Childcare Center Director

Company: Kids Academy of Learning & Excellence powered
Location: Richmond
Posted on: February 17, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Summary Kids Academy of Learning Excellence (KALE) North Chesterfield, VA (23236) Full-Time | Enrollment Bonuses | 6-Month Probation About the Role Kids Academy of Learning Excellence (KALE) is launching a next-generation STEM- and AI-focused early learning center in North Chesterfield (23236). We are seeking a VDOE-qualified Center Director / Childcare Director with strong leadership, operational excellence, integrity, and experience in: Childcare management Preschool administration Enrollment growth Digital marketing Family engagement This is a high-impact aggressive leadership role overseeing a licensed childcare center with a strong emphasis on center enrollment, occupancy growth, and family partnership . This role requires a highly reliable and visibility, self-directed leader who follows through on commitments, represents the organization professionally at all times, and thrives in a fast-moving startup environment Duties CORE EXPECTATIONS (REQUIRED FOR SUCCESS) Demonstrates consistent follow-through on commitments, deadlines, and deliverables Communicates proactively and transparently; does not disappear, delay, or overpromise Shows up prepared, punctual, and professional — every time Takes ownership of outcomes without deflecting responsibility Maintains integrity in all communications with families, staff, partners, and leadership Comfortable being the face of the organization in the community Represents KALE with confidence, credibility, and professionalism at all times This role is not suited for individuals who struggle with consistency, reliability, or accountability. Childcare Center Operations Lead daily operations of a licensed childcare center / preschool Ensure full compliance with VDOE 8VAC20-780 regulations Manage ratios, staffing schedules, teacher supervision, and safety procedures Maintain all children’s records, staff files, licensing paperwork, and training logs Oversee budgets, tuition billing, purchasing, and vendor relationships Enrollment, Marketing Tour Conversion (Top Priority) Drive childcare enrollment , preschool enrollment , and center occupancy growth Achieving 90% occupancy within 12 months Conduct high-conversion tours and timely parent follow-ups Manage digital marketing (Facebook, Instagram, Google Business, community groups) Build partnerships with local schools, churches, and community organizations Track weekly lead activity, waitlists, enrollment funnels, and conversions Improve family satisfaction and retention metrics Requirements Required Qualifications (VDOE-Compliant) Must meet ONE of the following pathways: Bachelor’s/Master’s in Early Childhood, Child Development, or Elementary Education 1-year programmatic experience , OR 48 college credits (12 in ECE/Child Development) 1 year experience , OR 2 years of programmatic experience (1 year supervising) CDA/ECE Certificate Additional Requirements: CPR/First Aid MAT (or obtained within 30 days) Minimum 10 hours of management/business training Ability to pass all state federal background checks Completion of Virginia Preservice Training for Child Care Staff within 90 days Daily Health Observation (DHO) training preferred (or within 90 days) Emergency Preparedness Response training within required timelines ? Preferred Experience Current experience as a childcare director , preschool director , or assistant director Proven history of growing enrollment and increasing center occupancy Digital marketing, social media, or community outreach experience Ability to lead and develop teachers Experience with STEM, robotics, coding, or early technology (preferred, not required) Familiarity with Abeka, STEM, Reggio, or project-based learning Enrollment, Marketing Community Leadership Actively represents KALE at community events, tours, partnerships, and outreach activities Builds authentic relationships with families, schools, churches, and community leaders Confidently communicates KALE’s mission, programs, and value proposition Follows up consistently with prospective families and partners Tracks outreach efforts and enrollment activity with accuracy and accountability Professional Accountability Requirement Must provide examples of past roles where you were responsible for outcomes such as enrollment growth, team leadership, program delivery, or operational results Must be able to speak clearly to how you set goals, followed through, and delivered results. Nice To Haves ?? Who Thrives Here This role is ideal for someone who is: An ambitious results-driven childcare leader with EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE. Skilled at both education business Confident in tours, marketing, and parent communication Comfortable in a fast-growing STEM/AI environment Capable of meeting targeted occupancy and revenue goals Executive Director will help with STEM Curriculum. Self-starters who take initiative without being asked Leaders who do what they say they will do Professionals who value integrity, consistency, and accountability Individuals energized by growth, visibility, and responsibility This role requires a highly reliable, self-directed leader who follows through on commitments, represents the organization professionally at all times, and thrives in a fast-moving startup environment. This position is results-driven and accountability-focused . Candidates who require heavy supervision, struggle with consistency, or do not follow through on commitments will not be successful in this role. Benefits Compensation Benefits Salary: (based on experience) Enrollment Bonus 6-month probationary period with performance review based on: Enrollment growth VDOE compliance Family satisfaction Staff performance PTO holidays Tuition discounts Professional development in STEM, leadership, and AI tools Career Growth Opportunities High-performing Directors may advance to: Regional Director roles Training Director Multi-site executive leadership About Us Kids Academy of Learning Excellence (KALE), powered by the CORE Foundation, is a next-generation early learning ecosystem built to nurture the whole child—mind, heart, spirit, and future potential. Rooted in compassion and community impact, KALE blends strong early childhood fundamentals with STE(AI)M™ innovation, literacy foundations, and character development. Our work is purpose-driven, family-centered, and excellence-focused.

Keywords: Kids Academy of Learning & Excellence powered , Richmond , Childcare Center Director, Education / Teaching , Richmond, Virginia