Head of School Childcare Center Director

Montessori Kids Universe Issaquah is seeking an experienced, energetic, and growth\-minded Head of School to lead our new Montessori early learning community. The Head of School will serve as the educational, operational, cultural, and enrollment leader of the school. This person will oversee licensing compliance, daily operations, employee development, family relationships, enrollment growth, financial performance, and the delivery of a high\-quality Montessori program. This is an opportunity to help build a school from its earliest stages. The selected candidate will participate in pre\-opening preparation, employee recruitment, classroom setup, family enrollment, community outreach, systems implementation, and the development of a positive school culture. The ideal candidate is a confident leader who understands that an excellent school requires strong educational practices, disciplined operations, engaged employees, satisfied families, and consistent enrollment growth. **Leadership and School Culture** The Head of School will: * Establish a professional, positive, collaborative, and accountable school culture. * Recruit, onboard, supervise, coach, evaluate, and retain qualified employees. * Set clear expectations and follow through consistently. * Conduct staff meetings, performance conversations, and professional development. * Build a dependable leadership structure within the school. * Model calm, respectful, solutions\-focused leadership. * Maintain a visible and engaged presence throughout the school. * Support classrooms when needed while continuing to fulfill leadership responsibilities. **Licensing and Compliance** The Head of School will: * Maintain compliance with Washington DCYF childcare licensing requirements. * Ensure classrooms remain within required group sizes and staff\-to\-child ratios. * Maintain current employee, child, health, safety, and licensing records. * Prepare for licensing visits, inspections, and required reporting. * Ensure staff complete required training, certifications, and background checks. * Implement school policies consistently. * Monitor health, safety, sanitation, supervision, medication, and emergency procedures. * Communicate promptly with ownership, MKU corporate support, licensors, and other agencies. **Enrollment and Family Experience** The Head of School will: * Respond promptly and professionally to prospective\-family inquiries. * Schedule and conduct engaging school tours. * Explain the Montessori philosophy and MKU program confidently. * Follow the required inquiry and tour follow\-up process. * Track leads, tours, applications, enrollments, waitlists, and attrition. * Maintain accurate information in the school’s CRM and childcare management systems. * Create an excellent experience from a family’s first inquiry through enrollment and ongoing attendance. * Develop strong relationships with current families. * Address concerns promptly, respectfully, and professionally. * Encourage family referrals, reviews, retention, and participation in school events. **Community Outreach and School Growth** The Head of School will: * Represent MKU Issaquah at community events, educational fairs, and networking opportunities. * Develop relationships with local businesses and organizations serving families. * Coordinate open houses and enrollment events. * Partner with ownership and MKU corporate support on marketing and enrollment initiatives. * Monitor classroom openings and develop plans to achieve enrollment goals. * Use enrollment and conversion data to identify opportunities for improvement. **Montessori and Educational Quality** The Head of School will: * Ensure classrooms reflect Montessori principles and MKU standards. * Maintain organized, attractive, developmentally appropriate learning environments. * Observe classrooms and provide constructive feedback. * Coach teachers in classroom management, child development, family communication, and Montessori practices. * Support consistent implementation of MKU curriculum and enrichment programs. * Promote independence, respect, order, and purposeful learning. * Participate in Montessori and leadership training provided through the Montessori Kids Universe Training Institute. **Operations and Financial Performance** The Head of School will: * Oversee the school’s daily operations. * Develop staff schedules based on enrollment, attendance, ratios, and operational needs. * Monitor payroll and labor efficiency. * Support accurate tuition billing and account management. * Maintain accurate enrollment, staffing, attendance, and revenue reports. * Manage supplies and school resources responsibly. * Use school performance data to make informed decisions. * Communicate operational needs, concerns, and recommendations to ownership. **Technology and Systems** The Head of School should be comfortable learning and using: * Procare. * LineLeader or another childcare CRM. * Google Workspace. * Microsoft Office. * Digital enrollment, billing, attendance, and parent\-communication systems. **Required Qualifications** Candidates should have: * At least five years of administrative, supervisory, or management experience in a licensed childcare or early childhood education setting. * Direct experience leading and developing employees. * Knowledge of childcare licensing, health, safety, and supervision requirements. * Experience communicating with prospective and enrolled families. * Strong written and verbal communication skills. * Strong organizational and problem\-solving abilities. * The ability to manage competing priorities in a fast\-paced school environment. * Experience using childcare management software or CRM systems. * The ability to meet all Washington DCYF qualification requirements for the position. * The ability to complete all required background checks, certifications, and training. **Preferred Qualifications** * Montessori certification or Montessori school experience. * Washington childcare center leadership experience. * Experience opening or growing a childcare center. * Experience with Procare, LineLeader, or similar systems. * Experience conducting tours and converting inquiries into enrollments. * CPR and First Aid certification. * Food Worker Card and other Washington\-required credentials. **Schedule and Physical Requirements** The Head of School must be able to: * Work a full\-time, in\-person schedule. * Be available during the school’s operating hours as operational needs require. * Move throughout the school and outdoor areas. * Respond to emergencies. * Use computers and complete administrative documentation. * Move classroom materials or equipment when necessary. * Meet the physical requirements associated with working in an early childhood environment, with reasonable accommodation when applicable. **Support and Professional Development** The Head of School will receive: * Pre\-opening and operational support from MKU corporate. * Ongoing guidance from an assigned School Growth and Development support contact. * Montessori and leadership training through MKUTI. * Support with enrollment, marketing, operations, and technology implementation. * Direct collaboration with school ownership. **How to Apply** Qualified candidates should submit a résumé and brief cover letter describing their early childhood leadership experience, experience growing enrollment, and interest in leading a Montessori school. Montessori Kids Universe Issaquah is an equal opportunity employer. Pay: $80,500\.00 \- $105,800\.00 per year Benefits: * Health insurance Work Location: In person