Early Learning Center Director
Lettuce Patch Early Learning Center
Avon, Colorado
Position Summary
Lettuce Patch Early Learning Center is seeking a passionate, experienced, and mission-driven Center Director to lead our state-of-the-art early learning center in Avon, Colorado. The Director is responsible for the overall leadership, management, and daily operations of the center, ensuring a safe, nurturing, and high-quality educational environment for children, families, and staff.
Wage Range: $75,000 – $80,000
The Director oversees the daily operations of the program, ensuring compliance with licensing regulations, and maintaining a safe, nurturing, and educational environment for children. They lead and support staff, manage enrollment and parent communication, and oversee curriculum implementation, budgeting, and facility management.
Colorado Shines Level 3 or higher
Essential Responsibilities
Leadership & Program Management
- Provide visionary leadership and daily oversight of all center operations.
- Recruit, hire, train, mentor, and evaluate teaching and administrative staff.
- Foster a positive, inclusive, and supportive workplace culture.
- Lead staff meetings, professional development, and coaching opportunities.
- Promote a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
Licensing & Compliance
- Ensure compliance with all Colorado Department of Early Childhood licensing regulations.
- Maintain all required licensing records and documentation.
- Oversee health, safety, sanitation, emergency preparedness, and risk management procedures.
- Ensure compliance with CACFP, Universal Preschool (UPK), CCCAP, Colorado Shines, and all applicable state and federal regulations.
Family Engagement
- Build strong relationships with families through open communication and exceptional customer service.
- Conduct tours and assist prospective families through the enrollment process.
- Address family concerns professionally and promptly.
- Foster family involvement through events, conferences, and community partnerships.
Financial & Administrative Management
- Manage enrollment and maintain strong occupancy levels.
- Monitor tuition billing, accounts receivable, and center budgets.
- Review payroll, staffing schedules, and labor costs.
- Oversee purchasing and inventory management.
- Prepare reports for organizational leadership as requested.
Educational Leadership
- Support implementation of Creative Curriculum and developmentally appropriate practices.
- Ensure that the center is providing high quality child care at a level that meets expectations through the Colorado Shines quality rating program.
- Ensure classrooms provide engaging, high-quality learning environments.
- Coach teachers through observations and professional development.
- Promote positive guidance techniques and social-emotional development.
Community Relations
- Represent Lettuce Patch Early Learning Center professionally within the community.
- Build partnerships with local employers, schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations.
- Support marketing and community outreach efforts.
Qualifications
Required
- Meet Colorado Director qualifications under Colorado Department of Early Childhood licensing regulations.
- Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, or closely related field (or equivalent qualifying experience).
- Minimum three years of leadership experience in a licensed early childhood program.
- Strong knowledge of Colorado child care licensing regulations.
- Excellent leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and childcare management software.
Preferred
- Colorado Level III or higher Early Childhood Credential.
- Experience with:
- Colorado Shines
- Universal Preschool (UPK)
- CCCAP
- CACFP
- Creative Curriculum
- Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.
Required Certifications
- Current CPR & First Aid Certification
- Medication Administration (if required)
- Standard Precautions
- Universal Precautions
- Mandated Reporter Training
- Completion of all required Colorado PDIS training
Knowledge & Skills
- Strong leadership and team-building abilities
- Financial and budget management
- Excellent customer service
- Conflict resolution and coaching
- Staff development and mentoring
- Organizational and time management skills
- Strong written and verbal communication
- Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift up to 40 pounds.
- Frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and sitting on the floor with children.
- Ability to actively supervise children indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions.
- Ability to respond quickly during emergencies.
About Lettuce Patch Early Learning Center
Lettuce Patch Early Learning Center is a nonprofit early childhood education and development center dedicated to providing exceptional care and education for children while supporting working families throughout the Eagle River Valley. We believe every child deserves a safe, engaging, and nurturing environment where they can learn, grow, and thrive. Our team is committed to building strong relationships with families, fostering an inclusive culture, and creating meaningful learning experiences that prepare children for lifelong success.
Lettuce Patch Early Learning Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace that values diversity and supports employees from all backgrounds.
Pay: $75,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Referral program
- Tuition reimbursement
Work Location: In person
