Position Summary

The Assistant Director is a full-time leadership position responsible for supporting the daily operations, educational programming, staff development, family engagement, and regulatory compliance of the center in accordance with Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC) Licensing Regulations, Connecticut Early Learning and Development Standards (CT ELDS), School Readiness requirements, and National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Accreditation Standards.

This role serves as an instructional leader and coach, emphasizing mentorship, reflective practice, and professional growth. The Assistant Director supports teachers through coaching, modeling, problem-solving, and continuous improvement rather than punitive supervision.

The Assistant Director serves as the primary source of communication for staff and families. The director must approve all communications in advance. Finally, the Assistant Director collaborates closely to maintain a safe, nurturing, compliant, and high-quality early childhood program.

Full-time and part-time teaching staff report directly to the Assistant Director.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Staff Supervision, Coaching & Scheduling

• Assist in recruiting, hiring, interviewing, onboarding, orienting, training, and retaining qualified staff.
• Create, manage, and adjust staff schedules to ensure compliance with staff-to-child ratios.
• Develop and maintain daily staff break schedules.
• Conduct classroom observations and provide ongoing coaching, mentoring, and reflective supervision to ensure quality instruction.
• Address performance concerns through supportive coaching conversations and professional development plans.
• Support teachers in problem-solving classroom challenges.
• Model developmentally appropriate practices, behavior guidance techniques, and classroom management strategies.
• Assist in classrooms as needed to maintain ratios and support staff.
• Cover staff lunch breaks when necessary.
• Conduct performance evaluations and support professional growth planning.
• Foster positive teamwork and collaborative relationships among staff.

2. Educational Leadership, Curriculum & Assessment

• Monitor lesson plans and curriculum implementation for quality and consistency aligned with CT ELDS and NAEYC standards.
• Ensure staff submit lesson plans in a timely manner.
• Support teachers in creating meaningful learning experiences based on children's interests, developmental needs, and assessment data.
• Monitor child assessments, developmental screenings, and progress documentation.
• Analyze assessment data to support individualized instruction and program improvement.
• Track developmental and behavioral screenings and submit required reports.
• Promote inclusive practices that support all learners.

3. Family Communication & Partnerships

• Serve as the primary point of contact for families regarding educational and classroom concerns.
• Develop positive partnerships with families based on trust, mutual respect, and open communication.
• Address family concerns professionally and promptly.
• Communicate important information regarding schedules, staffing, classroom changes, and program updates.
• Escalate unresolved or serious concerns to the Director.
• Organize and facilitate monthly family engagement opportunities and parent meetings.
• Support connections between families and community resources when appropriate.
• Promote family involvement and participation within the program.

4. Program Administration & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with Connecticut OEC Licensing Regulations.
• Support implementation and maintenance of NAEYC Accreditation standards.
• Assist with CT Early Start monitoring requirements.
• Maintain required records and documentation for licensing, accreditation, audits, and reporting requirements.
• Monitor classrooms for compliance with health, safety, supervision, and educational standards.
• Ensure appropriate classroom coverage and staff-to-child ratios at all times.
• Assist with policy and procedure development and implementation.
• Participate in continuous quality improvement initiatives.
• Assist with planning and facilitating staff meetings, trainings, and center events.
• Conduct monthly family or PTO meetings as designated by the Director.

5. Child Protection Responsibilities

• Maintain current knowledge of mandated reporter responsibilities.
• Ensure com