Center Director (STEM & AI Early Learning Academy)

Summary

Kids Academy of Learning & Excellence (KALE) North Chesterfield, VA (23236) Full-Time | + 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, integrity, and experience in:

• Childcare management
• Preschool administration
• Enrollment growth
• Digital marketing
• Family engagement

This is a high-impact aggressive leadership role overseeing a licensed childcare center with a strong emphasis on center enrollment, occupancy growth, and family partnership . This role requires a highly reliable and visibility, self-directed leader who follows through on commitments, represents the organization professionally at all times, and thrives in a fast-moving startup environment..

Duties

CORE EXPECTATIONS (REQUIRED FOR SUCCESS)

• Demonstrates consistent follow-through on commitments, deadlines, and deliverables
• Communicates proactively and transparently; does not disappear, delay, or overpromise
• Shows up prepared, punctual, and professional — every time
• Takes ownership of outcomes without deflecting responsibility
• Maintains integrity in all communications with families, staff, partners, and leadership
• Comfortable being the face of the organization in the community
• Represents KALE with confidence, credibility, and professionalism at all times

This role is not suited for individuals who struggle with consistency, reliability, or accountability.
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

• Current 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

Enrollment, Marketing & Community Leadership

• Actively represents KALE at community events, tours, partnerships, and outreach activities
• Builds authentic relationships with families, schools, churches, and community leaders
• Confidently communicates KALE’s mission, programs, and value proposition
• Follows up consistently with prospective families and partners
• Tracks outreach efforts and enrollment activity with accuracy and accountability

Professional Accountability Requirement

• Must provide examples of past roles where you were responsible for outcomes such as enrollment growth, team leadership, program delivery, or operational results
• Must be able to speak clearly to how you set goals, followed through, and delivered results.



Nice To Haves

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

• An ambitious results-driven childcare leader with EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE.
• 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
• Executive Director will help with STEM Curriculum.
• Self-starters who take initiative without being asked
• Leaders who do what they say they will do
• Professionals who value integrity, consistency, and accountability
• Individuals energized by growth, visibility, and responsibility

This role requires a highly reliable, self-directed leader who follows through on commitments, represents the organization professionally at all times, and thrives in a fast-moving startup environment.
This position is results-driven and accountability-focused . Candidates who require heavy supervision, struggle with consistency, or do not follow through on commitments will not be successful in this role.

Benefits

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: (based on experience)
• Enrollment Bonus

• 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

About Us

Kids Academy of Learning & Excellence (KALE), powered by the CORE Foundation, is a next-generation early learning ecosystem built to nurture the whole child—mind, heart, spirit, and future potential. Rooted in compassion and community impact, KALE blends strong early childhood fundamentals with STE(AI)M™ innovation, literacy foundations, and character development. Our work is purpose-driven, family-centered, and excellence-focused.