Job Description
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
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.
Job Tags
Full time, Local area, Trial period