Director Learning Development Jobs in Hickory, NC

Lead Infant/ Toddler Teacher Responsibilities:

• Create and implement age-appropriate lesson plans aligned with developmental goals.

• Provide a safe, loving, and stimulating environment for infants and toddlers.

• Build strong, trusting relationships with children, parents, and colleagues.

• Observe and document children’s progress, sharing updates with families.

• Maintain a clean, organized, and positive classroom environment.

• Comply with all state licensing requirements, safety standards, and Academy policies.

• Support social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development through daily activities.

• Lead assistant teachers and collaborate with staff to ensure a high-quality program.

Lead a Team. Support Families. Help Children Take Flight.

Higher Learning Child Care Academy is seeking an experienced, organized, and people-focused Child Care Center Director to lead the daily operations of our Five-Star child care program.

This is not simply an office position. We need a visible leader who can guide staff, support families, maintain licensing compliance, strengthen enrollment, and help create a positive environment where children and employees can grow.

The right person will be confident making decisions, solving problems, holding team members accountable, and working closely with the owner and administrative team. You must understand that excellent child care requires both a strong educational program and sound business operations.

About Higher Learning Child Care Academy

Higher Learning Child Care Academy has served children and families since 1994. We provide high-quality care and early education for children from birth through age 12.

Our Five-Star academy is built around our F.I.T.T.T. core values:

Family. Fun. Innovation. Integrity. Teamwork. Thankfulness.

We believe children deserve safe, engaging classrooms. Families deserve clear communication. Teachers deserve strong leadership, training, and support.

Key Responsibilities
Staff Leadership and Development
Recruit, interview, hire, orient, and train new employees.
Maintain adequate staffing during all operating hours.
Create and manage staff schedules and time-off requests.
Conduct regular classroom observations.
Coach teachers and provide clear, objective feedback.
Complete employee evaluations and performance improvement plans.
Address staff concerns, workplace conflict, attendance, and performance issues.
Plan staff meetings and coordinate professional development.
Build a positive work environment through communication, recognition, accountability, and daily support.
Ensure staff complete required CPR, First Aid, emergency, and professional training.
Licensing and Regulatory Compliance
Maintain compliance with all applicable North Carolina DCDEE requirements.
Prepare for licensing visits, assessments, and the center’s re-licensing process.
Maintain complete and accurate child and employee records.
Manage required staff background checks and employment documentation.
Ensure classrooms, playgrounds, policies, procedures, and records meet applicable standards.
Update and implement employee, classroom, and parent policies.
Stay informed about changes in early childhood education regulations and industry standards.
Program and Curriculum Oversight
Monitor the daily implementation of classroom curriculum.
Support developmentally appropriate teaching practices.
Observe classroom environments and teacher-child interactions.
Ensure classrooms are properly equipped for each age group.
Provide feedback regarding lesson plans, classroom goals, and learning activities.
Model appropriate child guidance and classroom management practices.
Support teachers in developing plans for children with challenging behaviors.
Coordinate services, accommodations, and family meetings for children with diverse learning needs.
Oversee child assessments and progress reports.
Family Engagement and Enrollment
Welcome prospective and current families.
Conduct center tours and support the enrollment process.
Respond to parent questions, concerns, and requests in a professional manner.
Manage enrollment availability, waitlists, classroom placement, and transitions.
Promote positive communication between families and teachers.
Support family events, outreach activities, and parent engagement.
Protect the confidentiality of all child, family, and employee information.
Track enrollment goals, projections, and key performance indicators.
Health, Safety, and Facility Operations
Monitor classrooms, playgrounds, and common areas for safety and maintenance concerns.
Ensure staff follow procedures for illness, accidents, injuries, and emergencies.
Review incident and injury reports and identify patterns that require action.
Manage monthly fire drills and other emergency procedures.
Communicate with families and staff during emergencies or unexpected closings.
Work with the administrative team to address repairs, maintenance, cleaning, and facility needs.
Business and Administrative Operations
Support strategic planning and the continued growth of the academy.
Review staffing and enrollment data to make informed recommendations.
Assist with classroom, staffing, program, and operational budgets.
Support tuition collection procedures and cost-control efforts.
Manage applicable CRM and enrollment systems.
Help develop marketing, community outreach, and enrollment strategies.
Represent Higher Learning Child Care Academy at community events and professional meetings.
Maintain a professional image through phone calls, emails, tours, meetings, and public interactions.
Qualifications

The original job description does not list minimum education or experience requirements. The following are recommended requirements for the employment posting:

Must meet all applicable North Carolina DCDEE requirements to serve as a child care administrator.
Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Business Administration, Education, or a related field preferred.
Level II or Level III North Carolina Early Childhood Administration Credential preferred.
At least three years of child care, early childhood education, or school leadership experience preferred.
Previous experience supervising, coaching, and evaluating employees.
Knowledge of North Carolina child care licensing and compliance requirements.
Experience with enrollment, staffing, scheduling, family communication, and classroom operations.
Strong written, verbal, organizational, and computer skills.
CPR and First Aid certification or the ability to obtain certification.
Ability to pass all required background checks, health screenings, and employment requirements.
The Person We Are Looking For

Our next Director must be:

Professional, dependable, and highly organized.
Comfortable leading people and addressing difficult situations.
Respectful, honest, fair, and accountable.
Able to communicate clearly without allowing emotions to control the message.
Proactive and willing to solve problems before they grow.
Flexible when staffing or center needs change.
Able to manage several responsibilities without losing attention to detail.
Positive, collaborative, and committed to teamwork.
Willing to receive feedback and continue developing professionally.
Passionate about children, families, teachers, and high-quality early education.

The role requires strong follow-through, time management, confidentiality, problem-solving, initiative, respectful communication, and a commitment to professional growth.

What Higher Learning Offers
A respected Five-Star child care program.
An established academy with more than 30 years of service.
An opportunity to lead and develop an early childhood education team.
Professional development and continuing education opportunities.
Opportunities for advancement as the organization grows.
A workplace that values family, innovation, integrity, teamwork, and thankfulness.
[Add paid time off, holidays, retirement plan, tuition assistance, insurance, bonuses, or other benefits that apply.]
Apply Today

We are looking for a Director who is ready to lead with confidence, protect the quality of our program, and help Higher Learning Child Care Academy continue to grow.

Please submit your resume and a brief statement explaining:

Your experience leading a child care or early education program.
Your knowledge of North Carolina child care regulations.
Why you believe you would be a strong fit for Higher Learning Child Care Academy.

Higher Learning Child Care Academy, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to maintaining a professional environment where differences in backgrounds, cultures, experiences, and abilities are respected and celebrated.