First Assistant Director Jobs in Crown Point, IN

Department: Administration
Reports To: Center Director
Supervises: Program Coordinator, Lead Teachers, Teachers, Teacher Assistants, Floaters, Administrative Staff, Kitchen Staff, and Transportation Staff Classification: Full-Time | Exempt or Non-Exempt (based on final compensation structure)

Position Summary
The Assistant Director serves as the Center Director's primary leadership partner and assists in the overall management, administration, and daily operations of Carter Kidz Learning Center. This position helps ensure the center provides a safe, nurturing, and high-quality educational environment while maintaining full compliance with Illinois DCFS licensing regulations and all applicable state and local requirements. The Assistant Director oversees daily operations, staff performance, enrollment support, curriculum implementation, licensing compliance, customer service, and family engagement. In the absence of the Director, the Assistant Director assumes
responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the center. This position requires exceptional leadership, professionalism, sound judgment, and the ability to motivate staff while fostering a positive, child-centered culture.

Minimum Qualifications Required

• Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, or a closely related field.
• Meet Illinois DCFS qualifications for an Assistant Director.
• Active Illinois Gateway Registry Membership.
• Current CPR and First Aid Certification.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in a licensed childcare center.
• Minimum of two (2) years of supervisory or leadership experience.
• Knowledge of Illinois DCFS Licensing Standards.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office, email, and childcare management software.

Preferred

• Illinois Director Credential.
• Experience preparing for DCFS licensing inspections.
• Experience with budgeting, enrollment, and scheduling.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership Center Operations

• Assist the Director with the daily management of the childcare center.
• Oversee daily operations to ensure classrooms are fully staffed and operating efficiently.
• Serve as Acting Director in the Directors absence.
• Promote Carter Kidz Learning Centers mission, vision, and values.
• Foster a culture of professionalism, accountability, teamwork, and respect.
• Participate in strategic planning and continuous quality improvement initiatives.

Staff Supervision Development

• Supervise teachers, assistants, floaters, and support staff.
• Conduct classroom observations and provide coaching.
• Assist with hiring, onboarding, and orientation of new employees.
• Coordinate staff schedules and classroom coverage.
• Monitor employee attendance, punctuality, and performance.
• Assist with performance evaluations and professional development plans.
• Address employee concerns and support conflict resolution.

Licensing & Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure compliance with Illinois DCFS licensing standards and center policies.
• Monitor child-to-staff ratios at all times.
• Conduct routine health and safety inspections.
• Review classroom documentation, attendance records, incident reports, and child files.
• Assist with preparing for licensing visits and audits.
• Ensure required staff credentials, trainings, and certifications remain current.

Curriculum Educational Quality

• Monitor implementation of curriculum and classroom learning activities.
• Support teachers in lesson planning and classroom organization.
• Promote developmentally appropriate practices.
• Review classroom observations and child assessments.
• Support kindergarten readiness initiatives and continuous improvement efforts.

Family Engagement Customer Service

• Build and maintain positive relationships with families.
• Assist with enrollment tours and new family orientation.
• Address parent questions, concerns, and feedback promptly and professionally.
• Support parent conferences, family events, and community outreach.
• Promote excellent customer service and family satisfaction.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Assist with enrollment management and classroom assignments.
• Support payroll preparation, timekeeping, and staff scheduling.
• Assist with purchasing supplies and inventory management.
• Maintain confidential employee and child records.
• Prepare reports and documentation as assigned.
• Support center marketing and enrollment initiatives.

Health, Safety Emergency Preparedness

• Ensure all health, sanitation, and safety procedures are followed.
• Monitor playground safety and classroom environments.
• Assist with emergency drills and preparedness planning.
• Respond appropriately to accidents, illnesses, and emergencies.
• Ensure all required incident reports are completed accurately and promptly.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Strong leadership and supervisory skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication
• Knowledge of child development and early childhood education
• Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to coach, mentor, and motivate staff
• Excellent customer service and family engagement skills
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment
• Professional judgment, integrity, and confidentiality
• Knowledge of licensing compliance and quality improvement practices

Physical Requirements
The employee must be able to:

• Lift up to 40 pounds.
• Sit, stand, bend, kneel, and walk throughout the workday.
• Supervise indoor and outdoor activities.
• Respond quickly during emergencies.
• Maintain visual supervision of children when necessary.

Performance Expectations
The Assistant Director will be evaluated on:

• Leadership effectiveness
• Staff development and retention
• Licensing compliance
• Classroom quality

Family satisfaction

• Employee engagement
• Enrollment support
• Health and safety compliance
• Attendance and reliability
• Professionalism and teamwork
• Achievement of operational goals

Opportunities for Advancement
The Assistant Director position is designed to prepare high-performing leaders for advancement into the Director role.
Potential career progression includes:

• Center Director
• Multi-Site Director
• Regional Operations Manager
• Executive Director of Early Childhood Programs