Child Care Center Assistant Director

Basehor-Linwood Early Learning Center (ELC)

Reports to: Child Care Center Director / ELC Director/Principal
Term of Employment: 10½ months (210 days), academic year as assigned
Position Type: Classified (KDHE-compliant)

Position Purpose

The Child Care Center Assistant Director supports the Director in the daily leadership, supervision, and operation of the Early Learning Center Child Care Program. This role is designed to strengthen instructional quality, licensing compliance, staff support, and family engagement while ensuring continuity of operations when the Director is unavailable. The Assistant Director serves as an instructional and operational leader with direct oversight of classrooms, staff, and program compliance.

Primary Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Operations

• Assist the Director with day-to-day management of the child care program, including opening/closing procedures and operational coverage.
• Serve as acting Director in the Director’s absence.
• Support implementation of district-adopted, research-based curricula aligned with state and national early learning standards.
• Monitor enrollment, attendance, and staffing needs to maintain program stability.

Staff Supervision & Development

• Support supervision, mentoring, and evaluation of child care staff.
• Conduct regular classroom walkthroughs and observations focused on instructional quality, child engagement, and environment.
• Assist with staff recruitment, onboarding, scheduling, and retention.
• Ensure staff maintain required KDHE certifications and ongoing professional development.
• Support the implementation of staff development plans and feedback cycles.

Curriculum & Instructional Support

• Collaborate with the Director to ensure developmentally appropriate practices across infant, toddler, preschool, and school-age classrooms.
• Provide coaching and guidance on classroom management, behavior supports, and instructional strategies.

 

• Support alignment between child care programming and district preschool/early childhood initiatives.

Compliance, Health & Safety

• Ensure compliance with Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) child care licensing regulations.
• Assist with monitoring staff-to-child ratios, supervision, and classroom coverage.
• Support maintenance of child records, staff files, incident reports, and required documentation.
• Monitor health, safety, sanitation, and emergency procedures.
• Assist with emergency drills and response protocols.

Family & Community Engagement

• Support communication with families regarding program expectations, child progress, and concerns.
• Participate in conferences, meetings, and community outreach as needed.
• Promote positive, professional relationships with families, staff, and district partners.

Direct Child Care (As Needed)

• Provide direct supervision and care when necessary to maintain ratios or during district school-age days out.
• When assigned to direct care, supervise no more than 12 school-age children in accordance with KDHE guidelines.
• Plan and implement age-appropriate activities that support social, emotional, and academic growth.

Required Qualifications (KDHE-Compliant)

Education & Experience

Candidates must meet KDHE Assistant Director/Program Administrator requirements, including one of the following pathways:

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field; OR
• Associate degree, CDA, or equivalent combination of education and supervised experience as defined by KDHE.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a licensed early childhood setting, with leadership or lead teacher experience preferred.

Certification & Licensure

• Eligible for or currently holds required KDHE child care licensure credentials.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification.
• TB clearance and background check per KDHE requirements.

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong understanding of child development and developmentally appropriate practice.
• Working knowledge of KDHE child care licensing regulations.
• Effective communication, organization, and leadership skills.
• Ability to supervise adults, support instructional improvement, and manage operational tasks.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace and basic data tracking systems.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

• Primarily based in classrooms and common areas of the Early Learning Center.
• Frequent movement throughout the building and outdoor play areas.
• Ability to lift children and materials as required.
• Physical and emotional stamina to meet the demands of a fast-paced early childhood environment.

Evaluation

Performance will be evaluated in accordance with Kansas statutes, Board of Education policy, and district evaluation procedures.

This job description is intended to outline the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities. Duties may be adjusted to meet program and district needs.

 

*The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and is not an exhaustive list of duties performed for this position.  Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned.

**The Basehor-Linwood School District prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, disability, age, or religion in its programs, activities or employment as required by applicable federal and state laws. 

 

For more information about the Basehor-Linwood USD 458 School District and employee benefits, please visit our website at www.usd458.org.