Little Tigers Learning Center is family owned child care center located in Adel, IA serving children 6 weeks through school age. We are searching for an experienced and innovative center director to lead the organization to the next level of being the premier and preferred child care provider in Adel, Iowa and promote a positive and encouraging work culture. This position is an immediate need with process of onboarding, on-the-job training, and transitioning leadership to be completed by July 31, 2026.
General Summary
The Director is responsible for the overall function of the center, including supervising staff, designing curriculum, and administering programs. The Director provides and coordinates the necessary relationships, support, resources, supervision and leadership to ensure the provision of nurturing care and education that meets the educational, physical, and emotional needs of children 0 to 12 years old in a group setting. The Director ensures services are provided in accordance with the goals of the program in addition to the program policies and procedures. The Director has the overall responsibility for carrying out the program and ensuring the safety and protection of the children by completing all requirements, licensing needs and reports required by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, and any other agencies, are completed and filed appropriately. Iowa HHS will make the final determination of a director’s approval before employment.
Essential Functions
The Director is responsible for the overall function of the center and is essentially the leader of a small business. This position is in a fast paced environment requiring quick, sound and consistent decision making while supporting a positive and encouraging workplace. The Director must understand good business practices, administration, and child development in order to:
· Ensure the overall well-being of children: Maintain an organizational environment which clearly conveys love and acceptance while tolerant and respectful of child and family cultures, values, and differences. Establish relationships with individual children and families to be responsive to requests, comments and concerns. Provide direct care in classrooms as needed. Provide families with information and assistance with community resources. Report evidence of suspected abuse/neglect. Display respect for all.
· Establish healthy, safe, and developmentally appropriate practices: Establish and maintain a healthy, safe, and enjoyable working and learning environment for staff, parents, children and visitors. Establish and execute policies and procedures that ensure the well-being of children. Approve and order materials and supplies for classroom programs and activities. Oversee nutritional services and carry out administrative duties.
· Hire and maintain competent, motivated staff and provide for their professional development: Maintain staff through interviewing, hiring, performance reviews, disciplinary actions, etc. Provide proper orientation, training, and evaluation for all staff on at least an annual ongoing basis. Address personnel issues and implement solutions in the best interest of the organization. Supervise staff, including development and implementation of curriculum plans. Educate staff on important and relevant information, including but not limited to licensure requirements and policy changes, through regular staff meetings. Identify required training opportunities and make accommodations for staff to complete. Create appropriate staff schedules that adhere to all state and organization requirements, including staff/child ratios. Ensure staff comply with all organization policies and procedures. Ensure compliance with confidentiality requirements and policies. Manage and resolve issues between staff, parents and children. Maintain accurate staff records in accordance with licensing regulations.
· Set appropriate expectations for staff:
o Provide High-Quality Care
o Communication with Families
o Program Planning and Implementation
o Classroom Management & Supervision
o Observation and Assessment
o Physical Needs of Children
o Health & Safety Compliance
o Facility Safety
o Program Administration & Support
o Compliance with Licensing & Regulations
o Professional Development
o Confidentiality & Professionalism
o Adherence to Policies
· Maintain clear communication with parents: Encourage and monitor positive, productive, sand timely classroom communications with parents. Compose monthly newsletters, calendars, and email correspondence as needed. Annually review family handbook for accurate program information. Ensure all enrollment and discharge information is documented, complete and up to date.
· Manage the center and provide for the soundness of the center over the long-term: Maintain the organization and physical facilities in accordance with policies, procedures, and licensing standards. Ensure all records are complete, updated and accurate, including but not limited to organization, personnel, and operating policies and procedures. Prepare meeting documents and complete follow up in connection with meetings. Responsible for adherence to a budget. Oversight of bi-weekly payroll duties; payments to the organization, especially for childcare services; service contracts. Represent the organization in the community and act as a liaison with other agencies.
· Other Duties as Assigned
Requirements and Preferences
Experience:
· At least 3 years direct experience in early childhood education.
· Experience working in early childhood education, childcare, adult care, health care or a related field preferred.
· Experience with children of various age groups and abilities preferred.
· At least 5 years direct experience in childcare with at least one year of full-time experience (20 hours per week or more) in a childcare or preschool setting.
Education:
· Associate's degree or higher required; Degree in Early Childhood, Child Development or Education highly desired.
· Completed at least one course in business administration OR
12 contact hours in administrative-related training related to personnel, supervision, record keeping, or budgeting OR
has one year of administrative-related experience.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
· Must be at least 21 years old per Iowa HHS regulations.
· Current CPR and First Aid and Mandatory Reporting Certifications required per Iowa HHS regulations.
· Ability to regularly pass Iowa HHS and FBI background checks per Iowa HHS regulations.
· Must obtain and maintain Iowa HHS approval to work in a licensed childcare center
· Must maintain HHS mandatory training and certifications (i.e. FA/CPR, Mandatory Reporting), including continuing annual education requirements.
· Working knowledge of Iowa childcare rules and regulations, including staffing ratios, safety procedures, and child development standards.
· Ability to lead a team and collaborate effectively with others.
· Maintain a high degree of efficiency in changing from one task to another and establishing priorities.
· Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
· Basic computer skills and ability to maintain records and documentation as required.
· Be reliable and conscientious in carrying out duties.
· Must have reliable transportation and maintain flexibility to adjust schedules as needed.
· Must consistently demonstrate patience, compassion, and enthusiasm for working with young children.
Physical Components:
· Ability to walk and be on feet for up to 10 hours a day
· Ability to lift to 30 pounds
· Ability to bend repeatedly
Benefits:
- Medical/Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Short term disability
- Life Insurance
- Critical Illness
- Accident coverage
- Paid Holidays
- Paid Time Off
- Paid Professional Development
- Discounted tuition for your child
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $40,000.00 - $50,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Referral program
- Vision insurance
Education:
Experience:
- Early childhood education: 3 years (Required)
- Childcare: 5 years (Required)
License/Certification:
- CPR/First Aid Certification (Preferred)
- Mandatory Child Abuse Reporter Certification (Preferred)
- NAC or AIM Credential (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
