Outdoor Program Director Jobs in Burlington, VT (NOW HIRING)

Babilou Family US is part of the global Babilou Family network and brings a local, community‑focused approach to early childhood education through our Little Sprouts, Building Blocks, and Heartworks schools. We are looking for a proactive and collaborative team member who will support our mission and contribute meaningfully to this role.

The School Director plays a vital leadership role in ensuring a safe, high‑quality, and nurturing environment for children and families. This position is ideal for someone ready to lead with a people‑first mindset, elevate school operations, mentor staff, engage families, and drive strong enrollment and financial performance.

• Maintain a safe, compliant, and high‑quality learning environment.
• Achieve 95%+ operational audit scores with zero major safety incidents.
• Ensure 100% licensing compliance with zero violations.
• Strengthen staff culture, reduce turnover, and build a high‑performing team.
• Elevate parent satisfaction to 90%+ through exceptional communication and engagement.
• Grow enrollment 5–10% annually while maintaining healthy profit margins.
• Host meaningful family events to build community and connection.

• Ensure smooth daily operations that meet company standards.
• Maintain safe, clean, and nurturing classroom environments.

KPIs:

• 95%+ operational audit score
• 90%+ classroom quality rating

• Ensure full compliance with all state childcare and school regulations.
• Serve as a Mandated Reporter and maintain responsibility for child abuse reporting.
• Prepare for and manage all state inspections.

KPIs:

• 100% compliance during inspections
• Zero licensing violations annually

• Recruit, train, mentor, and support staff.
• Build a positive, collaborative workplace culture.

KPIs:

• Staff turnover below 25% annually
• 100% completion of required staff training
• 80%+ employee engagement score

• Build strong, trusting relationships with parents through consistent communication.
• Address parent questions and concerns promptly and professionally.
• Host family‑focused events to strengthen community connection.

KPIs:

• 90%+ parent satisfaction
• Respond to 100% of inquiries within 24 hours
• Host at least 4 family events annually

• Manage the school’s budget and overall financial performance.
• Implement local marketing strategies to increase enrollment.

KPIs:

• 5–10% annual enrollment growth
• Maintain profit margins (15–20%)

• Exercise independent judgment and decision‑making authority on matters related to school operations, staffing, parent communication, culture, compliance, budgeting, and safety.
• Manage and direct the work of teachers and staff, including hiring recommendations, onboarding, scheduling, coaching, performance management, and disciplinary actions.
• Hold primary responsibility for overall success of the school: operational performance, compliance readiness, financial stewardship, staff engagement, and family satisfaction.
• Lead high‑level administrative and managerial work requiring specialized knowledge of ECE licensing, curriculum implementation, staffing models, safety practices, and regulatory requirements.
• Provide direct supervision to staff and hold authority to influence employment decisions.
• Function as a strategic partner to Regional Managers and senior leadership, offering insights that influence organizational practices and school‑level outcomes.

• Must pass required state and company background checks.
• Comply with all VT Public Health and Child Care Regulations.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Human Development, or related field, or 30 college credits with a focus on Early Childhood or School Age.
• Program Director Step 1 or Step 2 certification, or willingness to obtain it; Vermont Early Educator License preferred.
• 3–10 years of experience in early childhood education or classroom management.
• Ensure classroom environments meet NAEYC’s Anti‑Bias Early Education standards.
• Demonstrated commitment to kindness, respect, and community engagement.

• Active classroom environment with regular interaction with children, families, and team members.
• Movement between indoor and outdoor learning spaces throughout the day.
• Collaborative setting with consistent communication and teamwork.

• Move throughout the school for prolonged periods, standing and walking up to 75% of the workday.
• Transition between sitting, standing, bending, kneeling, and squatting.
• Safely lift and carry up to 30 pounds.
• Engage on the floor, run, supervise outdoor play, and provide interactive learning experiences.
• Work in a dynamic, sometimes noisy environment with frequent interruptions.
• Supervise children on playgrounds, classrooms, hallways, entryways, and common areas.
• Respond quickly and safely in emergency situations, including evacuations and drills.
• Follow and model all safety procedures.

All employees must complete a background check as required by the Department of Early Education and Care.

We are an equal opportunity employer. Employment is offered on an at‑will basis.

• Up to 75% discount on child’s tuition, including tax‑friendly tuition reduction options.
• Comprehensive health benefits package (health, dental, vision) effective from start date.
• Free subscription to First Stop Health for 24/7 virtual doctor access.
• 401(k) plan with eligibility for a discretionary employer contribution each year; must be 21+ to enroll and eligibility begins after 60 days of employment.
• Opportunities for career advancement, coaching, and dedicated Child Conference.
• Employee referral program available.

$77,000 – $84,000 per year for Director qualified candidates.

This position qualifies for an annual bonus plan based on qualitative and quantitative metrics. Compensation may vary based on experience, education, and other factors.