Reports To: Owner/Director
Employment Type: Full-Time
Pay Range: Starting at $17.00/hour (based on experience and qualifications)
Position Summary
The Assistant Director of Lunas Early Learning Academy supports the Owner/Director in the daily operations, leadership, and quality improvement of the academy. This position plays an important role in maintaining a safe, nurturing, bilingual learning environment while supporting teachers, children, and families.
The Assistant Director assists with staff leadership, curriculum implementation, classroom quality, family communication, licensing compliance, professional development, and continuous improvement of the academy program.
The ideal candidate is passionate about early childhood education, enjoys working with children and teachers, is bilingual in English and Spanish, and is committed to creating a high-quality play-based learning experience for children.
Essential Duties & ResponsibilitiesDaily Operations & Leadership
- Assist the Owner/Director with the daily operations of Lunas Early Learning Academy.
- Support the implementation of academy policies, procedures, and expectations.
- Provide leadership and guidance to staff in the absence of the Owner/Director.
- Help ensure classrooms are properly staffed and maintain required child-to-staff ratios.
- Support opening and closing procedures as assigned.
- Assist with problem-solving and daily operational needs.
- Communicate important updates, concerns, and recommendations to the Owner/Director.
Staff Leadership, Coaching & Professional Development
- Provide ongoing support, coaching, and mentorship to teaching staff.
- Conduct classroom observations and provide constructive feedback.
- Provide weekly coaching and guidance to teachers on best practices in early childhood education.
- Support staff in implementing positive classroom management strategies.
- Train and support teachers on creating engaging, developmentally appropriate learning experiences.
- Encourage teamwork, professionalism, accountability, and continuous growth.
- Assist with staff onboarding and training.
- Support implementation of IdahoSTARS professional development initiatives.
- Assist staff with completing required IdahoSTARS trainings and professional development opportunities.
- Coordinate and participate in virtual and onsite trainings, workshops, and coaching opportunities.
Curriculum & Program Quality
- Ensure curriculum is being implemented consistently throughout all classrooms.
- Support Lead Teachers in creating engaging, age-appropriate lesson plans and activities.
- Ensure classroom activities support children's social, emotional, physical, language, and cognitive development.
- Promote a play-based learning environment that encourages curiosity, creativity, exploration, and problem-solving.
- Collaborate with teachers to create new ideas, concepts, and enrichment opportunities that enhance the children's learning experience.
- Identify opportunities to improve classroom environments, routines, and overall program quality.
- Support teachers in creating meaningful learning experiences that reflect the academy's bilingual approach.
Child Development & Individual Support Plans
- Partner with Lead Teachers to identify children who may need additional support.
- Assist in creating and monitoring action plans for children needing behavioral, developmental, or social-emotional support.
- Provide teachers with strategies and resources to support individual children's needs.
- Collaborate with families when appropriate to support children's success.
Bilingual Program Support
- Communicate effectively in both English and Spanish with children, families, and staff.
- Support the academy's bilingual philosophy throughout daily interactions and classroom experiences.
- Assist families with communication needs in both languages.
- Encourage cultural awareness and inclusion within the program.
Family Engagement & Communication
- Support positive relationships with families.
- Assist with monthly newsletters and family communications.
- Ensure classroom communication through Procare is consistent, professional, and engaging.
- Monitor staff use of Procare to ensure families receive timely updates about their child's day, activities, meals, naps, and experiences.
- Coach teachers on appropriate and meaningful family communication.
- Assist with parent concerns and questions professionally and respectfully.
Enrollment & Community Support
- Assist with family tours and enrollment processes.
- Help families understand academy policies, procedures, and programs.
- Support enrollment growth and family retention efforts.
- Represent Lunas Early Learning Academy positively within the community.
Classroom Supplies & Inventory Support
- Gather classroom supply requests from Lead Teachers.
- Maintain awareness of classroom inventory needs.
- Monitor classroom materials and resources to ensure teachers have what they need.
- Provide supply recommendations and inventory updates to the Owner.
- Help ensure classrooms remain organized, prepared, and engaging.
Health, Safety & Incident Management
- Assist with responding to accidents, injuries, incidents, and behavioral concerns.
- Support teachers with proper documentation and incident reporting procedures.
- Ensure incidents are communicated to the Owner/Director as needed.
- Assist with follow-up and prevention strategies.
- Support staff in maintaining health, safety, sanitation, and supervision standards.
- Maintain confidentiality regarding children, families, and staff.
Child Development Assessments & Family Conferences
- Support and coordinate twice-yearly classroom conferences with families to discuss children's growth, development, progress, and individual learning goals.
- Work with Lead Teachers to ensure child portfolios are consistently updated with observations, artwork, developmental milestones, and examples of children's learning experiences.
- Monitor completion of developmental screenings, Ages & Stages Questionnaires (ASQ), and other required developmental assessments as applicable.
- Support teachers in documenting children's progress and identifying areas where additional support or enrichment may be beneficial.
- Assist Lead Teachers in preparing for family conferences by reviewing portfolios, developmental progress, classroom observations, and learning goals.
- Encourage meaningful communication with families regarding children's strengths, accomplishments, developmental needs, and next steps.
- Collaborate with teachers to create action plans and individualized strategies when children need additional developmental, behavioral, or learning support.
- Ensure documentation is maintained accurately and confidentially according to academy policies and licensing requirements.
Nutrition & Meal Support
- Assist with creating monthly menus that provide nutritious, balanced meals and snacks.
- Support age-appropriate meal planning while considering allergies, dietary needs, and family preferences.
- Help ensure meal service follows safety and sanitation guidelines.
- Promote positive mealtime experiences and healthy eating habits.
Qualifications
- Bilingual in English and Spanish required.
- Experience working in early childhood education preferred.
- Experience as a Lead Teacher, Assistant Director, or classroom leader preferred.
- Knowledge of child development and play-based learning practices.
- Strong communication and leadership skills.
- Ability to coach and support teaching staff.
- Ability to work collaboratively with families and team members.
- CPR and First Aid certification (or ability to obtain).
- Must meet Idaho childcare licensing requirements.
- Successful completion of required background checks.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to actively supervise children throughout the day.
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, lift, and participate in classroom activities.
- Ability to lift up to 40 pounds.
- Ability to respond quickly during emergency situations.
- Ability to work indoors and outdoors.
Performance Expectations
The Assistant Director will be evaluated on:
- Staff support and teamwork
- Classroom quality
- Curriculum implementation
- Family satisfaction and communication
- Licensing compliance
- Professionalism and leadership
- Staff coaching and development
- Child safety and well-being
- Contribution to continuous improvement of Lunas Early Learning Academy
Mission Commitment
The Assistant Director supports the mission of Lunas Early Learning Academy by helping create a safe, nurturing, bilingual, and engaging environment where children are encouraged to learn, explore, and thrive while building strong relationships with families and the community.
Pay: From $17.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Tuition reimbursement
Work Location: In person
