Full job description
Happy Hearts is more than a childcare center. We are a relationship-based, growth-minded early learning organization built on our core values:
About the Role
The Director serves as the instructional and operational leader of the center. This role requires someone who can balance compliance and culture, business and heart, structure and flexibility. You will work closely with ownership and the leadership team to uphold the Happy Hearts brand, implement the Happy Hearts Curriculum, and ensure excellence in staffing, enrollment, and family relationships.
This is not just a management position — it is a leadership role.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Culture
- Build and maintain a positive, professional team culture
- Coach, mentor, and hold staff accountable to Happy Hearts standards
- Lead with clarity, consistency, and confidence
- Protect workplace professionalism and confidentiality
Operations & Compliance
- Ensure compliance with Washington State licensing (DCYF/WAC) regulations
- Maintain staff-to-child ratios
- Oversee staff schedules and prevent unnecessary overtime
- Ensure classroom quality, safety, and organization
Curriculum & Classroom Excellence
- Implement the Happy Hearts Learning Curriculum across classrooms
- Support teachers in lesson planning and classroom structure
- Provide coaching that aligns with developmental best practice
- Maintain classroom expectations, behavior guidance standards, and cleanliness
Enrollment & Family Partnership
- Conduct tours and build strong family relationships
- Partner with families through clear communication
- Support enrollment growth and retention
- Model Happy Hearts’s customer service expectations
Who We’re Looking For
- Experienced childcare leader (Center Director or Assistant Director preferred)
- Strong knowledge of WA State licensing regulations
- Organized, detail-oriented, and systems-driven
- Confident communicator who can have both supportive and difficult conversations
- Passionate about coaching teachers
- Business-minded with a heart for early learning
- Transporting children to and from school and field trips
Qualifications
- Meets Washington State Director qualifications
- STARS/MERIT compliant
- Experience leading staff in a licensed childcare setting
- Background check eligible
- TB test negative
- Minimum of 2-3 years work with children
- 10 ECE Credits (12 children or less)
- 25 ECE credits (13-24 children or less )
- 45 ECE credits (25 or more children)
- 2 years experience as a teacher
- 1 year or more experience in administration or management
Why Happy Hearts?
- Clear brand, curriculum, and leadership structure
- Hands-on ownership support
- Leadership development opportunities
- Competitive salary based on experience
Job Type: Full time 35+ hrs a week
Benefits:
- Gym membership after 90 days
- Paid sick leave
- Vacation days after a year of employment
- Discounted childcare
Work Location: In person
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $22.00 per hour
Expected hours: No more than 40.0 per week
Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
