Childcare Center Director — New Center Opening
Company: Tiny Treasures Early Learning Center
Location: Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043
Job Type: Full-time, Exempt
Start Date: August 1, 2026 (Center opens September 1, 2026)
Pay: $72,000 – $80,000 per year + performance bonus + benefits
About the Role
Tiny Treasures Early Learning Center is opening a brand-new 70-child licensed center in Mountlake Terrace this September. We're hiring our founding Center Director to lead the launch of our 2 Toddler, 2 Preschool, and 1 Pre-K classrooms. You'll start August 1 to lead hiring, complete licensing prep, and welcome our first families on September 1.
This is a rare chance to build a center from day one, hire your own team, shape the culture, and grow enrollment alongside owners committed to long-term quality.
What You'll Do
- Lead Hiring: Recruit, interview, and onboard the founding teaching team (12–15 staff at full capacity). Build culture and mentor staff.
- Run Operations: Oversee scheduling, classroom oversight, family communication, and full compliance with WAC 110-300 and DCYF licensing.
- Drive Enrollment: Conduct tours, manage waitlists, and build relationships with Mountlake Terrace, Lynnwood, and Edmonds families.
- Ensure Quality: Lead licensing inspections, Early Achievers participation, and play-based curriculum aligned with WA Early Learning Guidelines.
- Manage Finances: Tuition collection, vendor relationships, supplies, payroll input, and monthly P&L tracking with ownership.
- Safety & Family Engagement: Maintain health/safety protocols, lead parent conferences, and address family concerns with professionalism.
Required Qualifications (per WAC 110-300-0100)
- Education: Bachelor's in ECE/Child Development; OR Bachelor's in any field + WA ECE Initial Certificate; OR Associate's in ECE with administrative experience and willingness to complete ECE State Certificate within 5 years.
- 2+ years working with children ages toddler through Pre-K.
- 2+ years in a supervisory, lead teacher, assistant director, or director role at a licensed center.
- Active MERIT account with WA DCYF.
- Child Care Basics (CCB), pediatric CPR/First Aid, Bloodborne Pathogens, Food Handler's Permit, negative TB test, MMR immunity (or willing to complete before start date).
- DCYF Portable Background Check clearance.
- Minimum 18 years old; legally authorized to work in the U.S.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's in ECE or Educational Leadership.
- Experience opening a new center or leading through initial licensing.
- Track record of building and retaining strong teaching teams.
- Experience with Early Achievers (Level 3+) and childcare management software (brightwheel, Procare).
- Bilingual (Spanish, Korean, Mandarin, Vietnamese, or other languages common to Snohomish County).
Compensation & Benefits
Base Salary: $72,000 – $80,000 per year, commensurate with experience
Performance Bonus: Eligible for discretionary performance bonus based on center performance and individual contribution. Structure discussed during interview.
Paid Time Off (Year 1):
- 10 days’ vacation (increases to 15 days after 2 years)
- 7 days paid sick leave (per WA RCW 49.46.210)
- 8 paid holidays + 4 days paid winter break (Dec 26–31, center closed)
Additional Benefits:
- Staff childcare discount: 25% first child, 10% additional children (subject to availability and WAC ratio requirements)
- Professional development stipend (STARS hours, conferences, CDA/ECE progression)
- Paid pre-opening period (August 2026)
Why Tiny Treasures?
You'll build something from the ground up — hire your team, shape your classrooms, and grow a center that genuinely serves Mountlake Terrace families. Locally owned, fully invested in quality, and committed to giving you the autonomy to succeed.
How to Apply
Submit your resume, a brief cover letter describing your leadership philosophy and hiring approach, and three professional references.
Applications reviewed on a rolling basis. Hiring decision by July 2026.
Tiny Treasures Early Learning Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, families, and children.
Pay: $72,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
Work Location: In person
