Company Overview
Lightbridge Academy has built a strong reputation as The Solution for Working Parents® by addressing the dynamic child care needs of families and delivering exceptional early education programs. Since 1997, we have fostered a trusted Circle of Care—supportive relationships that enable children and families to flourish—driven by our unwavering commitment to our core values and placing children at the heart of everything we do.
Job Summary
We are seeking an energetic and dedicated Daycare Assistant Director to join our vibrant team. In this pivotal leadership role, you will oversee daily operations, support staff development, ensure compliance with licensing standards, and promote a nurturing environment where children thrive. Your strategic vision and management expertise will help us expand our mission to provide high-quality early childhood education while fostering a positive, engaging atmosphere for both children and staff. Bonus package offered. Room for growth and promotion within Center and company.
Responsibilities
The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:
- Assist with marketing efforts before the center opens
- Assist the Center Director in ensuring effective operation of center, maintaining licensing, safety, and educational standards in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, licensing requirements, and company policies.
- Motivate and lead a high-performance team to create engaging and quality classroom experiences; responsible for coaching and developing “best in class” quality educators to be passionate and committed professionals.
- Monitor curriculum development and lesson plans to ensure the highest standard of education is being delivered; work with Lead Teachers to ensure that student evaluations are completed and are communicated to parents according to the curriculum guidelines.
- Maintain the proper staff/child ratio as set by the New Jersey Department of Children and Families.
- Maintain responsibility in the areas of 1) recruiting, interviewing, hiring and training employees, 2) planning, assigning and supervising the work of direct reports, 3) appraising performance of direct reports, 4) rewarding and disciplining employees, and 5) addressing staff complaints and resolving problems.
- Develop and facilitate monthly meetings with Lead Teachers and other meetings as needed.
- Cultivate positive relationships with families, staff members and community contacts.
- Deliver exceptional customer service to parents by going above and beyond to address questions and concerns, and assist parents promptly and effectively.
- Assist the Center Director in creating and implementing the marketing plan for the center and participate in marketing events as needed.
- Responsible for onboarding newly hired employees to include: new hire orientation, employee handbook overview, employment documents, and benefit enrollment.
- Support the Center Director in facilitating the delivery of training programs.
- Prepare and deliver reports and forms in accordance with the company’s deadlines and procedures.
- Meet or exceed financial goals and objectives as set in accordance with the company budget, and support the Center Director in achieving the set Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
- Manage the onboarding of new children and complete administrative paperwork as needed.
- Implement the emergency response plans set forth, conduct monthly fire drills and quarterly lock-down drills and maintain a log of drills conducted.
- Conduct daily safety checks of overall facilities, including all equipment and company premises to ensure a safe environment.
- Manage the purchase of supplies and equipment for the entire center, in accordance with company purchasing policies and budgetary restrictions.
- Maintain, secure and update important and accurate administrative records for the center as required by the company and all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including but not limited to records on staff and children.
- Maintain the standards per the Association of Early Learning Leaders and the company’s operation and education audits.
- Make necessary decisions in the absence of the Center Director, and perform the job duties of the Center Director as required.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)
- Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in early childcare education or a related field
- Minimum of one (1) year in a supervisory role in a licensed childcare program
- Supervisory role can include lead teacher if applicant has been in the lead teacher role for 3 or more years
- Maintain continuing education requirements per company and state requirements
- Leadership – Ability to set a vision, inspire collaboration among staff members, and coach and build teams to achieve mutual goals.
- Integrity – Instill mutual trust and confidence, create a culture that fosters high standards of ethics, behave in a fair and ethical manner toward others, and demonstrate a sense of corporate responsibility and commitment to the population served.
- Initiative – Ability to proactively spearhead and coordinate the execution of responsibilities in order to achieve desired outcome, and identify and develop new ideas and challenges for business improvement.
- Customer Service – Demonstrate strong commitment to identifying and meeting customers’ needs in a timely and appropriate manner, and continually seek to ensure their full satisfaction.
- Decision-Making & Judgment – Ability to react quickly with sound judgment and problem solving skills in complex and critical situations such as injuries and accidents.
- Communication – Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, and work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
- Teamwork – Ability and desire to work cooperatively with others on a team; act as a team leader by demonstrating interest, skill, and success in getting groups to learn to work together.
- Adaptability – Respond to change with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn new ways to accomplish work activities and objectives.
- Motivation – Willingness to take self-directed or self-motivated actions to do more than is expected in the job with the aim of improving job performance and finding or creating new opportunities.
- Self-Development – Responds positively to feedback regarding performance, continually strives to develop professionally, and takes advantage of opportunities to grow.
- Technical –Proficiency with use of technology such as tablets and smart devices, and software such as Microsoft Office, specifically Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
- Standing and Walking – Frequently required to stand and walk throughout the center to monitor classrooms, supervise activities, interact with staff, and address safety concerns.
- Sitting – Regularly required to sit at a desk to complete administrative tasks, prepare reports, and conduct meetings.
- Lifting and Carrying – Occasionally required to lift and move objects up to 35 pounds, such as classroom equipment, supplies, or children, and assist with event setup or facility organization.
- Bending, Stooping, and Kneeling – Occasionally required to bend, stoop, or kneel to inspect facilities, interact with children, or assist staff with classroom activities.
- Hand and Finger Dexterity – Frequent use of hands and fingers to operate computers, prepare reports, handle paperwork, and assist with classroom materials or administrative tasks.
- Vision and Hearing – Adequate vision and hearing to observe classroom activities, monitor safety, review documents, and communicate effectively with staff, parents, and children.
- Speaking – Regularly required to speak clearly and effectively in training sessions, team meetings, and interactions with parents, staff, and community members.
- Environment – Work is performed in an office located within a childcare setting, where noise levels range from moderate to high due to children's activities and interactions.
Join us at Lightbridge Academy to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children, families, and educators. Bring your energy, expertise, and vision to help us continue illuminating young minds while fostering a supportive community dedicated to excellence in early childhood education!
Pay: $55,000.00 - $79,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Tuition reimbursement
Work Location: In person
