The Assistant Director of Early Childhood Education supports the Director in the daily operations of the Early Childhood Education Program by ensuring smooth program operations, maintaining compliance with licensing and accreditation standards, coordinating staffing, overseeing enrollment and documentation, and providing support to teachers and families.
This position serves as the operational leader of the department, ensuring classrooms are fully staffed, documentation is accurate, child and employee records remain compliant, and daily operations run efficiently. The Assistant Director collaborates closely with the Director, classroom staff, Human Resources, and families to provide a safe, organized, and high-quality learning environment for all children.
SFCC philosophy is: “All Children can learn if we can learn how to teach them”.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Daily Operations & Program Support
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Oversees the day-to-day operations of the Early Childhood Education program.
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Coordinates daily staffing assignments, classroom coverage, and substitute scheduling to maintain required teacher-to-child ratios.
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Assists with classroom transitions and ensures classrooms have the resources needed to operate effectively.
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Provides classroom support and emergency classroom coverage when necessary.
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Maintains a safe, welcoming, and organized learning environment throughout the center.
Enrollment & Family Services
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Coordinates the enrollment process, including tours, waitlists, family communication, onboarding, and classroom transitions.
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Maintains accurate enrollment records and child information in LineLeader.
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Ensures child files, health reports, emergency cards, medication authorizations, immunization records, and other required documentation remain current.
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Coordinates parent conferences and assist with family communication.
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Responds to routine parent questions and concerns while referring more complex concerns to the Director.
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Assists with family engagement activities and center-wide events.
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Maintains employee personnel files, licensing documentation, training records, and required certifications.
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Tracks employee attendance, timecards, and required professional development hours.
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Assists with onboarding and orientation of new employees.
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Supports staff with daily operational questions and provides coaching related to center procedures.
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Assists the Director with interviews, hiring, performance documentation, and corrective action as requested.
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Coordinates staff schedules and communicate staffing updates.
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Ensure compliance with Wisconsin DCF Licensing Regulations, NAC Accreditation Standards, and center policies.
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Maintains licensing documentation, classroom records, attendance logs, and required compliance with paperwork.
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Reviews incident and accident reports for completeness and follows up with staff when additional information is needed.
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Assists in preparing documentation for licensing visits, accreditation reviews, audits, and grant reporting.
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Monitors require classroom documentation and support teachers in maintaining compliance.
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Assists with Early Head Start documentation and reporting under the direction of the Director.
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Orders classroom, office, and program supplies while monitoring inventory levels.
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Assists with budget tracking by monitoring operational purchases and submitting receipts.
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Prepares reports, enrollment data, attendance records, and other administrative documents for the Director.
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Maintains bulletin boards, calendars, newsletters, and family communication materials.
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Supports implementation of center policies, procedures, and special projects.
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Performs other duties as assigned.
Physical Demands
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Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, kneel, crouch, and lift up to 35 pounds.
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Ability to supervise children indoors and outdoors.
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Ability to provide classroom support as needed.
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Ability to operate standard office equipment and technology.
Mental Requirements
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Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
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Strong organizational and time-management skills.
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Ability to adapt to changing schedules and operational needs.
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Ability to maintain professionalism while working with children, families, and staff.
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Ability to work independently while supporting a collaborative team environment.
Environmental/Working Conditions
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Primarily an indoor work environment with frequent movement throughout the center.
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Regular exposure to classroom environments and outdoor playgrounds.
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Occasional evening or weekend work for special events, trainings, or meetings.
Equipment Used
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Computer
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Telephone
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Printer/Copier
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Laminator
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Microsoft Office 365
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ADP Workforce Now
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LineLeader
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Two-Way Radio
Required Education/License/Certifications
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Bachelor's degree in early childhood education, Education, Human Services, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
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An associate degree with equivalent leadership experience may be considered.
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Minimum three years of experience in Early Childhood Education.
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Previous supervisory or leadership experience preferred.
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Knowledge of Wisconsin DCF Licensing Regulations and NAC Accreditation Standards preferred.
Required Knowledge and Skills
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Strong organizational, planning, and problem-solving skills.
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Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
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Ability to build positive relationships with children, families, and staff.
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Knowledge of child development and early childhood best practices.
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Experience with Microsoft Office, ADP, LineLeader, and related software.
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Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
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Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
The mission and philosophy of St. Francis Children's Center require this position to perform duties in a professional, respectful, and collaborative manner. The Assistant Director is expected to demonstrate integrity, accountability, teamwork, and a commitment to providing exceptional service to children, families, and staff. Respect for confidentiality and maintaining positive relationships with colleagues and families are essential to successful job performance.
St. Francis Children’s Center is in compliance with the equal opportunity policy and standards of the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services and all applicable local, state and federal statutes and regulations relating to nondiscrimination in employment and service delivery.
It is our aim to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, we will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. No otherwise qualified person shall be excluded from employment, be denied the benefits of employment or otherwise be subject to discrimination in employment in any manner on the basis of age, race, religion, color, sex, national origin or ancestry, disability or association with a person with a disability, arrest or conviction record, sexual orientation, marital status or pregnancy, political belief, or affiliation, military participation, or use or non-use of lawful products off the employers premises during working hours. All supervisors and managers are expected to support goals and programmatic activities relating to nondiscrimination in employment.
