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Center Director – Childcare / Preschool / STEM Academy
Kids Academy of Learning & Excellence (KALE)
North Chesterfield (23236) * Full-Time
Up to $70,000 Enrollment Bonuses * 6-Month Probation
About the Role
KALE is opening a STEM- and AI-focused childcare center in the 23236 area and is seeking a VDOE-qualified Center Director / Childcare Director / experienced in childcare management, preschool administration, enrollment growth, and daycare marketing.
This is a high-impact role leading a licensed child care center, with a strong focus on center enrollment, occupancy growth, and family engagement.
Position Responsibilities
Childcare Center Operations
- Lead daily operations of a licensed childcare center / preschool
- Ensure compliance with VDOE 8VAC20-780 regulations
- Manage ratios, staffing schedules, teacher supervision, and safety procedures
- Maintain children’s files, staff files, training records, and licensing paperwork
- Oversee budgets, tuition, purchasing, vendor relationships
Enrollment, Marketing & Tour Conversion (Top Priority)
- Drive childcare enrollment, preschool enrollment, and occupancy growth
- Meet center occupancy goal of 90% within 12 months
- Conduct high-conversion tours and parent follow-ups
- Manage digital marketing (Facebook, Instagram, Google Business, community groups)
- Build partnerships with schools, churches, community organizations
- Track weekly lead activity, waitlists, enrollment funnels, and conversion metrics
- Improve retention and family satisfaction
STEM / Robotics / AI Curriculum Support
- Support a STEM childcare and technology-forward preschool model
- Encourage robotics, coding basics, project-based learning, digital literacy
- Train teachers on hands-on learning and STEM classroom practices (training provided)
Required Qualifications (VDOE-Compliant)
Must meet ONE of the following:
- Bachelor’s/Master’s in Early Childhood, Child Development, Elementary Education
1 year programmatic experience
OR
- 48 college credits (12 ECE/Child Development)
1 year experience
OR
- 2 years programmatic experience (1 year supervising)
CDA/ECE Certificate
Also required:
- CPR/First Aid MAT (or within 30 days)
- Management training (10 hours)
- Ability to pass state & federal background checks
Preferred Experience
- Experience as a childcare director, preschool director, or assistant director
- Proven success increasing childcare enrollment, occupancy, and retention
- Digital marketing experience (Facebook, parent groups, community outreach)
- Ability to lead teachers and manage daily center operations
- Experience with STEM, robotics, coding, early technology (preferred, not required)
- Experience with Abeka, STEM, Reggio, or project-based curriculum
Compensation
- $60,000 to $70,000 (based on experience)
- Enrollment Bonus:
➤ $50 per child enrolled who pays the enrollment fee
- 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
High-performing Directors may advance to:
- Regional Director
- Training Director
- Multi-site leadership roles
Who Succeeds Here
- A results-driven childcare leader
- Someone who understands childcare is both education business
- Confident in tours, marketing, and parent communication
- Comfortable in a fast-growing STEM/AI early learning environment
- Able to meet targeted occupancy and enrollment goals
How to Apply
Submit your résumé 3 references a short note describing your experience filling centers or growing childcare enrollment.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $59,838.00 - $70,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Paid time off
Application Question(s):
- What is your experience with filling centers or growing childcare enrollment.
Experience:
- Childcare: 10 years (Required)
Location:
- Richmond, VA 23236 (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Richmond, VA 23236 (Required)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $59,838 - $70,000