We are looking for a Preschool Executive Director serves as the senior operational and educational leader of our center, ensuring the highest standards of safety, well-being, and early childhood education. This position drives strategic planning, oversees daily administrative and financial operations, mentors teaching staff, and maintains strict compliance with state regulatory agencies and accreditation bodies. Working closely with executive leadership, staff, and families, the Executive Director fosters a safe, nurturing, and culturally diverse environment aligned with the mission and vision of TLP.
Primary Responsibilities & What You'll Do
Leadership, Culture & Strategic Operations
- Vision & Strategy: Define and execute a compelling operational vision that meets and exceeds state, local, and organizational quality standards.
- Culture & Staff Morale: Promote a positive agency culture, drive employee satisfaction, and oversee HR functions including performance evaluations, one-on-one coaching, and progressive discipline in coordination with HR.
- Financial Management: Develop and manage center budgets, oversee payroll, tuition billing, accounts payable/receivable, and approve classroom material/meal purchases.
- Enrollment & Community: Lead center tours, build rapport with prospective families, collect visitor data, execute follow-ups, and host 3 annual parent meetings.
Educational Quality & Classroom Support
- Curriculum Supervision: Review lesson plans, verify accommodations for children with delays/disabilities, ensure therapy-related goals are integrated, and observe lead teachers to guarantee active, inquiry-based learning.
- Special Needs & Inclusion: Facilitate interdisciplinary team meetings between parents, staff, and contracted therapists. Review Individualized Service Plans, risk assessments, and behavioral plans.
- Training & Mentorship: Identify staff development needs, coordinate training schedules (including T.E.A.C.H. scholarships), and guide teachers on classroom management techniques.
Compliance, Health & Safety
- Regulatory Compliance: Maintain full compliance with DCF licensing standards, CARF Accreditation, and ELC Contract requirements. Maintain emergency binders, allergy lists, and master student/staff files.
- Nutritional & Health Standards: Adhere strictly to Child Care Food Program (CCFP) guidelines under the Florida Department of Health and Department of Agriculture. Approve compliant meal plans.
- Facility & Incident Management: Ensure indoor/outdoor environments remain safe, clean, and organized. Report maintenance needs, manage unusual incident reporting, and strictly enforce mandatory abuse/neglect reporting laws.
Qualifications & Requirements
Experience & Education
- Experience: Minimum of 5 years of direct professional experience in an early childhood setting, including at least 3 years in a supervisory/leadership capacity.
- Education & Credentials (One of the following tracks):
- Degree Track: Associate Degree or higher in Early Childhood Education (or related field) with at least 1 year of leadership experience (Lead Teacher, Assistant Director, or Director).
- Certificate Track: Florida Child Care Professional Certificate (FCCPC) with at least 10 years of leadership experience in early childhood education or early intervention.
Certifications & Compliance
- Current Infant/Child CPR and First Aid Certification.
- Ability to pass a comprehensive Level 2 background check and health screening.
- Knowledge of Florida DCF licensing standards, CCFP requirements, and ELC contracts.
Key Skills & Capabilities
- Strong financial management, budgeting, and organizational skills.
- High energy with exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficiency with administrative technology, timekeeping, and child management software (e.g., KidReports).
- Demonstrated ability to handle conflict resolution, crisis management, and parent communication with professionalism and empathy.
- Annual commitment to completing required administrative and curriculum-related in-service training hours (20+ hours annually).