What are the responsibilities and job description for the Child Care Center Director position at Tiny Treasures Ealry Learning Center?
About the Role
Tiny Treasures Early Learning Center is opening a brand-new 70-child licensed center in Mountlake Terrace this September. We're hiring our founding Center Director to lead the launch of our 2 Toddler, 2 Preschool, and 1 Pre-K classrooms. You'll start in August to lead hiring, complete licensing prep, and welcome our first families on September.
This is a rare chance to build a center from day one, hire your own team, shape the culture, and grow enrollment alongside owners committed to long-term quality.
What You'll Do
- Lead Hiring: Recruit, interview, and onboard the founding teaching team (12–15 staff at full capacity). Build culture and mentor staff.
- Run Operations: Oversee scheduling, classroom oversight, family communication, and full compliance with WAC 110-300 and DCYF licensing.
- Drive Enrollment: Conduct tours, manage waitlists, and build relationships with Mountlake Terrace, Lynnwood, and Edmonds families.
- Ensure Quality: Lead licensing inspections, Early Achievers participation, and play-based curriculum aligned with WA Early Learning Guidelines.
- Manage Finances: Tuition collection, vendor relationships, supplies, payroll input, and monthly P&L tracking with ownership.
- Safety & Family Engagement: Maintain health/safety protocols, lead parent conferences, and address family concerns with professionalism.
Required Qualifications (per WAC 110-300-0100)
- Education: Bachelor's in ECE/Child Development; OR Bachelor's in any field WA ECE Initial Certificate; OR Associate's in ECE with administrative experience and willingness to complete ECE State Certificate within 5 years.
- 2 years working with children ages toddler through Pre-K.
- 2 years in a supervisory, lead teacher, assistant director, or director role at a licensed center.
- Active MERIT account with WA DCYF.
- Child Care Basics (CCB), pediatric CPR/First Aid, Bloodborne Pathogens, Food Handler's Permit, negative TB test, MMR immunity (or willing to complete before start date).
- DCYF Portable Background Check clearance.
- Minimum 18 years old; legally authorized to work in the U.S.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's in ECE or Educational Leadership.
- Experience opening a new center or leading through initial licensing.
- Track record of building and retaining strong teaching teams.
- Experience with Early Achievers (Level 3 ) and childcare management software (brightwheel, Procare).
- Bilingual (Spanish, Korean, Mandarin, Vietnamese, or other languages common to Snohomish County).
Compensation & Benefits
Base Salary: $85,000 – $90,000 per year, commensurate with experience
Performance Bonus: Eligible for discretionary performance bonus based on center performance and individual contribution. Structure discussed during interview.
Paid Time Off (Year 1):
- 10 days’ vacation (increases to 15 days after 2 years)
- 7 days paid sick leave (per WA RCW 49.46.210)
- 8 paid holidays 4 days paid winter break (Dec 26–31, center closed)
Additional Benefits:
- Staff childcare discount: 25% first child, 10% additional children (subject to availability and WAC ratio requirements)
- Professional development stipend (STARS hours, conferences, CDA/ECE progression)
- Paid pre-opening period (August 2026)
Why Tiny Treasures?
You'll build something from the ground up — hire your team, shape your classrooms, and grow a center that genuinely serves Mountlake Terrace families. Locally owned, fully invested in quality, and committed to giving you the autonomy to succeed.
How to Apply
Submit your resume, a brief cover letter describing your leadership philosophy and hiring approach, and three professional references.
Applications reviewed on a rolling basis.
Tiny Treasures Early Learning Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, families, and children.
Pay: $85,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
Pay: $85,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $85,000 - $90,000