Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Associate Center Director supports the leadership and daily operations of the center, ensuring the delivery of high-quality early childhood education and care services. This position partners with the Center Director to support staff development, program quality, family engagement, enrollment, regulatory compliance, and operational effectiveness while fostering a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment for children, families, and employees.

The Associate Center Director provides leadership, coaching, and support to teaching staff, assists with enrollment and family account needs, and helps ensure compliance with DCF licensing regulations, NAEYC standards, and agency policies. Through collaboration with the Center Director and center team, this position supports program excellence, customer service, and a positive center culture that reflects the mission and values of Encompass.

Requirements

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Provide leadership and operational support to ensure delivery of high-quality early childhood education/care services.
2. Partner with the Center Director to support staffing, employee engagement, professional development, and performance management efforts.
3. Promote positive relationships with children, families, staff, and community partners while fostering a welcoming and inclusive center culture.
4. Support the implementation of curriculum, assessment, and behavior guidance practices that align with HighScope, COR Advantage, Conscious Discipline, and agency standards.
5. Assist in maintaining compliance with all applicable licensing, accreditation, funding, and regulatory requirements, including DCF, NAEYC, YoungStar, and USDA standards.
6. Support center operations, enrollment, family engagement, customer service, and classroom quality initiatives to ensure positive outcomes for children and families.
7. Assist with center staffing, scheduling, ratio management, and operational planning to ensure safe and effective program delivery.
8. Support professional development, training programs, coaching efforts, and ongoing staff growth and retention.
9. Assist with fiscal management activities, including enrollment monitoring, staffing patterns, budget awareness, payroll support, and resource stewardship.
10. Collaborate with other departments to ensure efficient center operations and effective communication.
11. Participate in leadership teams, committees, agency initiatives, and community partnerships that support organizational goals and advocacy efforts.
12. Foster a culture that reflects the Encompass mission, vision, and values while demonstrating professionalism, integrity, and confidentiality in all interactions.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Other duties as assigned

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work is performed in a classroom and childcare setting with young children. The position requires active supervision and engagement with children both indoors and outdoors. The work environment may include moderate to high noise levels and exposure to varying weather conditions during outdoor activities. Occasional travel for training, meetings, or agency events may be required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

• Frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, crouching, and sitting on the floor while supervising and engaging with children.
• Ability to lift, carry, and assist children, supplies, and equipment weighing up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to move quickly and respond appropriately to children's needs and emergency situations.
• Ability to actively supervise children by sight and sound in classroom, playground, and outdoor environments.
• Frequent use of hands and arms for classroom activities, feeding, diapering, cleaning, and assisting children.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to see, hear, and communicate effectively with children, families, and staff.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field required.
• Experience with HighScope or other play-based curriculum preferred.
• Prior leadership experience in an early childhood education setting preferred.
• Experience in a NAEYC-accredited program preferred.
• General knowledge of childcare center operations, staffing, enrollment, and financial management preferred.

SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Strong knowledge of early childhood education best practices, licensing regulations, and quality standards.
• Proven leadership, coaching, and team development skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication, organizational, and time management skills.
• Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with children, families, staff, and community partners.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing operational needs.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and the ability to learn agency software systems.
• Exhibits agency values in daily work and demonstrates commitment to the agency mission.