School Director (Early Childhood)

$55,000–$65,000 Annual Salary | Performance-Based Incentives | Career Growth | Employee Childcare Benefits

Lead a School. Develop a Team. Make an Impact.

At Children of America (COA), we believe great schools are built by great leaders. We are looking for an experienced and passionate School Director to lead our school, develop a talented team of educators, build strong relationships with families, and create an exceptional experience for the children we serve.

This is an opportunity for an early childhood professional who is ready to take the next step in leadership and make a meaningful impact on children, families, and educators.

Why Join COA?

At COA, you won't be expected to lead alone. You'll work alongside senior leadership and an experienced regional support team while having the autonomy to lead your school and develop your team.

What you can expect:

• $55,000–$65,000 annual salary
• Performance-based incentives
• Internal career advancement opportunities
• 100% employee childcare discount
• Annual longevity bonus
• Quarterly PEEEPs (IOS) bonus
• Educational assistance/reimbursement
• T.E.A.C.H. Scholarship Partnerships
• Employee referral bonus
• Employee recognition programs
• Medical, dental & vision
• 401(k)
• Life, accident & disability insurance
• Paid vacation and holidays
• Ongoing professional development and leadership support

About Children of America

Children of America is a nationally recognized early childhood education organization built around people, principles, and pride.

Our schools serve children from 6 weeks through 12 years, with programs including:

• Infant
• Toddler
• Preschool
• Pre-K
• Before & After Care
• Summer Camp

We believe every leader brings something unique to the organization. Our culture encourages you to bring your experience, ideas, leadership style, and passion for early childhood education to work every day.

What You'll Do

As a School Director, you'll oversee the day-to-day operations of the school while leading, coaching, and developing a team of educators and support staff.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Lead, coach, develop, and retain a talented team
• Create a positive and collaborative school culture
• Oversee the daily operations of the school
• Ensure compliance with all applicable state licensing regulations
• Maintain high standards for health, safety, education, and quality care
• Support enrollment growth and family retention
• Build strong relationships with children, families, employees, and the community
• Recruit, interview, onboard, and develop team members
• Provide ongoing coaching, feedback, and performance support
• Ensure consistent execution of COA's curriculum and educational programming
• Monitor classroom quality and educational standards
• Manage staffing, scheduling, and operational priorities
• Partner with senior and regional leadership to achieve school goals
• Manage school operations in accordance with COA policies, procedures, and processes
• Meet established operational, educational, enrollment, and performance expectations
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement and growth

What We're Looking For

We're looking for a people-focused leader who can balance the needs of children, families, employees, and the business while creating a positive school environment.

Qualifications:

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field
• 2–4 years of leadership or management experience
• Minimum 2 years of experience in a licensed childcare facility
• Strong knowledge of early childhood education
• Knowledge of applicable childcare licensing regulations
• Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop a team
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities
• Effective decision-making and problem-solving skills
• Ability to remain flexible and composed in challenging situations
• Commitment to professional development and continuous learning
• Proficiency with technology, including industry-specific applications and Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Must meet all applicable state licensing requirements

The Leader We're Looking For

You may be a great fit for COA if you:

• Lead by example
• Enjoy developing and mentoring others
• Build trust with employees and families
• Take ownership and follow through
• Are comfortable making decisions and solving problems
• Can balance people, operations, and business priorities
• Bring energy and professionalism to your work
• Have a genuine passion for early childhood education

Who You'll Work With

You'll collaborate regularly with:

• Children and families
• Teachers and support staff
• Senior leadership
• Regional operations personnel
• Facilities and custodial teams
• Administrative and operational partners
• COA's regional support team

Strong communication and collaboration are essential to creating a successful school environment.

Travel Requirements

• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation required
• Ability and willingness to travel up to 10% for training, professional development, and organizational meetings

Ready to Lead Your Next Chapter?

If you're an experienced early childhood leader who is ready to lead a team, grow a school, and make a difference in the lives of children and families, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today and join Children of America!

Compensation

$55,000–$65,000 annually, based on experience, skills, geographic location, and internal equity. This role may also be eligible for performance-based incentives and additional benefits.

Children of America is committed to fair and transparent hiring practices. This job description is intended to comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) guidelines, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and applicable state-specific pay transparency requirements.

Children of America is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other protected status under applicable law. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.