Preschool Director

Location: 70 Spring Valley Road, Paramus, NJ 07652Schedule: Monday–Friday, 7:30 AM–4:30 PMRequired: Bachelor's Degree or HigherAbout Bell's Little LearnersBell's Little Learners is a childcare and early childhood education center dedicated to providing children with a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where they can learn, grow, and thrive. We are looking for an experienced, dependable, and enthusiastic Center Director to lead our Paramus location.Position OverviewThe Center Director is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the school, ensuring compliance with New Jersey childcare licensing regulations, supporting and supervising staff, and maintaining positive relationships with families. The ideal candidate is an organized, hands-on leader who is passionate about early childhood education and understands the importance of creating a positive environment for both children and staff.Our Paramus location is licensed for up to 85 children, ranging in age from 6 weeks to 5 years. The Director must be comfortable balancing administrative responsibilities with an active presence throughout the classrooms and school.Key ResponsibilitiesSchool Operations & AdministrationOversee the daily operations of the childcare center to ensure everything runs smoothly.Maintain compliance with all New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF) childcare licensing regulations.Manage licensing paperwork, staff records, children's files, attendance, and required documentation.Maintain appropriate classroom ratios and staff scheduling.Communicate regularly with regional management regarding school operations, staffing, enrollment, and any concerns.Assist with enrollment, tours, family inquiries, and maintaining positive enrollment numbers.Staff Leadership & DevelopmentSupervise, support, and motivate teachers and classroom staff.Foster a positive, professional, and collaborative work environment.Ensure staff members understand and follow school policies and procedures.Assist with staff training, onboarding, evaluations, and professional development.Provide classroom coverage when needed and ensure classrooms remain properly staffed.Address staff concerns and performance issues in a professional and timely manner.Lead by example and promote teamwork, accountability, and communication.Classroom & Educational SupportMaintain an active presence throughout the classrooms.Ensure classrooms provide developmentally appropriate, engaging, and educational activities.Support teachers with curriculum implementation, classroom management, and daily routines.Conduct regular classroom observations to ensure quality care and educational standards.Step into classrooms when necessary to assist teachers and maintain a safe environment.Family Communication & Customer ServiceBuild and maintain positive relationships with enrolled families.Address parent questions, concerns, and feedback in a timely and professional manner.Ensure families feel welcomed, informed, and confident in the care their children receive.Oversee daily communication with families through the school's communication platform.Health, Safety & LicensingEnsure the health, safety, and well-being of every child in the center.Maintain a clean, organized, and safe school environment.Ensure all staff members meet required training, health, and background check requirements.Oversee incident reporting, emergency procedures, and required safety documentation.Maintain readiness for state inspections and licensing visits.QualificationsPrevious experience in a childcare center leadership or management position preferred.Knowledge of New Jersey childcare licensing regulations and requirements.Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills.Ability to manage multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.Experience supervising and supporting a team of childcare professionals.Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.Passion for early childhood education and the well-being of children.Must meet New Jersey DCF qualifications for a Child Care Center Director.The Ideal CandidateWe are looking for someone who is:A hands-on leader who is not afraid to jump in and help wherever needed.Organized, responsible, and detail-oriented.Approachable, supportive, and able to build strong relationships with staff and families.Confident in making decisions and handling challenging situations.A team player who understands that running a successful childcare center requires everyone's cooperation.Passionate about creating a safe, positive, and nurturing environment for children.At Bell's Little Learners, our Director plays an essential role in creating a school where children feel safe, teachers feel supported, and families feel at home.