Assistant Director

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Company parties
• Employee discounts
• Paid time off
• Signing bonus
• Training & development
• Tuition assistance

Join The Learning Center as an Assistant Director and become a key leader in one of Hamden's most respected early childhood education programs. This role is ideal for a hands‑on leader who can successfully balance administration, compliance, staff supervision, and classroom support.

As a NAEYC-recognized program working toward accreditation, we are seeking a highly organized, motivated professional who can help maintain exceptional standards while supporting children, families, and staff.

• Assist the Director in managing daily center operations.
• Oversee classroom quality, staffing, schedules, and ratio compliance.
• Serve as acting Director when needed.
• Supervise, mentor, and support teaching staff.
• Assist with hiring, onboarding, orientation, and staff development.
• Step into classrooms as needed to maintain ratios and continuity of care.
• Support curriculum implementation and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Monitor child progress and classroom environments.
• Maintain child, family, and staff records.
• Ensure compliance with Connecticut OEC regulations, licensing requirements, and NAEYC standards.
• Manage attendance records, incident reports, health documentation, and other required paperwork.
• Support enrollment, parent communication, and family engagement.
• Build positive relationships with children, families, staff, and community partners.
• Assist with accreditation preparation, audits, inspections, and quality improvement initiatives.

• Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education, Education, Child Development, Human Services, Business Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a licensed childcare center.
• Minimum of 1 year of leadership, supervisory, or administrative experience.
• Strong knowledge of Connecticut childcare regulations and licensing requirements.
• Experience managing paperwork, compliance, and staff supervision.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to effectively lead staff while maintaining positive relationships with families and children.
• CPR, First Aid, and Medication Administration Certification (or ability to obtain).

• Master's Degree in Education, Educational Leadership, Business Management, or related field.
• Experience with NAEYC Accreditation standards and processes.
• Experience supervising multiple classrooms and managing center operations.
• CDA or advanced early childhood credentials.

• A strong leader who leads by example.
• Comfortable running both the floor and administrative operations.
• Highly organized and detail‑oriented.
• Able to multitask in a fast‑paced environment.
• Passionate about early childhood education and continuous improvement.
• Professional, dependable, and solution‑focused.
• Committed to maintaining high‑quality standards and supporting accreditation efforts.