Department Head - Explorers (Toddlers) at Longkettle LLC – Mesquite, Texas

Department Head - Adventurers Role

The Department Head – Explorers is a player–coach leadership role responsible for the quality, stability, and execution of the Infant program at the school. This role serves as both a department leader and a lead teacher in one classroom, ensuring excellence and team cohesion while supporting site leadership with coverage and operations.

Department Head – Adventurers Responsibilities

· Serve as lead teacher in a Toddler classroom

· Own quality, ratios, & daily licensing / TRS standards across the Explorers department

· Coach and support assistant and lead teachers within the department

· Lead onboarding and training of new teachers in Explorers department

· Ensure curriculum execution and developmental best practices

· Partner with the Head of School on:

o opening/closing rotation

o staffing coverage

o classroom continuity

· Serve as a point of contact for department-level parent questions

· Drive retention of teachers and families

Department Head - Adventurers Qualifications

· Minimum 3–5 years ECE experience (infant experience required)

· Prior lead teacher or instructional leadership experience

· Strong understanding of infant development and licensing standards

· Calm, reliable, and solutions-oriented leadership style

· Ability to build trust and relationships with teachers and parents

· Willingness to operate as a hands-on leader in the classroom

CDA, AA, Or BA Degree

Compensation

· $40k annual salary plus incentives based on experience and site selection

· Health care insurance & benefits offered with company contribution

· Paid vacation, company holidays, and additional earned leave offered

· Professional development, offsite training, and mentorship with Head of School cohort

· Growth potential into multi-site and specialized roles