Sub-Director / Cook

Position Title: Sub Director

Reports To: Childcare Director

Location: Explorer Learning Academy - NE 8212 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR 97220

Schedule: Must be available to work evenings (up to 10:30 PM) and weekends

Employment Type: Full-Time, Salaried

Base Salary: $58,000 - $62,500 annually (up to $12,000 performance bonus)

Position Overview:

The Sub Director will support the Childcare Director in ensuring the overall leadership, compliance, performance, and operational excellence of Explorer Learning Academy. This role requires a committed, detail-oriented, and culturally grounded leader who embodies excellence in all aspects of their work and helps sustain a five-star, high-quality learning environment for children, families, and staff.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Compliance

• Serve as acting site leader in the absence of the Director.
• Ensure full compliance with state licensing regulations and contractual requirements, including SPARK, Preschool for All (PFA), ERDC, and USDA Food Program guidelines.
• Oversee staff compliance with required annual training hours and certifications (e.g., CPR/First Aid, Food Handler, Recognizing & Reporting Child Abuse).
• Lead and support all SPARK documentation, assessment tools, and site visits to achieve and maintain a 5-star quality rating.
  
  

Program Excellence

• Maintain and support a culturally affirming, high-quality, and luxurious environment that reflects attention to detail, and educational excellence.
• Ensure that:
• All classrooms and common areas are designed to be clutter-free, soothing, and conducive to learning.
• Classroom design adheres to Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, providing accessible materials, flexible spaces, and visual supports.
• Indoor and outdoor environments are safe, welcoming, and well-maintained.
  

Technology & Communication

• Demonstrate strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Utilize technology systems such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, ProCare, and Kaymbu to support operations, documentation, and communication.
• Monitor digital records for accuracy, including child files, attendance, health/safety logs, and curriculum documentation.
  
  

Qualifications:

• Oregon Registry Step 9 or Higher (Required)
• Minimum 2 years of early childhood education leadership experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of culturally responsive practices and inclusive curriculum design.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, quality-focused environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and childcare software (ProCare, Kaymbu).
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Availability to work evenings and weekends as required.
• Proven experience with:
• Staff recruitment and retention
• Enrollment management
• Oregon's SPARK Quality Rating and Improvement System
• Child Care licensing requirements
• Implementing curriculum with fidelity (HighScope, Montessori-Inspired Environments, Second Step, etc.)
• Contract compliance for publicly funded programs (e.g., PFA, CCI, ERDC)
• Marketing
  

Position Title: Sub Director

Reports To: Childcare Director

Location: Explorer Learning Academy - NE 8212 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR 97220

Schedule: Must be available to work evenings (up to 10:30 PM) and weekends

Employment Type: Full-Time, Salaried

Base Salary: $58,000 - $62,500 annually (up to $12,000 performance bonus)

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Compliance

• Serve as acting site leader in the absence of the Director.
• Ensure full compliance with state licensing regulations and contractual requirements, including SPARK, Preschool for All (PFA), ERDC, and USDA Food Program guidelines.
• Oversee staff compliance with required annual training hours and certifications (e.g., CPR/First Aid, Food Handler, Recognizing & Reporting Child Abuse).
• Lead and support all SPARK documentation, assessment tools, and site visits to achieve and maintain a 5-star quality rating.
  
  

Program Excellence

• Maintain and support a culturally affirming, high-quality, and luxurious environment that reflects attention to detail, and educational excellence.
• Ensure that:
• All classrooms and common areas are designed to be clutter-free, soothing, and conducive to learning.
• Classroom design adheres to Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, providing accessible materials, flexible spaces, and visual supports.
• Indoor and outdoor environments are safe, welcoming, and well-maintained.
  

Technology & Communication

• Demonstrate strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Utilize technology systems such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, ProCare, and Kaymbu to support operations, documentation, and communication.
• Monitor digital records for accuracy, including child files, attendance, health/safety logs, and curriculum documentation.
  
  

Qualifications:

• Oregon Registry Step 9 or Higher (Required)
• Minimum 2 years of early childhood education leadership experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of culturally responsive practices and inclusive curriculum design.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, quality-focused environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and childcare software (ProCare, Kaymbu).
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Availability to work evenings and weekends as required.
• Proven experience with:
• Staff recruitment and retention
• Enrollment management
• Oregon's SPARK Quality Rating and Improvement System
• Child Care licensing requirements
• Implementing curriculum with fidelity (HighScope, Montessori-Inspired Environments, Second Step, etc.)
• Contract compliance for publicly funded programs (e.g., PFA, CCI, ERDC)
• Marketing
  

Position Title: Sub Director

Reports To: Childcare Director

Location: Explorer Learning Academy - NE 8212 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR 97220

Schedule: Must be available to work evenings (up to 10:30 PM) and weekends

Employment Type: Full-Time, Salaried

Base Salary: $58,000 - $62,500 annually (up to $12,000 performance bonus)

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Compliance

• Serve as acting site leader in the absence of the Director.
• Ensure full compliance with state licensing regulations and contractual requirements, including SPARK, Preschool for All (PFA), ERDC, and USDA Food Program guidelines.
• Oversee staff compliance with required annual training hours and certifications (e.g., CPR/First Aid, Food Handler, Recognizing & Reporting Child Abuse).
• Lead and support all SPARK documentation, assessment tools, and site visits to achieve and maintain a 5-star quality rating.
  
  

Program Excellence

• Maintain and support a culturally affirming, high-quality, and luxurious environment that reflects attention to detail, and educational excellence.
• Ensure that:
• All classrooms and common areas are designed to be clutter-free, soothing, and conducive to learning.
• Classroom design adheres to Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, providing accessible materials, flexible spaces, and visual supports.
• Indoor and outdoor environments are safe, welcoming, and well-maintained.
  

Technology & Communication

• Demonstrate strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Utilize technology systems such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, ProCare, and Kaymbu to support operations, documentation, and communication.
• Monitor digital records for accuracy, including child files, attendance, health/safety logs, and curriculum documentation.
  
  

Qualifications:

• Oregon Registry Step 9 or Higher (Required)
• Minimum 2 years of early childhood education leadership experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of culturally responsive practices and inclusive curriculum design.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, quality-focused environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and childcare software (ProCare, Kaymbu).
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Availability to work evenings and weekends as required.
• Proven experience with:
• Staff recruitment and retention
• Enrollment management
• Oregon's SPARK Quality Rating and Improvement System
• Child Care licensing requirements
• Implementing curriculum with fidelity (HighScope, Montessori-Inspired Environments, Second Step, etc.)
• Contract compliance for publicly funded programs (e.g., PFA, CCI, ERDC)
• Marketing
  

Program Oversight

• Ensure full enrollment of 49 children (36 preschool, 13 infants/toddlers)
• Maintain compliance with licensing standards and safety regulations
• Lead SPARK documentation and site visits to achieve and maintain 5-star rating
• Implement monitoring systems via ProCare and other tools to track child files, staff credentials, and program metrics
  
  

Staff Management

The Childcare Director is responsible for maintaining a fully staffed team of 10 core employees and themselves. The staffing structure reflects a balance of credentialed professionals across early childhood age groups and support roles, ensuring optimal adult-child ratios and consistent high-quality care.

Key Expectations:

• Team Composition:
• (2) Lead Preschool Teachers – Oregon Registry Step 8
• (2) Assistant Preschool Teachers – Oregon Registry Step 7
• (2) Infant Teachers – Oregon Registry Step 7
• (1) Toddler Teacher – Oregon Registry Step 8
• (2) Floaters – Oregon Registry Step 7
• (1) Bus Driver – Must hold a valid driver’s license, complete Safety Set, and pass ODE background check
• The director is responsible for the recruitment, onboarding, and retention of all staff members.
• Each classroom team must meet Oregon Child Care Licensing adult-child ratios and Step-level requirements at all times.
• Floaters will support across classrooms during breaks, transitions, and absences.
• The Substitute Director/Cook provides operational and culinary support and must be prepared to assume administrative leadership when the Director is off-site.
• Maintaining 100% staffing levels is a performance-based compensation indicator, evaluated quarterly.
  
  

Family & Community Engagement

• Oversee the delivery of three annual Parent-Teacher Conferences per child
• Ensure ASQ and ASQ: SE screenings are completed within 45 days of enrollment
• Plan and host a minimum of six family engagement events annually
• Monitor family satisfaction and ensure survey ratings are ≥ 85%
  
  

Educational Quality

• Lead the fidelity implementation of HighScope, Learning Without Tears, and SecondSteps.
• Monitor classrooms for intentional teaching practices and documentation
• Support team with ongoing coaching, training, and mentoring
  
  

Enrollment Management & Marketing

• Strategic Enrollment Planning:
• Develop and execute comprehensive enrollment strategies to attract and retain families
• Analyze enrollment trends and adjust strategies to meet enrollment goals
• Recruitment & Outreach:
• Organize and conduct monthly open houses and facility tours for prospective families
• Attend community events with a marketing table to promote ELA's programs
• Distribute marketing materials monthly within the community to increase visibility
• Marketing & Communications:
• Create and manage daily social media posts to engage current and prospective families
• Develop and implement marketing campaigns across various platforms (social media, print, digital)
• Collaborate with the Owner/Executive Director to ensure consistent branding and messaging
• Community Partnerships:
• Establish and maintain relationships with local organizations, schools, and community groups to support enrollment efforts
• Represent ELA at community meetings and events to build awareness and partnerships
  

Program Oversight

• Ensure full enrollment of 49 children (36 preschool, 13 infants/toddlers)
• Maintain compliance with licensing standards and safety regulations
• Lead SPARK documentation and site visits to achieve and maintain 5-star rating
• Implement monitoring systems via ProCare and other tools to track child files, staff credentials, and program metrics
  
  

Staff Management

The Childcare Director is responsible for maintaining a fully staffed team of 10 core employees and themselves. The staffing structure reflects a balance of credentialed professionals across early childhood age groups and support roles, ensuring optimal adult-child ratios and consistent high-quality care.

Key Expectations:

• Team Composition:
• (2) Lead Preschool Teachers – Oregon Registry Step 8
• (2) Assistant Preschool Teachers – Oregon Registry Step 7
• (2) Infant Teachers – Oregon Registry Step 7
• (1) Toddler Teacher – Oregon Registry Step 8
• (2) Floaters – Oregon Registry Step 7
• (1) Bus Driver – Must hold a valid driver’s license, complete Safety Set, and pass ODE background check
• The director is responsible for the recruitment, onboarding, and retention of all staff members.
• Each classroom team must meet Oregon Child Care Licensing adult-child ratios and Step-level requirements at all times.
• Floaters will support across classrooms during breaks, transitions, and absences.
• The Substitute Director/Cook provides operational and culinary support and must be prepared to assume administrative leadership when the Director is off-site.
• Maintaining 100% staffing levels is a performance-based compensation indicator, evaluated quarterly.
  
  

Family & Community Engagement

• Oversee the delivery of three annual Parent-Teacher Conferences per child
• Ensure ASQ and ASQ: SE screenings are completed within 45 days of enrollment
• Plan and host a minimum of six family engagement events annually
• Monitor family satisfaction and ensure survey ratings are ≥ 85%
  
  

Educational Quality

• Lead the fidelity implementation of HighScope, Learning Without Tears, and SecondSteps.
• Monitor classrooms for intentional teaching practices and documentation
• Support team with ongoing coaching, training, and mentoring
  
  

Enrollment Management & Marketing

• Strategic Enrollment Planning:
• Develop and execute comprehensive enrollment strategies to attract and retain families
• Analyze enrollment trends and adjust strategies to meet enrollment goals
• Recruitment & Outreach:
• Organize and conduct monthly open houses and facility tours for prospective families
• Attend community events with a marketing table to promote ELA's programs
• Distribute marketing materials monthly within the community to increase visibility
• Marketing & Communications:
• Create and manage daily social media posts to engage current and prospective families
• Develop and implement marketing campaigns across various platforms (social media, print, digital)
• Collaborate with the Owner/Executive Director to ensure consistent branding and messaging
• Community Partnerships:
• Establish and maintain relationships with local organizations, schools, and community groups to support enrollment efforts
• Represent ELA at community meetings and events to build awareness and partnerships
  

Program Oversight

• Ensure full enrollment of 49 children (36 preschool, 13 infants/toddlers)
• Maintain compliance with licensing standards and safety regulations
• Lead SPARK documentation and site visits to achieve and maintain 5-star rating
• Implement monitoring systems via ProCare and other tools to track child files, staff credentials, and program metrics
  
  

Staff Management

The Childcare Director is responsible for maintaining a fully staffed team of 10 core employees and themselves. The staffing structure reflects a balance of credentialed professionals across early childhood age groups and support roles, ensuring optimal adult-child ratios and consistent high-quality care.

Key Expectations:

• Team Composition:
• (2) Lead Preschool Teachers – Oregon Registry Step 8
• (2) Assistant Preschool Teachers – Oregon Registry Step 7
• (2) Infant Teachers – Oregon Registry Step 7
• (1) Toddler Teacher – Oregon Registry Step 8
• (2) Floaters – Oregon Registry Step 7
• (1) Bus Driver – Must hold a valid driver’s license, complete Safety Set, and pass ODE background check
• The director is responsible for the recruitment, onboarding, and retention of all staff members.
• Each classroom team must meet Oregon Child Care Licensing adult-child ratios and Step-level requirements at all times.
• Floaters will support across classrooms during breaks, transitions, and absences.
• The Substitute Director/Cook provides operational and culinary support and must be prepared to assume administrative leadership when the Director is off-site.
• Maintaining 100% staffing levels is a performance-based compensation indicator, evaluated quarterly.
  
  

Family & Community Engagement

• Oversee the delivery of three annual Parent-Teacher Conferences per child
• Ensure ASQ and ASQ: SE screenings are completed within 45 days of enrollment
• Plan and host a minimum of six family engagement events annually
• Monitor family satisfaction and ensure survey ratings are ≥ 85%
  
  

Educational Quality

• Lead the fidelity implementation of HighScope, Learning Without Tears, and SecondSteps.
• Monitor classrooms for intentional teaching practices and documentation
• Support team with ongoing coaching, training, and mentoring
  
  

Enrollment Management & Marketing

• Strategic Enrollment Planning:
• Develop and execute comprehensive enrollment strategies to attract and retain families
• Analyze enrollment trends and adjust strategies to meet enrollment goals
• Recruitment & Outreach:
• Organize and conduct monthly open houses and facility tours for prospective families
• Attend community events with a marketing table to promote ELA's programs
• Distribute marketing materials monthly within the community to increase visibility
• Marketing & Communications:
• Create and manage daily social media posts to engage current and prospective families
• Develop and implement marketing campaigns across various platforms (social media, print, digital)
• Collaborate with the Owner/Executive Director to ensure consistent branding and messaging
• Community Partnerships:
• Establish and maintain relationships with local organizations, schools, and community groups to support enrollment efforts
• Represent ELA at community meetings and events to build awareness and partnerships
  

Employee Benefits

At Explorer Learning Academy (ELA), we honor the value of leadership and the personal investment required to nurture high-quality early childhood education. Our benefits package reflects our belief in work-life balance, wellness, and long-term commitment.

Paid Time Off:

• Sick Leave:
• 40 hours of paid sick leave annually, accrued in accordance with Oregon law.
• Vacation Leave (Based on Tenure):
• After 1 year of employment: 1 week (5 business days) of paid vacation
• After 3 years of continuous employment, 2 weeks (10 business days) of paid vacation
• Paid Holidays:
• All federal programmatic holidays are observed with pay, including but not limited to:
• New Year’s Day
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• Presidents’ Day
• Memorial Day
• Juneteenth
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Indigenous Peoples’ Day
• Veterans Day
• Thanksgiving Day & the day after
• Christmas Day
  

Insurance Coverage:

• Health Insurance – Comprehensive medical coverage
• Vision Insurance – Annual eye exams and corrective lenses
• Dental Insurance – Preventive, basic, and major dental care
• Life Insurance – Employer-paid life insurance policy for added security
  
  

Professional Development & Financial Education Support

• Oregon Registry Training Support:
• All employees are expected to complete 30 hours of Oregon Registry-approved training annually. Training opportunities are supported by the program.
• Tuition Reimbursement Program:
• Eligible after one full year of employment
• Reimburses up to $1,000 per year for out-of-pocket tuition expenses related to coursework applicable to Oregon Registry advancement
• Lifetime cap of $5,000 per employee
• Student Loan Repayment Assistance:
• Available after three years of continuous employment
• Up to $5,000 annually in tax-free student loan repayment support for qualified education loans
• Intended to reduce the financial burden of higher education and support career sustainability in the early childhood field
  

Paid Time Off:

• Sick Leave:
• 40 hours of paid sick leave annually, accrued in accordance with Oregon law.
• Vacation Leave (Based on Tenure):
• After 1 year of employment: 1 week (5 business days) of paid vacation
• After 3 years of continuous employment, 2 weeks (10 business days) of paid vacation
• Paid Holidays:
• All federal programmatic holidays are observed with pay, including but not limited to:
• New Year’s Day
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• Presidents’ Day
• Memorial Day
• Juneteenth
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Indigenous Peoples’ Day
• Veterans Day
• Thanksgiving Day & the day after
• Christmas Day
  

Insurance Coverage:

• Health Insurance – Comprehensive medical coverage
• Vision Insurance – Annual eye exams and corrective lenses
• Dental Insurance – Preventive, basic, and major dental care
• Life Insurance – Employer-paid life insurance policy for added security
  
  

Professional Development & Financial Education Support

• Oregon Registry Training Support:
• All employees are expected to complete 30 hours of Oregon Registry-approved training annually. Training opportunities are supported by the program.
• Tuition Reimbursement Program:
• Eligible after one full year of employment
• Reimburses up to $1,000 per year for out-of-pocket tuition expenses related to coursework applicable to Oregon Registry advancement
• Lifetime cap of $5,000 per employee
• Student Loan Repayment Assistance:
• Available after three years of continuous employment
• Up to $5,000 annually in tax-free student loan repayment support for qualified education loans
• Intended to reduce the financial burden of higher education and support career sustainability in the early childhood field
  

Paid Time Off:

• Sick Leave:
• 40 hours of paid sick leave annually, accrued in accordance with Oregon law.
• Vacation Leave (Based on Tenure):
• After 1 year of employment: 1 week (5 business days) of paid vacation
• After 3 years of continuous employment, 2 weeks (10 business days) of paid vacation
• Paid Holidays:
• All federal programmatic holidays are observed with pay, including but not limited to:
• New Year’s Day
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• Presidents’ Day
• Memorial Day
• Juneteenth
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Indigenous Peoples’ Day
• Veterans Day
• Thanksgiving Day & the day after
• Christmas Day
  

Insurance Coverage:

• Health Insurance – Comprehensive medical coverage
• Vision Insurance – Annual eye exams and corrective lenses
• Dental Insurance – Preventive, basic, and major dental care
• Life Insurance – Employer-paid life insurance policy for added security
  
  

Professional Development & Financial Education Support

• Oregon Registry Training Support:
• All employees are expected to complete 30 hours of Oregon Registry-approved training annually. Training opportunities are supported by the program.
• Tuition Reimbursement Program:
• Eligible after one full year of employment
• Reimburses up to $1,000 per year for out-of-pocket tuition expenses related to coursework applicable to Oregon Registry advancement
• Lifetime cap of $5,000 per employee
• Student Loan Repayment Assistance:
• Available after three years of continuous employment
• Up to $5,000 annually in tax-free student loan repayment support for qualified education loans
• Intended to reduce the financial burden of higher education and support career sustainability in the early childhood field
  

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit a resume, a Professional Development Statement from ORO, and a cover letter outlining leadership and SPARK experience to: admin@elapdx.com

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit a resume, a Professional Development Statement from ORO, and a cover letter outlining leadership and SPARK experience to: admin@elapdx.com

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit a resume, a Professional Development Statement from ORO, and a cover letter outlining leadership and SPARK experience to: admin@elapdx.com

Contact Us

Explorer Learning Academy - SW

10230 SW Capitol Hwy. Portland, OR 97219

Enrollment number: Coming Soon

General number: 503-348-0566

Contact Us

Explorer Learning Academy - SW

10230 SW Capitol Hwy. Portland, OR 97219

Enrollment number: Coming Soon

General number: 503-348-0566

Contact Us

Explorer Learning Academy - NE

8212 NE Sandy Blvd. Portland, OR 97220

Enrollment number: (971) 265-0950

General number: 503-348-0566

Contact Us

Explorer Learning Academy - NE

8212 NE Sandy Blvd. Portland, OR 97220

Enrollment number: (971) 265-0950

General number: 503-348-0566