Assistant School Director

About This Role Friends Center is an early childhood education center providing year‑round, full‑time care for children ages 3 months to 5 years. We offer a child‑centered, hands‑on learning experience in a safe and nurturing environment. Children learn through creative play and a wide range of developmentally‑appropriate activities. Friends Center is a non‑sectarian organization guided by Quaker principles of community, equity, peace, simplicity, truth, and stewardship.

As a cooperative organization, parents and teachers work together to create a diverse and supportive community. Our mission is to educate children, empower families, inspire teachers, engage the community, embrace diversity, and embody equity.

The Assistant School Director supports the School Director with the daily operations of the Infant‑Toddler and Preschool Programs at East Grand Avenue. Duties include supervision, management, and event coordination, and participation in the culture and professionalism of Friends Center.

• Assume responsibility for all aspects of running the site in the absence of the School Director.
• Act as lead and take responsibility of a classroom in the absence of a head teacher on an as‑needed basis.
• Prepare materials for the weekly administrative meeting.
• Host weekly team meetings.
• Oversee and edit classroom newsletters and blogs.
• Review and edit conference notes.
• Participate and conduct interviews for new staff.
• Manage and oversee orientation and schedules for staff.
• Conduct classroom observations.
• Interview education interns.
• Schedule meetings with parents and staff.
• Manage parent interactions, phone calls, and emails.
• Supervise the program to ensure compliance with all accreditation and licensing requirements.
• Maintain coverage through scheduling staff work shifts and absences and arrange for substitute coverage as needed.
• Plan and facilitate staff in‑services and training on all topics for all NAEYC and licensing requirements, in collaboration with the Management Team.
• Manage program‑related concerns (families, staff, community).
• Provide program‑wide communications with the community when necessary, in conjunction with the School Director and/or Chief Operating Officer.
• Plan, organize, and facilitate FCfC open houses and events.
• Orients children, staff members, interns, volunteers, and parents to the Center.
• Represent Friends Center for Children in the community.
• Other duties as requested.

• Serve as the face of the school, providing excellent front‑facing customer service in person and via phone and email.
• Arrive on time and ready to receive staff, children, and families.
• Assist a wide variety of customers—including parents, children, teachers, staff, interns, and volunteers—with a range of needs.

• Communicate with all administrative and teaching staff daily.
• Share conversations and interactions with families with the administrative staff and teachers in a confidential and sensitive manner.
• Seek guidance and refer families to the Chief Operating Officer, School Director, Business Manager, and Admissions Director as appropriate.

• With support from Human Resources, screen, interview, assess, and select staff.
• Recruit and train staff, including teachers, interns, and substitutes.
• Oversee and follow up on staff performance according to FCfC policies and procedures.
• Maintain the OEC Professional Registry on a monthly basis for all staff members.
• Work collaboratively with Human Resources to manage staff performance and accountability.

• Act as program liaison for, and compile all child attendance reports for:
  Early Start CT and Early Head Start funding programs, and assist the Admissions department with Care4kidding follow‑up.

• Attend all staff meetings and program events as scheduled.
• Maintain required continuing education hours and provide documentation of such.
• Maintain knowledge of current theory and best practices.
• Participate in all required early childhood meetings, conferences, and/or events.

• Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Development and/or Education or higher.
• CPR certified or have the…