Candidates should come from one of two backgrounds: Early childhood executive: Seven or more years in licensed childcare or early education, including at least three years in a senior leadership role such as Executive Director, Regional or Area Director, Multi-Site Director, Director of Operations, or leader of a large, high-performing center; or. The ideal candidate brings substantial experience leading early childhood or school-based operations, understands the day-to-day realities of licensed childcare, and has moved beyond managing those realities to building organizations that run on systems, strong leaders, and consistent execution.