Now Hiring: Founding Center Director (STEM & AI Early Learning Academy)

Kids Academy CORE Foundation
Richmond, VA

Summary

Kids Academy of Learning & Excellence (KALE) North Chesterfield, VA (23236) Full-Time | $60,000–$70,000 + 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, and experience in:

  • Childcare management
  • Preschool administration
  • Enrollment growth
  • Digital marketing
  • Family engagement
This is a high-impact leadership role overseeing a licensed childcare center with a strong emphasis on center enrollment, occupancy growth, and family partnership .

Duties

Position Responsibilities
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
STEM / Robotics / AI Curriculum Support
  • Support a STEM-forward, technology-rich preschool program
  • Encourage robotics, coding basics, digital literacy, and project-based learning
  • Train teachers on hands-on STEM learning practices (training provided)
  • Promote a culture of innovation, creativity, and excellence

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
  • 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

Nice To Haves

❤️ Who Thrives Here
This role is ideal for someone who is:

  • A results-driven childcare leader
  • 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

Benefits

Compensation & Benefits
  • Salary: $60,000–$70,000 (based on experience)
  • Enrollment Bonus: $50 for every 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 Opportunities
High-performing Directors may advance to:
  • Regional Director roles
  • Training Director
  • Multi-site executive leadership
Posted 2025-11-20

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