Assistant Director ​/ Operations Manager

Assistant Director / Operations Manager
Pay: $21.00–$26.00 per hour
Employment Type: Full-Time

Join Our Team at Wee Pals Child Care Center

Are you a passionate leader who believes in creating exceptional experiences for children, families, and educators? Wee Pals Child Care Center is seeking an experienced and motivated Assistant Director / Operations Manager to help lead our dedicated team and support the daily operations of our center.

In this key leadership role, you will work closely with the Executive Director and Board of Directors to ensure a safe, nurturing, and high-quality environment where children can thrive, staff can grow, and families feel supported. If you're a collaborative professional with strong organizational and leadership skills, we'd love to hear from you.

The Assistant Director / Operations Manager oversees the day-to-day operations of the center, with a primary focus on staff leadership, operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and family engagement. This role plays an integral part in maintaining a positive culture while supporting the center's continued growth and success.

• Recruit, hire, onboard, and support a team of dedicated childcare professionals.
• Provide ongoing coaching, mentorship, and performance feedback.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and collaborative workplace culture.
• Coordinate staffing schedules to maintain required child-to-staff ratios.
• Serve as a backup classroom teacher when needed.
• Lead regular staff meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities.

• Ensure compliance with all licensing requirements, health and safety regulations, and organizational policies.
• Oversee facility maintenance, cleanliness, and security.
• Help develop and implement policies and procedures that support operational excellence.
• Manage inventory and ordering of classroom and operational supplies.

• Serve as a trusted point of contact for families, providing excellent customer service and support.
• Address parent concerns with professionalism and care.
• Coordinate events and activities that strengthen family and community connections.

• Assist with budget planning and expense management.
• Support fundraising efforts, grant applications, and donor engagement initiatives.
• Partner with the Executive Director on strategic planning and operational improvements.

• Maintain accurate records and documentation in accordance with local, state, and federal requirements.
• Conduct routine safety audits and inspections.
• Implement emergency preparedness procedures and lead regular safety drills.

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
• 1–5 years of childcare experience, including leadership or management responsibilities.
• Must be Director/Teacher qualified under Minnesota DHS Rule 3 (Minnesota Rules Chapter 9503).
• Strong knowledge of childcare licensing regulations, health and safety standards, and best practices.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills.

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Comfortable sitting on the floor and using child-sized furniture.
• Frequent bending, kneeling, and stooping.
• Ability to lift and carry children up to 50 pounds.

We value our team members and are committed to supporting their professional and personal success.

• Competitive pay based on experience
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Dental and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off and holidays
• Employee discounts, including childcare tuition discounts
• Professional development and growth opportunities
• Supportive, family-focused work environment

Education: Bachelor's degree preferred
Experience: Minimum 1 year of childcare experience required

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

• Childcare: 1 year (Required)

Work Location:

In person