Director of Operations

Kiddie Academy of Kent Island • Full-time • Stevensville, MD, US • $50k - $60k / year • 3m ago

Position Summary

Kiddie Academy of Kent Island is seeking an experienced, energetic, and relationship-focused Director to lead the daily operations of our early childhood education center. The Director is responsible for maintaining licensing compliance, developing and supporting staff, ensuring exceptional educational quality, building strong relationships with families, and driving enrollment growth.

This is an excellent opportunity for a leader who is passionate about early childhood education, team development, and creating a positive culture for children, families, and staff.

Essential Duties & ResponsibilitiesLeadership & Staff Development

Recruit, hire, onboard, and retain high-quality teachers and support staff.
Provide coaching, mentoring, and performance management to team members.
Create staff schedules and ensure proper classroom coverage at all times.
Foster a positive, professional, and collaborative workplace culture.

Licensing & Compliance

Ensure compliance with all Maryland Office of Child Care regulations and licensing requirements.
Maintain employee and child records in accordance with state requirements.
Prepare for and participate in licensing inspections and visits.
Ensure the health, safety, and well-being of all children in our care.

Family Engagement & Enrollment

Build strong relationships with current and prospective families.
Conduct tours and manage enrollment inquiries.
Support student retention through excellent customer service and communication.
Address parent concerns professionally and promptly.

Educational Quality

Support teachers in implementing developmentally appropriate curriculum and classroom practices.
Conduct regular classroom observations and provide feedback.
Ensure classrooms maintain high standards of learning, safety, and engagement.

Operations & Business Management

Monitor staffing, enrollment, attendance, and key operational metrics.
Assist with budgeting and expense management.
Coordinate facility maintenance and vendor relationships.
Support marketing, community outreach, and special events.

Minimum QualificationsMaryland Director Requirements

Meet Maryland Office of Child Care qualifications for a Child Care Center Director.
Director Credential Level 3 or higher preferred.
Current CPR/First Aid certification or ability to obtain upon hire.

Experience

Minimum 3 years of leadership experience in a licensed child care center, preschool, or early childhood program.
Previous experience as a Director or Assistant Director strongly preferred.
Experience with licensing compliance, enrollment management, and staff supervision.

Skills

Strong leadership and team-building abilities.
Excellent communication and customer service skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and childcare management software.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, or a related field.
Experience with Maryland EXCELS and/or accreditation programs.
Experience growing enrollment and building community partnerships.

***What We're Looking For***

The ideal candidate is