Sub-Director​/Cook

Reports To: Childcare Director
Location: Explorer Learning Academy - NE 8212 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR 97220
Schedule: Must be available to work evenings (up to 10:30 PM) and weekends

Base Salary: $58,000 - $62,500 annually (up to $12,000 performance bonus)

The Sub Director will support the Childcare Director in ensuring the overall leadership, compliance, performance, and operational excellence of Explorer Learning Academy. This role requires a committed, detail-oriented, and culturally grounded leader who embodies excellence in all aspects of their work and helps sustain a five-star, high-quality learning environment for children, families, and staff.

Serve as acting site leader in the absence of the Director.

Ensure full compliance with state licensing regulations and contractual requirements, including SPARK, Preschool for All (PFA), ERDC, and USDA Food Program guidelines.

Oversee staff compliance with required annual training hours and certifications (e.g., CPR/First Aid, Food Handler, Recognizing & Reporting Child Abuse).

Lead and support all SPARK documentation, assessment tools, and site visits to achieve and maintain a 5-star quality rating.

Maintain and support a culturally affirming, high-quality, and luxurious environment that reflects attention to detail, and educational excellence.

Ensure that:

All classrooms and common areas are designed to be clutter-free, soothing, and conducive to learning.

Classroom design adheres to Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, providing accessible materials, flexible spaces, and visual supports.

Indoor and outdoor environments are safe, welcoming, and well-maintained.

Demonstrate strong verbal and written communication skills.

Utilize technology systems such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Pro Care, and Kaymbu to support operations, documentation, and communication.

Monitor digital records for accuracy, including child files, attendance, health/safety logs, and curriculum documentation.

Oregon Registry Step 9 or Higher (Required)

Minimum 2 years of early childhood education leadership experience preferred.

Strong understanding of culturally responsive practices and inclusive curriculum design.

Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, quality-focused environment.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and childcare software (Pro Care, Kaymbu).

Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.

Availability to work evenings and weekends as required.

Proven experience with:

Staff recruitment and retention

Oregon's SPARK Quality Rating and Improvement System

Child Care licensing requirements

Implementing curriculum with fidelity (High Scope, Montessori-Inspired Environments, Second Step, etc.)

Contract compliance for publicly funded programs (e.g., PFA, CCI, ERDC)

Marketing

Ensure full enrollment of 49 children (36 preschool, 13 infants/toddlers)

Maintain compliance with licensing standards and safety regulations

Lead SPARK documentation and site visits to achieve and maintain 5-star rating

Implement monitoring systems via Pro Care and other tools to track child files, staff credentials, and program metrics

The Childcare Director is responsible for maintaining a fully staffed team of 10 core employees and themselves. The staffing structure reflects a balance of credentialed professionals across early childhood age groups and support roles, ensuring optimal adult-child ratios and consistent high-quality care.

(2) Lead Preschool Teachers – Oregon Registry Step 8

(2) Assistant Preschool Teachers – Oregon Registry Step 7

(2) Infant Teachers – Oregon Registry Step 7

(1) Toddler…