Experienced in Early Childhood Education? Ready to Help Lead the Whole School?
The Learning Cottage at Palmer Ranch is looking for an experienced early childhood professional to join our leadership team as Assistant Director.
We're looking for someone who already understands the rhythm of a successful preschool — classrooms, ratios, licensing, teachers, parents, schedules, enrollment, and the occasional day when everything seems to happen at exactly the same time.
You don't necessarily need to have held the title of Assistant Director before. But you do need solid experience in a licensed childcare or preschool environment and the confidence to step into a leadership role where teachers and families will look to you for answers, support, and direction.
If you've been a Lead Teacher, Curriculum Coordinator, Assistant Director, or another experienced early childhood professional who's ready for more responsibility, we'd love to talk with you.
What You'll Do
You'll work alongside our Director to help oversee the daily operations of the school and ensure our children, families, and teachers receive the support they need.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Partnering with the Director to manage daily school operations.
- Helping ensure compliance with Florida childcare licensing requirements and school policies.
- Supporting teachers with classroom management, curriculum implementation, and day-to-day challenges.
- Assisting with staff scheduling and maintaining required classroom ratios.
- Stepping into classrooms and providing coverage when needed.
- Welcoming current and prospective families and providing exceptional customer service.
- Answering phones, responding to inquiries, scheduling tours, and supporting enrollment efforts.
- Conducting school tours and helping prospective families understand what makes The Learning Cottage special.
- Maintaining accurate administrative records and required documentation.
- Protecting the confidentiality of children, families, and employees.
- Helping maintain a positive, professional, and collaborative school culture.
- Identifying problems, finding solutions, and jumping in when something needs to get done.
This isn't a position where you'll spend the entire day behind a desk. Our Assistant Director is a visible, active member of the school community who knows the children, knows the teachers, and builds relationships with our families.
What You Bring
We're specifically looking for someone who already has a strong foundation in early childhood education.
Our ideal candidate has:
- Previous experience working in a licensed childcare center, preschool, or early childhood education program.
- Lead Teacher, supervisory, administrative, or other leadership experience strongly preferred.
- A solid understanding of childcare licensing, classroom ratios, health and safety requirements, and appropriate early childhood practices.
- High School Diploma or GED required; Early Childhood Education coursework, CDA, or related credentials preferred.
- Ability to meet all Florida childcare licensing and background screening requirements.
- Current CPR and First Aid certification or the ability to obtain it.
- Strong organizational and administrative skills.
- Professional communication skills and confidence interacting with both families and employees.
Most importantly, we're looking for someone who can lead without losing the heart that brought them into early childhood education in the first place.
You understand that supporting teachers is just as important as supervising them. You can have a difficult conversation when necessary, solve problems without creating drama, and recognize when someone simply needs an extra set of hands.
You're dependable. You're organized. You take initiative.
And when the schedule changes, a teacher calls out, a parent arrives for a tour, and someone suddenly needs you in Classroom 3?
You don't panic. You prioritize.
Compensation & Schedule
- $17–$20 per hour, based on experience and qualifications
- Monday–Friday schedule
- No nights
- No weekends
Come Help Us Lead
At The Learning Cottage at Palmer Ranch, we're looking for more than someone who can help manage a preschool.
We're looking for someone who wants to help make it better.
Better for our children.Better for our families.Better for our teachers.
If you're an experienced early childhood professional who's ready to bring your knowledge, leadership, and energy to an entire school community, we'd love to meet you.
Apply today to join The Learning Cottage at Palmer Ranch as our next Assistant Director.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $17.00 - $20.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Childcare
- Employee discount
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Referral program
- Tuition reimbursement
Experience:
- Teaching: 2 years (Required)
License/Certification:
- CPR Certification (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
