Childcare Director Jobs in Rutherford, NJ (NOW HIRING)

A Director at The Goddard School is responsible for managing the program and curriculum. Additionally, the Director may be responsible for certain business tasks as delegated by the franchisee.

This is a salaried position.  A Director’s salary is based on the School’s locale, tuition rates and the candidate’s education/experience.

A Director must meet the qualifications of his/her state and those set forth in the National Standards for Hiring (see www.bls.gov), including the following:

• Ability to hear the conversational voice, with or without a hearing aid
• Ability to see and read newsprint, with or without corrective lenses
• Ability to speak and be understood under normal circumstances
• Ability to use arms, hands, legs, and feet, with or without corrective devices; this includes the ability to evacuate the building during emergencies
• Ability to handle crisis situations, especially where children are involved

• Ability to respond immediately to emergency situations
• Previous management experience in a licensed childcare facility or experience managing faculty/staff

All candidates, including those who wish to be considered for the position of acting Director or Assistant Director, must meet one or more of the following criteria, in addition to any/all requirements that may be mandated by their state and/or local licensing authorities: 

• A Bachelor’s degree or higher in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Child Development and management experience in a licensed childcare center or preschool.
• A Bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field1, including 18 semester hours of completed coursework, including 12 hours2 of completed coursework related to young children birth to age 8, and management experience in a licensed childcare center or preschool.
• An Associate’s degree or higher in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Child Development or a related field1 and 1 year of experience (1560 clock hours)2 working in a licensed childcare center or preschool and 1 year of management experience.
• An Associate’s degree or higher in a related field1, including 18 hours of completed coursework related to young children birth to age 8, and 2 years (3120 clock  hours) 2 of experience in a licensed childcare center or preschool, and 1 year of management experience.
• A current CDA or Early Childhood Teaching Credential, and an additional 12 semester hours or continuing education units in courses related to young children birth to age 8[1], and 2 years (3120 clock hours)[2] of experience in a licensed childcare center or preschool, and 1 year of management experience.

Director of Education Responsibilities

Director’s responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

· Curriculum Development: Plan, develop, and continuously improve the school's curriculum, ensuring that it meets state standards and is designed to best prepare students, particularly in early education programs like kindergarten. Oversee the Wonder of Learning Hallway setup and provide guidance on curriculum implementation. Manage literature resources for classrooms and ensure daily care report using Kaymbu are performed. Lead family engagement initiatives through Kaymbu, including photo and content approval.

· Lesson Planning & Instructional Support: Collaborate with teachers to create lesson plans and instructional materials that align with curriculum goals and ensure that students are meeting learning benchmarks.

· Teacher Training & Professional Development Organize and ensure that all required trainings are current and up to date. Organize meetings to ensure teachers receive ongoing support and development. Develop plans for continued professional development and mentor new teachers to enhance their teaching practices.

· Book & Resource Selection/ Organization: Evaluate and recommend books, digital resources, and instructional materials, ensuring they align with curriculum objectives and standards.

· Assessment & Evaluation Programs: Develop and implement assessment programs to evaluate the effectiveness of the curriculum, including student progress and overall program success.

· Classroom Observation & Teacher Support: Conduct classroom observations and provide actionable feedback to teachers to help improve instructional practices.

· Family Experience & Engagement: Oversee initiatives to create a positive and inclusive family experience, including managing family communications through social media posts, Kaymbu, constant contact and other channels. Manage new family tours and lead faculty orientation, ensuring smooth transitions for both staff and families.

· Website & Social Media: Manage the school's website, updating the calendar, staff photos, bios, and curriculum information regularly to keep the community informed.

· Classroom & Faculty Support: Ensure that classrooms are properly stocked with necessary supplies, including paper products and cleaning materials. Manage the supply re-order list and support teachers with classroom coverage when necessary.

· Special Events & Faculty Meetings: Plan and organize special events, including faculty meetings, professional development days, and parent-teacher conferences.

· Child Assessments & Parent-Teacher Conferences: Coordinate child assessments and ensure the smooth operation of parent-teacher conferences twice a year to discuss student progress.

· Health & Safety Compliance: Conduct monthly self-reviews and prepare a Quality Assurance (QA) Report to evaluate health and safety compliance within the school. This includes monitoring protocols, classroom sanitization procedures, and overall safety practices to ensure a safe learning environment for both students and staff. Provide training and support to faculty and staff to adhere to all health and safety regulations.

ADMINISTRATIVE

• Plan and schedule administrative duties
• Maintain accurate record-keeping, both state and GSI requirements (eg, children’s files, faculty files)
• Prepare reports
• Manage classroom scheduling/schedule faculty
• Review Employee Handbook annually
• Implement a health program including communication with a healthcare consultant
• Maintain a list of local agencies able to help children with special needs
• Maintain a list of local pediatricians, dentists, etc.
• Conduct disaster drills (eg, fire, tornado) in accordance with GSI QA Standards and state licensing requirements
• Maintain compliance with GSI QA Standards
• Maintain a school inventory (eg, snacks, supplies)
• Contribute to the Directors’ Corner on Connect
• Plan and implement a program for professional growth
• Prepare periodic reports on the state of the School

FISCAL

• Operate the School within budget
• Define a maintenance system for faculty (eg, classroom repairs)
• Arrange for maintenance and repairs
• Manage payroll budget
• Manage petty cash
• Manage registration budget
• Purchase classroom equipment and supplies (indoor and outdoor)
• Maintain budget and/or purchase school supplies and snack

LICENSING

• Initiate and maintain a positive relationship with licensing agent/agency
• Maintain current licensing documentation
• Maintain licensing regulations

PERSONNEL

• Recruit, interview, hire and manage faculty
• Manage faculty schedule
• Conduct faculty orientation
• Complete faculty reviews: 90-day and annual
• Conduct monthly faculty meetings
• Develop and maintain a substitute teacher list
• Maintain accurate faculty files
• Plan/implement bi-annual in-service meetings for faculty
• Plan first aid, CPR and any other required training
• Plan emergency preparedness training

PROGRAM, PROGRAM SUPPORT, and PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

• Conduct monthly classroom observations
• Keep abreast of research and development in the field of early childhood development
• Maintain a resource library at the School
• Plan/implement professional development programs
• Promote active participation in GSU
• Actively participate in professional organizations, conferences and lectures

Program/Curriculum Development

• Conduct classroom ratio checks
• Implement a developmentally appropriate curriculum within the context of the local school district
• Implement monthly themes
• Incorporate GSI curriculum resources
• Plan and implement a year-round calendar
• Schedule shared classroom and outdoor space and equipment
• Plan and implement procedures for maintaining accurate classroom records
• Provide faculty assistance with lesson plan preparation and theme development
• Review lesson plan books weekly
• Review posted lesson plans monthly
• Review Daily Activity Reports periodically
• Review children’s portfolios regularly
• Ensure that each classroom has an effective management system in place
• Plan and implement visitors/activities
• Develop and implement a nutritious snack program
• Develop and implement a transition system
• Implement a playground safety program
• Conduct curriculum meetings three times per year

SALES AND MARKETING

• Welcome all visitors to the School
• Answer the telephone and use the GSI telephone script
• Conduct tours according to the GSI tour guidelines
• Follow through with all prospective customers
• Enroll new families
• Develop and maintain customer relations
• Implement an orientation program for new families
• Maintain a system of home-school communication (eg, Daily Activity Reports, school newsletter)
• Conduct meetings with parent(s)/legal guardian(s) when necessary
• Develop and maintain community relations
• Conduct a minimum of four community outreach programs
• Organize a student teaching program