Assistant Director

The Assistant Director serves as the second-in-command at a Bright Star Kids Academy center, supporting the Center Director in all aspects of operations including staff management, regulatory compliance, family relations, and program quality. This position requires strong leadership capabilities, comprehensive knowledge of early childhood education, and the ability to manage center operations independently when the Director is unavailable.

The Assistant Director ensures smooth daily operations by supervising teaching staff, maintaining compliance with Georgia Bright from the Start (BFTS) and DECAL standards, overseeing enrollment processes, and serving as a primary point of contact for families. This role bridges operational leadership with hands-on classroom support, requiring both administrative expertise and strong instructional knowledge.

This is a performance-driven position with clear expectations for operational excellence, staff development, regulatory compliance, and family satisfaction. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong organizational skills, leadership presence, problem-solving abilities, and commitment to maintaining BSKA's reputation as a Quality Rated early learning provider. This role serves as excellent preparation for future Center Director positions.

Compensation$18- $22

Key Responsibilities

A. Center Operations & Management

• Assume full operational responsibility for the center in the Director's absence

• Oversee daily operations including classroom coverage, staff deployment, and resource allocation

• Monitor enrollment levels and support waitlist management and family tours

• Conduct regular walkthroughs of classrooms to assess quality and identify improvement opportunities

• Manage center schedule, staff breaks, and classroom ratios to ensure continuous compliance

• Address facility maintenance issues and coordinate with vendors

• Support budget management and monitor expenses

B. Staff Leadership & Development

• Supervise Lead Teachers and Assistant Teachers, providing coaching and feedback

• Conduct performance evaluations and support professional development planning

• Address staff performance concerns promptly and implement improvement plans when needed

• Participate in recruitment, interviewing, and onboarding of new staff

• Lead or co-facilitate staff meetings and training sessions

• Model professional behavior and maintain positive staff morale

• Resolve staff conflicts and maintain a collaborative work environment

C. Regulatory Compliance & Quality Assurance

• Ensure center maintains 100% compliance with BFTS and DECAL licensing requirements

• Conduct internal compliance audits and document corrective actions

• Maintain staff files including background checks, certifications, and training documentation

• Monitor classroom environments for safety, cleanliness, and learning quality

• Coordinate with DECAL during inspections and licensing reviews

• Oversee CACFP food program compliance including meal documentation and vendor management

• Track staff CPR/First Aid certifications and training hour requirements

• Ensure proper handling of incident reports and maintain required documentation

D. Family Relations & Communication

• Serve as primary contact for family inquiries and concerns when Director is unavailable

• Conduct center tours for prospective families and support enrollment processes

• Address parent concerns promptly and professionally, escalating issues when appropriate

• Monitor Playground app communication for quality and responsiveness

• Support parent-teacher conferences and family engagement events

• Build positive relationships with families and maintain high satisfaction scores

• Manage enrollment transitions including waitlist communication and withdrawals

E. Curriculum & Program Quality

• Support implementation of Creative Curriculum and GELDS across all classrooms

• Review and provide feedback on lesson plans

• Observe classroom activities and provide coaching to improve instructional practices

• Ensure developmentally appropriate learning environments and materials

• Coordinate professional development focused on curriculum implementation

• Support teachers in documenting child development and assessments

• Provide classroom coverage when needed and maintain teaching skills

F. Administrative & Documentation

• Manage enrollment documents, child files, and required DECAL paperwork

• Oversee timesheet and payroll submission processes

• Coordinate CAPS applications and renewals with families and administrative team

• Maintain accurate attendance records and billing information in Playground

• Generate reports for Director and Regional Director as requested

• Coordinate ordering of classroom supplies and materials

• Support center marketing and community outreach initiatives

G. Emergency & Crisis Management

• Lead emergency response procedures including evacuations and lockdowns

• Manage serious incidents including injuries requiring medical attention

• Contact emergency services and families as appropriate

• Complete required incident documentation and reporting

• Make critical operational decisions in emergency situations

Skills & Experience

Education & Credentials

• Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field (required); Bachelor's degree (preferred)

• CDA (Child Development Associate) credential minimum; higher credentials strongly preferred

• Current CPR and First Aid certification

• Must meet Georgia Bright from the Start administrative staff requirements

• Pass comprehensive background check and fingerprinting

• Director Credential or willingness to pursue (preferred)

Professional Experience

• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in licensed early childhood education settings

• Previous lead teacher or supervisory experience (required)

• Demonstrated knowledge of BFTS and DECAL licensing requirements

• Experience with curriculum implementation (Creative Curriculum, GELDS, or similar frameworks)

• Track record of successful staff management and development

Technical & Systems Competencies

• Proficiency with childcare management systems (Playground or equivalent)

• Strong computer skills including Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, email management

• Ability to generate reports and analyze operational data

• Experience with project management and task tracking systems (preferred)

Leadership & Communication Skills

• Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop teaching staff

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities

• Ability to handle difficult conversations professionally

• Diplomatic approach to conflict resolution

• Bilingual in English and Spanish (strongly preferred)

Personal Qualities & Soft Skills

• Strong leadership presence and ability to command respect

• Highly organized with excellent time management

• Calm under pressure and skilled at multi-tasking

• Detail-oriented with commitment to accuracy and compliance

• Flexible and adaptable to changing priorities

• Professional demeanor and high ethical standards

• Passion for early childhood education and commitment to quality

Reporting Structure & Accountability

Reports to:

Center Director and Regional Director of Operations

Supervises:

• Lead Teachers and Assistant Teachers

• Support staff as assigned

Collaborates with:

• Other Assistant Directors across BSKA locations

• Administrative team and kitchen staff

• Next Gen ABA Therapy staff

• DECAL representatives and community partners

Expectations & Working Conditions

Schedule

• Full-time, salaried position: Monday–Friday during center operating hours

• Flexibility required for opening/closing responsibilities and emergency coverage

• Occasional evening or weekend availability for events, meetings, or facility needs

• On-call availability for emergency situations

Location

Assigned to one of BSKA's two locations:

• Midtown Atlanta: 635 Boulevard NE, Atlanta, GA 30308

• Buford: 1980 Buford Hwy NE, Buford, GA 30518

Professional Requirements

• Complete mandatory annual training hours as required by BFTS and position requirements

• Pursue Director Credential or advanced credentials as recommended

• Maintain current knowledge of licensing regulations and best practices

• Uphold highest standards of professional ethics and confidentiality

• Support organizational culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement

Position Summary

This role is ideal for an experienced early childhood education leader seeking to advance into center administration. The Assistant Director position provides comprehensive operational experience, leadership development opportunities, and preparation for future Director roles. Join our team and contribute to BSKA's mission of providing exceptional early learning experiences while building a rewarding career in early childhood education leadership.