Step One Academy

Step One Academy is seeking an organized, compassionate, and motivated Assistant Director who is ready to slowly grow into a Center Director role.

This position is ideal for an experienced early childhood professional who possesses the qualifications necessary to become a Director under New Jersey child care licensing regulations and is looking for an opportunity to develop their leadership skills while working alongside experienced Directors.

The Assistant Director will assist with daily operations, staff supervision, family communication, enrollment, licensing compliance, curriculum support, and overall center management. Through hands-on mentorship and structured training, the selected candidate will transition into leading one of our licensed child care centers.

• Assist with the daily operation of the child care center
• Support classroom staff through coaching, mentoring, and problem-solving
• Ensure compliance with all NJ Office of Licensing regulations
• Maintain staff and children's records
• Assist with enrollment, tours, and family orientation
• Build positive relationships with children, families, and staff
• Help oversee staff scheduling and classroom coverage
• Monitor classroom quality and educational standards
• Participate in hiring, onboarding, and staff development
• Conduct classroom observations and provide constructive feedback
• Assist with incident investigations and documentation
• Help coordinate staff meetings and administrative meetings
• Support licensing inspections and Grow NJ Kids initiatives
• Maintain a safe, positive, and professional environment
• Perform additional leadership duties as assigned

• Minimum Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education or a closely related field.
• Experience supervising or managing teams.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Professional demeanor and leadership mindset.
• Computer proficiency.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• CPR/First Aid Certification (or willingness to obtain immediately).
• Background checks and fingerprint clearance required.

• Master's Degree in any field related to children or business
• Director Credential or eligibility
• Experience with Grow NJ Kids
• Experience with Creative Curriculum
• Bilingual (English/Spanish)
• Experience using Playground (or similar child care management software)
• Experience with EPPIC, NJCCIS, or subsidy programs
• Experience conducting classroom observations
• Staff coaching experience
• Experience preparing for licensing inspections

• Health Insurance
• Sick Leave
• Retirement Plan
• Child Care Discount
• Professional Development
• Director mentorship and leadership training
• Opportunity to potentially advance into Center Director position
• Paid professional development
• Employee appreciation events
• Positive family-oriented work culture
• Stable, growing organization
• Opportunity to make a lasting impact on children and families