- Salary
- $65k – $75k
- Location
- Fredericksburg, VA
- Type
- Full-time
- Department
- Education
- Seniority
- Director
- Experience
- 2+ years
- Education
- Associate
- Source
- ApplicantPro
Description
School Director – Early Childhood Education Leadership
$65,000–$75,000/year | Leadership Opportunity | Career Growth | Employee Childcare Discount | Performance Incentives $$$
Ready to lead a school and make a meaningful impact?
Children of America (COA) is looking for a confident, passionate, and experienced School Director to lead our early childhood education team. This is an exciting opportunity for an early childhood leader who enjoys developing people, building strong relationships with families, creating a positive school culture, and driving both educational and operational success.
At COA, our schools serve children from 6 weeks through 12 years, providing a variety of programs including Infant, Toddler, Preschool, Pre-K, Before & After Care, and Summer Camp.
You'll work closely with senior leadership and our regional support team while leading a talented group of educators and support staff. We believe the strongest leaders bring their whole selves to work, share their ideas, develop those around them, and create an environment where children, families, and employees can thrive.
What Makes COA Different?
We are a special recipe of people, principles, and pride. Our culture is built around collaboration, professional growth, and a genuine passion for what we do.
As a School Director, you'll have the support of senior leadership and an experienced regional team while having the opportunity to lead your school, develop your team, and grow your career with COA.
Who Will I Work With?
You'll interact regularly with:
- Children and families
- Teachers and educational staff
- Assistant Directors and school leadership
- Operations and regional leadership
- Facilities and custodial teams
- Corporate and administrative support teams
What Are We Looking For?
We're looking for an early childhood leader who is organized, relationship-driven, and comfortable balancing the many moving parts of a busy school.
Requirements:
- Minimum CDA or Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education
- 2–4 years of leadership experience
- Minimum 2 years of experience in a licensed childcare facility
- Strong knowledge of early childhood education and development
- Ability to lead, coach, motivate, and retain a high-performing team
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills
- Excellent organizational and time-management skills
- Effective decision-making and problem-solving abilities
- Ability to remain flexible and composed in challenging situations
- Commitment to ongoing professional development
- Proficiency with technology, including industry-specific applications and Microsoft Office 365
- Must meet all applicable state licensing and regulatory requirements
What Does a School Director Do?
Every day is different, but your focus will be on people, families, education, operations, and growth.
You will:
- Lead, develop, coach, and retain a talented team of educators and support staff
- Create a positive school culture where employees feel supported, valued, and motivated
- Partner with teachers to support high-quality classroom experiences and educational programming
- Build strong relationships with families and provide an exceptional parent experience
- Ensure the school operates in compliance with all applicable state licensing regulations
- Oversee the daily operations of the school using COA policies, processes, and procedures
- Support enrollment growth by delivering the COA Experience to current and prospective families
- Promote high-quality care and education through consistent execution of the COA curriculum
- Monitor school performance and work toward achieving operational, educational, and enrollment goals
- Collaborate with senior and regional leadership to identify opportunities and address challenges
- Support employee development, training, engagement, and retention
- Maintain a safe, welcoming, and professional environment for children, families, and employees
- Meet or exceed COA performance standards and goals outlined in the annual budget
Grow Your Career with COA
We believe great leaders should have opportunities to grow. As a School Director, you'll have access to resources and programs designed to support your professional development and long-term career growth.
Benefits Include:
- Internal Career Advancement Opportunities
- 100% Employee Childcare Discount
- Annual Longevity Bonus (program guidelines apply)
- Quarterly PEEEP (IOS) Performance Bonus
- Educational Assistance/Reimbursement
- T.E.A.C.H. Scholarship Partnerships
- Employee Referral Bonus
- Employee Recognition Programs
- Medical, Dental & Vision
- 401(k)
- Life, Accident & Disability Insurance
- Paid Vacation
- Paid Holidays
Relocation Assistance Available
Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates relocating for this position. Eligibility and assistance amounts are subject to company guidelines.
Compensation
Base Pay: $65,000–$75,000 annually
Actual compensation will be based on experience, skills, geographic location, and internal equity. This position may also be eligible for performance-based incentives and additional benefits.
Travel Requirement
- Must possess a valid driver's license and reliable transportation
- Ability and willingness to travel up to 10% of the time for training, professional development, and organizational meetings
Ready to Lead with COA?
If you're an experienced early childhood professional who is ready to lead a team, build a strong school community, support families, and take the next step in your career, we'd love to hear from you.
Join Children of America and make a difference every day - one child, one family, and one team member at a time.
Children of America is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fair and transparent hiring practices and comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) guidelines, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and applicable state pay transparency requirements.
We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other protected status under applicable law. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to
All job offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and the submission of the required state documents.