardship habits within the classroom.

Child Supervision and Development

• Supervise children during activities, meals, transitions, and outdoor play.
• Serve as a Mandated Reporter in accordance with state law, maintaining full responsibility to recognize, document, and immediately report any suspected child abuse, neglect, or endangerment.
• Support individual developmental needs and help children achieve age-appropriate milestones.

Family Interaction

• Greet families and support daily communication as directed by the Certified Teacher.
• Participate in conferences and family events when requested.

Professional Development

• Attend all required training and maintain certifications.
• Collaborate with the teaching team for continuous improvement, including learning opportunities tied to sustainable education initiatives.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Exercises independent judgment in daily decision-making related to school operations, staff support, safety, and classroom quality.
• Assists with the supervision and direction of school staff, contributing to hiring, training, coaching, and performance feedback.
• Acts as a management representative in the absence of the School Director, supporting the leadership of the overall school program.
• Has authority to recommend personnel actions, including staff assignments, scheduling changes, disciplinary recommendations, and staffing adjustments.
• Makes decisions that directly impact school operations, including compliance, curriculum implementation, and family communication workflows.
• Performs administrative and leadership duties that require specialized knowledge of early childhood education, regulatory compliance, and center operations.
• Regularly engages in non-manual work related to business operations, including documentation, compliance audits, enrollment oversight support, and center preparedness.
• Expected to manage time independently to fulfill leadership responsibilities without reliance on a set number of hours worked.
• Supports operational functions tied to revenue, occupancy, staffing ratios, and school-wide performance metrics, demonstrating responsibility for key business outcomes.
• Holds a primary role in maintaining school licensure standards, ensuring the site’s continual compliance with state regulations, safety policies, and accreditation guidelines.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must be EEC Director II Certified.
• Experience working with young children in a childcare or educational setting.
• Knowledge of child development and classroom safety standards.
• Strong communication, teamwork, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to follow lesson plans and support the Certified Teacher effectively.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field.
• Previous experience working in ECE school leadership.

Work Environment

• Active classroom environment with regular interaction with children, families, and team members.
• Movement between indoor and outdoor learning spaces throughout the day.
• Collaborative setting with consistent communication and teamwork.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to move throughout the school for prolonged periods, including standing and walking for up to 75 percent of the workday.
• Ability to transition between sitting, standing, bending, kneeling, and squatting throughout the day to engage with children and support staff.
• Ability to safely lift, carry, and move items up to 30 pounds, including classroom materials, supplies, and occasional assistance with children’s belongings.
• Ability to sit on the floor, engage at a child’s eye level, and participate in age-appropriate activities including light running, outdoor play supervision, and interactive learning experiences.
• Comfort working in a dynamic, sometimes noisy environment with frequent interruptions and regular movement between indoor and outdoor spaces.
• Ability to supervise children on playgrounds, in classrooms, hallways, entryways, and common areas.
• Ability to respond quickly and safely in emergency situations, including evacuations, drills, and urgent classroom needs.
• Ability to follow and model all safety procedures.

Benefits

• Up to 75% discount on your child's tuition, including tax-friendly tuition reduction options.
• Comprehensive health benefits package, including health, dental, & vision, all effective from start date. Additional benefit selections, including pet insurance, are also available.
• Free subscription to First Stop Health for 24/7 access to virtual doctors.
• 401(k) plan with eligibility for a discretionary employer contribution each year (must be 21+ to enroll. Eligibility to contribute starts after 60 days of employment).
• Pay increase opportunities related to job performance, updates in certification credentials, and degree completion.
• Opportunities for career advancement and ongoing coaching, including a dedicated Child Conference.
• Employee referral program available.

All employees must complete a background check as required by the Department of Early Education and Care.