Salary: $50,000 to $60,000 annually
Job Type: Full-time
Location: Fort Myers, Florida, on-site
Schedule: Monday through Friday, with availability during center operating hours
Additional Compensation: Performance-based bonus
Lead a Preschool. Build a Team. Grow a Thriving School Community.
The Learning Experience - South Fort Myers - Jonathans Bay is seeking an experienced Preschool Center Director to lead our early childhood education center.
This is a hands-on leadership position responsible for center operations, staff development, Florida childcare licensing compliance, enrollment growth, family relationships and financial performance.
The ideal candidate is an experienced Preschool Director, Childcare Center Director or Assistant Director who understands how to build a strong teaching team, maintain a safe and compliant center and create an exceptional experience for children and families.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the daily operations of the preschool and childcare center
- Recruit, onboard, train, coach and retain qualified early childhood educators
- Build a positive, professional and accountable center culture
- Manage teacher staffing, classroom assignments, schedules and staff-to-child ratios
- Maintain compliance with Florida childcare licensing, health, safety, training and recordkeeping requirements
- Prepare the center and staff for licensing visits, inspections and audits
- Maintain accurate employee, child, classroom and compliance documentation
- Conduct center tours and communicate the value of The Learning Experience programs to prospective families
- Convert qualified prospective families into enrolled families
- Drive enrollment growth, family retention, referrals and community engagement
- Build strong, trusted relationships with currently enrolled families
- Address family questions and concerns professionally, promptly and respectfully
- Ensure consistent implementation of The Learning Experience curriculum, classroom standards and educational programs
- Observe classrooms and coach teachers on classroom management, curriculum delivery and child engagement
- Support the operation and compliance of the center’s Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program, also known as VPK
- Monitor labor costs, payroll, attendance, accounts receivable, tuition collection and center financial performance
- Manage center resources, supplies and operating expenses responsibly
- Coordinate staff meetings, professional development and required training
- Maintain emergency preparedness, incident reporting and child supervision procedures
- Partner with center ownership and The Learning Experience support teams to achieve operational, enrollment and educational goals
- Represent the center professionally at community events, family activities and local outreach programs
Required Qualifications
- Active Florida Department of Children and Families Director Credential
- Active Florida Staff Credential, as reflected through the Florida DCF Child Care Training System
- Current Florida VPK Director Endorsement, or documented ability to obtain the endorsement before serving as the director of the center’s VPK program
- At least two years of leadership or management experience in a licensed preschool, childcare center or early childhood education program
- Previous experience as a Preschool Director, Childcare Center Director, Assistant Director or comparable early childhood education leader
- Working knowledge of Florida childcare licensing requirements, staff-to-child ratios, training requirements and compliance documentation
- Experience recruiting, supervising, coaching and evaluating teachers
- Experience conducting tours, communicating with prospective families and supporting enrollment growth
- Strong understanding of early childhood development and developmentally appropriate practices
- Strong leadership, communication, organization and problem-solving skills
- Ability to manage confidential employee, child and family information
- Ability to pass all required Florida background screening and childcare employment requirements
- Ability to be present on-site and respond to operational needs during center hours
Preferred Qualifications
- Three or more years of successful preschool or childcare center leadership experience
- Experience opening a new preschool or increasing enrollment at a growing childcare center
- Experience operating or supervising a Florida VPK program
- Experience managing labor costs, payroll, accounts receivable and center budgets
- Experience with childcare management, enrollment or family communication software
- Bachelor’s or associate degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, Business Administration or a related field
- Current pediatric CPR and First Aid certification
- Experience working with The Learning Experience or another early childhood education franchise
Benefits
- Performance-based bonus opportunity
- Paid time off
- Health, dental and vision insurance
- Childcare tuition discount
- Leadership training and professional development
- Career growth opportunities
- Support from an established early childhood education organization
About The Learning Experience
At The Learning Experience, our mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of children, their families and the communities we serve.
Our Center Director establishes the culture of the school and creates an environment where children can learn, families feel welcomed and teachers are supported in doing their best work.
If you are an experienced Preschool Director or Childcare Center Director who can lead people, maintain licensing compliance, grow enrollment and build a strong school community, we encourage you to apply.
The Learning Experience - South Fort Myers - Jonathans Bay is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, experience and business needs without regard to any legally protected status.
Pay: $50,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Vision insurance
License/Certification:
- Florida Director credential (Required)
- CPR/First Aid credential (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
