Preschool Director in Frederick, Maryland at Life & Discovery Inc

The Preschool Director is the designated administrative and operational leader responsible for effective management of a Maryland child care center (pending licensure). The position oversees program operations, regulatory compliance, personnel, educational quality, and the health, safety, and welfare of children. The Director translates organizational objectives into daily practices, maintains a qualified workforce, and exercises professional judgment within delegated authority.

• Administer daily center operations to support licensing readiness, operational consistency, and high-quality child care services while implementing applicable Maryland child care regulations to establish compliant operating practices before opening and maintain compliance after licensure.

• Monitor staff qualifications, child-to-staff ratios, group sizes, and supervision practices to protect children and satisfy applicable licensing standards.

• Maintain accurate personnel, enrollment, health, safety, and licensing records to support regulatory compliance and effective administration at all times.

• Implement safety measures for child protection, emergency preparedness, and incident-response procedures to safeguard children, employees, and visitors.

• Arrange daily qualified coverage and maintain required Director presence to ensure continuity of leadership and compliance with applicable regulations throughout the program.

• Develop employee schedules and staffing plans to meet enrollment needs, maintain appropriate supervision, and use resources effectively.

• Recruit preschool staff and ensure an EEO selection process is in place, to attract qualified personnel who meet organizational and regulatory requirements.

• Manage the onboarding and orientation process for smooth transition of new employees for their duties, center policies, and child safety responsibilities.

• Conduct documented annual performance evaluations to assess employee effectiveness, identify development needs, and support accountability.

• Monitor mandatory training and continuing professional development to maintain staff qualifications and readiness for regulatory review.

• Address employee concerns and administer approved corrective measures to promote a respectful, consistent, and productive workplace.

• Oversee curriculum implementation to provide developmentally appropriate educational experiences aligned with program goals

• Evaluate classroom environments and instructional practices to strengthen educational quality, engagement, and child development outcomes

• Support individualized teaching approaches to address children’s diverse developmental abilities, learning needs, and social-emotional well-being.

• Coordinate communication among classroom staff, administration, and families to promote continuity of care and effective collaboration

• Manage enrollment, attendance, and administrative workflows to maintain accurate information and efficient center operations.

• Coordinate facility maintenance, equipment, and supply needs to sustain a safe, functional, and well-equipped learning environment.

• Monitor authorized expenditures and support budget development to promote responsible financial stewardship and operational sustainability.

• Prepare operational reports and recommend process improvements to inform leadership decisions and strengthen organizational performance

• Build constructive relationships with parents, guardians, and community stakeholders to encourage trust, engagement, and family satisfaction. Communicate center policies, program updates, and child care expectations to keep families informed and support positive partnerships.

• Resolve routine family concerns and escalate significant issues to ensure responsive service and appropriate organizational oversight.

• Report material staffing, safety, operational, and regulatory concerns to organizational leadership to enable timely intervention and corrective action.

• Represent the center in interactions with regulators, families, and community partners to uphold AACF’s professional standards and organizational reputation.

Must satisfy applicable MSDE Office of Child Care director requirements under COMAR 13A.16.06.05 and the provisions for the center’s licensed capacity and ages served, including:

• Minimum age of 21 and required educational qualification or approved alternative.

• Applicable preservice coursework/training in communication, administration, ADA compliance, and child care.

• Required experience and any additional infant/toddler qualifications.

• Background screening, employment suitability, health and safety training, and required regulatory training.

• Ongoing approved professional development and maintenance of required records.

Global Village will verify and document eligibility for this specific licensed center before assigning the employee to the Center Director position.

• Working knowledge of child care center operations, licensing, supervision, and administrative controls.

• Demonstrated ability to manage employees, schedules, documentation, confidential matters, and resources.

• Strong written communication, professional judgment, and conflict-resolution skills.

• Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, child development, education administration, or related field.

• Previous licensed center management and employee performance-management experience.

• Familiarity with Maryland EXCELS, budgeting, enrollment systems, and child care software.

• Maintain qualifications, required continuing training, and required onsite presence.

• Cooperate with inspections and investigations; follow reporting, child protection, health, safety, and confidentiality requirements.

• Promptly report compliance concerns and fulfill all duties applicable to the licensed program.

Loss of required eligibility or failure to fulfill essential regulatory obligations may result in reassignment or other employment action consistent with applicable law.

Work is primarily performed onsite in an active child care center. The role involves standing, walking, sitting, bending, observing classrooms, and responding to safety situations. The employee must perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation. Occasional work outside scheduled hours may be required.

Performance is evaluated on licensing compliance and corrective actions; child safety; staff performance, development, and retention; educational quality; records and reporting; operational efficiency; family communication; and achievement of organizational objectives. Specific targets and evaluation intervals are set through the employer’s performance-management process.