Child Development Center Assistant Director

Job Summary

The Child Development Center Assistant Director supports the Director in the daily leadership and operations of Goodwill's Child Development Center by helping ensure the delivery of high-quality, developmentally appropriate early childhood services. This role assists with regulatory compliance, staff supervision, curriculum implementation, enrollment, family engagement, and daily operational management while promoting a safe, inclusive, and nurturing learning environment. The Assistant Director assumes responsibility for center operations in the Director's absence and plays a key role in fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

The following duties are representative of the essential functions of this position. Additional duties may be assigned as operational needs require.

Program Leadership & Operations

• Assist with the daily operation of the Child Development Center to ensure the delivery of safe, high-quality early childhood education services aligned with Goodwill's mission and organizational values.
• Assist with implementing center policies, procedures, and quality improvement initiatives that promote operational excellence and positive child outcomes; support budget monitoring and resource utilization.
• Help maintain accurate documentation and records required for licensing, funding, accreditation, and organizational reporting.

Compliance & Safety

• Support compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal childcare regulations, including Texas HHSC licensing requirements; help identify and address safety concerns while maintaining confidentiality and professional standards.
• Monitor classrooms and daily operations to ensure compliance with licensing standards, staff-to-child ratios, health and safety requirements, and developmentally appropriate practices.

Staff Supervision & Development

• Support staff recruitment, onboarding, orientation, training, coaching, scheduling, supervision, and performance management in collaboration with the Director.
• Conduct classroom observations and provide ongoing coaching, mentoring, and feedback to teaching staff to strengthen instructional quality, classroom management, and child engagement.

Curriculum & Child Development

• Assist with curriculum implementation by supporting teachers in lesson planning, classroom organization, child assessments, and developmentally appropriate instructional practices.
• Monitor children's developmental progress and collaborate with teaching staff to identify appropriate interventions, resources, and family supports when needed.

Family Engagement & Enrollment

• Build positive relationships with children and families by providing exceptional customer service, maintaining open communication, and assisting with questions, concerns, and conflict resolution.
• Support enrollment efforts by assisting with tours, family orientations, enrollment documentation, attendance monitoring, and maintaining accurate child and family records.
• Assist with planning and coordinating family engagement activities, educational events, parent meetings, and community outreach initiatives that strengthen family partnerships.

Resource & Inventory Management

• Monitor inventory of classroom materials, educational resources, equipment, and supplies; coordinate purchasing requests and ensure classrooms remain adequately stocked and organized.

Supervisory Duties

Provides direct supervision and coaching to teaching staff in collaboration with the CDC Director. Assumes responsibility for center operations in the Director's absence.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must pass all required HHSC background checks and meet Texas Health and Human Services Commission Child Care Licensing requirements for an Assistant Director or Director designee.
• A criminal background check is required in accordance with applicable law and Goodwill policy.
• Valid driver's license and driving record acceptable to Goodwill's liability insurance provider required.
• Must be willing to accept instructions and carry them out with minimal supervision.
• Must be able to work and cooperate with others.

Education and/or Experience

High school diploma or GED required. Child Development Associate (CDA) or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, or a closely related field preferred. Minimum of three (3) years of experience in a management role at a licensed childcare center, preschool, or early childhood education program. Experience with quality rating or accreditation systems (e.g., NAEYC & TRS) and curriculum planning for infants, toddlers, or preschool children preferred. Current CPR and First Aid certification, or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.

Minimum Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required; CDA or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field preferred.
• Minimum of three (3) years of management experience in a licensed childcare center, preschool, or early childhood education program.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of state and federal childcare regulations, licensing standards, and developmentally appropriate practices; experience using developmental assessments.
• Proven ability to lead teams with professionalism, sound judgment, emotional intelligence, and a commitment to ethical conduct, confidentiality, and customer service.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills; ability to work effectively with diverse populations and promote inclusive practices.
• Positive, patient, and nurturing approach to working with children and families; strong time management skills and proficiency with computers and standard office software. Experience with Frog Street Curriculum preferred.

Core Competencies

• Emotional Maturity and Respect
• Integrity
• Interpersonal Skills
• Commitment to Development and Empowerment of Self and Others
• Stewardship and Accountability
• Commitment to Goodwill's Mission, Vision, and Values
• Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• Community and Service
• Commitment to Excellence and Customer Service

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that may be encountered by an employee performing the essential functions of this job.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is typically required to:

• Frequently lift and carry children up to 40 pounds; bend, squat, kneel, sit on the floor, stand and walk for extended periods, and move quickly in emergency situations.
• Supervise children indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions; push strollers, move classroom equipment, and assist with emergency evacuations.
• Requires frequent interaction with children, families, staff, licensing representatives, and community partners; regular use of computers and standard office equipment.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

• Work is performed in a childcare and early learning environment, including classrooms, indoor and outdoor playgrounds, and other childcare spaces. Noise levels range from quiet to loud. Exposure to varying indoor and outdoor weather conditions during supervision of children. Regular use of computers and standard office equipment.

Discrimination Reports

It is the policy of Heart of Texas Goodwill to ensure equal employment opportunity in accordance with all state and federal regulations and guidelines. Employment discrimination against employees and applicants due to race, color, religion, sex (including sexual harassment and pregnancy), national origin, disability, age (40 years old or more), genetic information, military status, or veteran status is illegal. Any employee who believes they have been discriminated against may file a complaint with the Compliance Officer.

Point of Contact: Compliance Officer | 1700 S New Road, Waco TX 76711 | 254-753-7337 ext. 450 | [email protected]