Assistant Director Jobs in Meriden, CT (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary

The Assistant Director is a full-time leadership position responsible for supporting the daily operations, educational programming, staff development, family engagement, and regulatory compliance of the center in accordance with Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC) Licensing Regulations, Connecticut Early Learning and Development Standards (CT ELDS), School Readiness requirements, and National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Accreditation Standards.

This role serves as an instructional leader and coach, emphasizing mentorship, reflective practice, and professional growth. The Assistant Director supports teachers through coaching, modeling, problem-solving, and continuous improvement rather than punitive supervision.

The Assistant Director serves as the primary source of communication for staff and families. The director must approve all communications in advance. Finally, the Assistant Director collaborates closely to maintain a safe, nurturing, compliant, and high-quality early childhood program.

Full-time and part-time teaching staff report directly to the Assistant Director.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Staff Supervision, Coaching & Scheduling

• Assist in recruiting, hiring, interviewing, onboarding, orienting, training, and retaining qualified staff.
• Create, manage, and adjust staff schedules to ensure compliance with staff-to-child ratios.
• Develop and maintain daily staff break schedules.
• Conduct classroom observations and provide ongoing coaching, mentoring, and reflective supervision to ensure quality instruction.
• Address performance concerns through supportive coaching conversations and professional development plans.
• Support teachers in problem-solving classroom challenges.
• Model developmentally appropriate practices, behavior guidance techniques, and classroom management strategies.
• Assist in classrooms as needed to maintain ratios and support staff.
• Cover staff lunch breaks when necessary.
• Conduct performance evaluations and support professional growth planning.
• Foster positive teamwork and collaborative relationships among staff.

2. Educational Leadership, Curriculum & Assessment

• Monitor lesson plans and curriculum implementation for quality and consistency aligned with CT ELDS and NAEYC standards.
• Ensure staff submit lesson plans in a timely manner.
• Support teachers in creating meaningful learning experiences based on children's interests, developmental needs, and assessment data.
• Monitor child assessments, developmental screenings, and progress documentation.
• Analyze assessment data to support individualized instruction and program improvement.
• Track developmental and behavioral screenings and submit required reports.
• Promote inclusive practices that support all learners.

3. Family Communication & Partnerships

• Serve as the primary point of contact for families regarding educational and classroom concerns.
• Develop positive partnerships with families based on trust, mutual respect, and open communication.
• Address family concerns professionally and promptly.
• Communicate important information regarding schedules, staffing, classroom changes, and program updates.
• Escalate unresolved or serious concerns to the Director.
• Organize and facilitate monthly family engagement opportunities and parent meetings.
• Support connections between families and community resources when appropriate.
• Promote family involvement and participation within the program.

4. Program Administration & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with Connecticut OEC Licensing Regulations.
• Support implementation and maintenance of NAEYC Accreditation standards.
• Assist with CT Early Start monitoring requirements.
• Maintain required records and documentation for licensing, accreditation, audits, and reporting requirements.
• Monitor classrooms for compliance with health, safety, supervision, and educational standards.
• Ensure appropriate classroom coverage and staff-to-child ratios at all times.
• Assist with policy and procedure development and implementation.
• Participate in continuous quality improvement initiatives.
• Assist with planning and facilitating staff meetings, trainings, and center events.
• Conduct monthly family or PTO meetings as designated by the Director.

5. Child Protection Responsibilities

• Maintain current knowledge of mandated reporter responsibilities.
• Ensure compliance with Connecticut child abuse and neglect reporting requirements.
• Report suspected abuse or neglect to the Department of Children and Families (DCF) and other required agencies.
• Ensure all staff understand mandated reporting responsibilities and procedures.

Maintain documentation related to required reporting and follow-up actions.

Other Duties

The Assistant Director may be assigned additional duties and responsibilities as needed to support the operation, compliance, and success of the program.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

The Assistant Director must meet one of the following educational requirements:

• Minimum of twelve (12) credits in Early Childhood Education with coursework in Administration of Early Childhood Programs.

In addition, ideal candidates will have:

• Experience working in an early childhood education setting.
• Experience in supervisory or leadership experience.
• Knowledge of Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC) Licensing Regulations.
• Understanding of Connecticut Early Learning and Development Standards (CT ELDS) and CT DOTS.
• Knowledge of developmentally appropriate practice and NAEYC Accreditation Standards.
• Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and educational documentation systems.
• Successful completion of state and federal background checks.
• Current health examination as required by OEC regulations.
• Understanding of Connecticut mandated reporter laws and procedures for reporting suspected child abuse or neglect.
• Current CPR, First Aid, Medication Administration, and Epi-Pen certifications.
• Bilingual abilities.

Daily Leadership Expectations

• Maintain confidentiality regarding children, families, staff, and center operations.
• Model professionalism, ethical conduct, and positive leadership practices at all times
• Notify the Director immediately of emergencies, incidents, injuries, licensing concerns, or serious occurrences.
• Seek guidance from the Director when uncertain about staff, family, disciplinary, or regulatory matters.
• Maintain open communication and collaboration with the Director.

Additional Expectations

• Serves as Acting Director in the Director's absence.
• Close the school 5 days a week
• Flexibility in scheduling based on operational needs.
• Will attend evening family events, staff meetings, professional development training, and special program activities.