Early Childhood Program Director

Job Description

Summary

General Position Description

The Program Director is a leadership role that supports high-quality programming through two key responsibilities: center-wide curriculum leadership and administrative/operational support. This position works closely with the Executive Director and administrative team to implement, monitor, and refine a responsive and inclusive curriculum while also contributing to the daily management of center operations, staff development, and family communication. The ideal candidate is passionate about early childhood education, committed to collaborative leadership, and capable of mentoring educators while helping the center meet licensing and quality standards.

Duties

Key Program Director Responsibilities

Curriculum Leadership

Lead the implementation of OCCC’s emergent, play-based curriculum across all classrooms.

Mentor teaching teams in planning developmentally appropriate experiences that reflect children’s interests, needs, and family cultures.

Provide regular classroom observations and feedback to ensure curriculum fidelity and alignment with Vermont Early Learning Standards and NAEYC criteria.

Coordinate professional development focused on pedagogy, child assessment, and reflective practice.

Support the development and implementation of child assessment tools and documentation practices.

Administrative Operational Support

Assist the Executive Director with daily program oversight, scheduling, and staff support.

Assume duties of Executive Director and Teachers as needed during their absence.

Help ensure compliance with Vermont child care licensing regulations and NAEYC standards.

Participate in staff hiring, onboarding, and performance review processes.

Resolve conflicts (including corrective action when necessary) to ensure a positive experience for everyone.

Collaborate with the admin team and teaching teams on admissions decisions and classroom placements

Collaborate on family engagement strategies, including conferences, workshops, and special events.

Collaborate on creating regular newsletters.

Maintain clear, respectful communication with families and staff.

Quality and Compliance

Support data collection for licensing, STARS, and accreditation purposes.

Contribute to center-wide goal setting, self-assessment, and improvement planning.

Monitor curriculum-related documentation and assist with maintaining accurate child records.

Requirements

Additional Knowledge, Skills and Experience RequireEducation and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field (Master’s preferred).

Minimum of 3 years of teaching experience in an early childhood setting; 1–2 years of supervisory or curriculum leadership experience preferred.

Vermont Northern Lights Director Credential Level I required; Level II preferred or in progress.

Skills Abilities

Demonstrated knowledge of emergent curriculum, inclusive practices, and Vermont Early Learning Standards.

Strong communication, leadership, and mentoring skills.

Ability to support and guide staff with a collaborative, strengths-based approach.

Familiarity with NAEYC accreditation and Vermont STARS quality standards.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office and digital documentation tools.

Other Requirements

Ability to pass background checks including fingerprinting.

Work Environment Physical Requirements

Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

Active participation in classrooms, including sitting on the floor and outdoor play.

Ability to move easily between administrative tasks and classroom engagement throughout the day.

Occasional evening or weekend hours for family events or outreach.

Benefits

Employer Sponsored Dental Insurance

Employer Sponsored Vision Insurance

Group Life and Accidental Death/Dismemberment Insurance

Short Term Disability Insurance

Long Term Disability Insurance

Telemedicine, including Teletherapy

Employee Assistance Program

Simple IRA

Tuition Reimbursement

Child Care Discount

Generous Paid Time Off

Two Floating Holidays

Paid Holidays and Snow Days

Paid Planning Time

Paid Release Time for course work

Full-time