Assistant Director Childcare-Mountain Munchkins
NATURE OF WORK
Under general supervision, the Assistant Director of Childcare is responsible for developing a cohesive teaching team; overseeing curriculum quality, consistency, and fidelity across all classrooms; providing ongoing training and coaching for Childcare Assistants and Lead Teachers; and supporting the day-to-day operational functions of Mountain Munchkins. The Assistant Director collaborates closely with the Director of Childcare/Preschool on program compliance, child assessment, and staff development, and serves as Acting Director in the Director's absence. This position also carries responsibility for Individualized Education Program (IEP) support and plan writing for children receiving special education services through the center, serving as a key liaison between families, center staff, and external service providers.
Essential Functions
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Function 1: Curriculum Quality Control & Classroom Oversight
- Oversee the development, implementation, and consistency of developmentally appropriate curriculum across all classrooms (infant, toddler, and preschool), ensuring alignment with center philosophy and Colorado Shines quality standards.
- Conduct regular classroom observations and quality assurance reviews to assess curriculum fidelity, teaching practice, classroom environment, and child engagement; provide documented feedback to Lead Teachers.
- Collaborate with Lead Teachers to develop and refine monthly activity schedules, lesson plans, and learning materials that reflect best practices in early childhood education.
- Ensure all classrooms maintain age-appropriate, stimulating environments that support developmental milestones for children from birth to age 6.
- Monitor and evaluate the quality of teacher-child interactions to prepare and complete quality rating systems like, but not limited to, Colorado Shines QRIS or NAEYC rating scale observations. Using these observation tools identify areas for targeted coaching and improvement.
- Conduct assessments and developmental observations (ASQ/ASQ-SE) on enrolled children; assign and guide staff in supporting this process; communicate findings to families in a clear and timely manner.
- Engage directly with children through circle time, books, arts and crafts, songs, games, and structured play activities; model best practices for classroom staff.
- Supervise and monitor children's play activities; provide caregivers with developmentally grounded guidance and enrichment ideas.
- Ensure all classroom documentation, developmental records, and required forms are completed accurately and maintained in compliance with state regulations.
- Assist Lead Teachers in creating and maintaining stimulating, safe, and sanitary classroom environments.
Design, coordinate, and deliver ongoing training programs for Childcare Assistants and Lead Teachers across all classroom settings, covering curriculum delivery, child development, behavior guidance, safety protocols, and family communication.
Provide individualized coaching and mentoring to classroom staff through direct observation, feedback sessions, and modeling of effective teaching strategies.
Orient and onboard new hires, ensuring familiarity with center policies, curriculum frameworks, PDIS requirements, and state childcare regulations.
Help to facilitate monthly in-person meetings (will update as we hear more from staff at the end of the month) up to reinforce training priorities, address program updates, share best practices, and foster a cohesive team culture.
Maintain records of staff training completion, continuing education hours, certifications, and compliance with Rules Regulating Child Care Centers.
Coordinate and support staff participation in external professional development opportunities, including PDIS coursework, CLASS training, and required certification renewals.
Conduct performance evaluations on Childcare Assistants and contribute evaluative input on Lead Teacher performance; identify development goals and growth opportunities.
Participate in ongoing personal professional development to ensure continuous quality improvement and model a growth mindset to all center staff.
Assist with the management of staff scheduling. Manage the day-to-day scheduling concerns by ensuring coverage for teacher’s lunch/breaks. Helping director and teachers assist in finding substitute coverage. Emergency coverage to keep classrooms in ratio.
Promote Mountain Munchkins image as a high-quality early childhood education center.
Assists Director and Lead Teachers with a monthly newsletter to parents.
Be present to support Director with potential difficult conversations with both staff and families.
Serve as an education coordinator for children receiving services under an Individualized Education Program (IEP), ensuring the center's obligations are met in alignment with applicable federal and state special education requirements.
Collaborate with families, Lead Teachers, Childcare Assistants, school district special education teams, and outside service providers (speech, OT, PT, behavior specialists) to develop, implement, and monitor IEP goals within the childcare setting.
Assist in the preparation, writing, and documentation of IEP plans and progress reports; participate in IEP meetings as appropriate and ensure center staff are briefed on each child's goals and accommodations.
Support classroom staff in implementing IEP-driven strategies, modifications, and accommodations in daily routines, learning activities, and transitions.
Monitor the progress of children with active IEPs; document observations and communicate updates to families and external partners in a timely and professional manner.
Maintain confidential IEP records and documentation in compliance with FERPA and applicable privacy requirements.
Identify children who may benefit from developmental screening or referral and coordinate with the Director and families to initiate appropriate evaluation processes.
Working with all staff to create next step progression teaching plans for each individual student-not just those on IEPs.
Work directly with the Director of Childcare/Preschool to support and execute program policy, regulatory compliance, and operational priorities; assume full Director responsibilities in the Director's absence.
Assist in staffing decisions, including recruitment interviews, scheduling, and daily ratio management to ensure compliance with state child-to-staff ratio requirements.
Maintain a visible presence during check-in and check-out; serve as a knowledgeable and welcoming point of contact for families, addressing questions about their child's day, curriculum, and program offerings.
Provide facility tours to prospective families; communicate program philosophy, enrollment procedures, and operational expectations with confidence and professionalism.
Ensure compliance with all applicable state childcare regulations, CDPHE licensing standards, and center policies; implement corrective action as needed.
Conduct fire, safety, and emergency drills; maintain accurate records of all drills and safety compliance activities.
Support enrollment and registration processes in collaboration with the Director.
Maintain effective communication with families via phone, email, and written correspondence regarding program updates, child progress, and any emerging concerns.
Develop proactive and positive communication practices between center staff and families; create and facilitate family outreach activities.
Open and close the facility as needed; maintain a clean, organized, and safe environment throughout the center.
Ensure all children's individual care needs are met daily, including feeding, diapering, napping, and dressing, and that staff are appropriately supporting these needs.
Assist director in fundraising efforts, events, and communications with the staff, parents, and community.
Collaborate actively with the Munchkins’ Parent Board to gather parent feedback, implement program improvements, support events and fundraising initiatives, and coordinate updates or new initiatives that enhance the overall family and student experience.
Maintain a clean and sanitary facility environment.
Conduct daily safety assessments of the facility.
Minimum Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
High school diploma/GED or college degree in child development, Early Childhood Education or Elementary Education or related field. Candidates must meet at least one of the following experience thresholds:
- At least two (2) years as a Lead Teacher at Mountain Munchkins OR
- At least two (2) years of recent direct childcare experience with all required licenses and certifications current and in good standing.
All licenses and certifications must be previously met and current.
Current driver’s license is required
CPR and First Aid must be current and maintained
Must have completed Prevention of Shaken Baby, Recognition and Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect, Prevention of SIDS, Standard Precautions, FEMA and Positive Guidance strategies (or able to complete within 90 days of hire)
Must complete and maintain 15 hours of required continuing education and training courses as outlined in the Rules Regulating Child Care Centers
Must be a level III in PDIS Colorado Shines system
Must have completed EQIT/ECE III course
At least one CLASS Demonstrated Competency certificate of at least a 6.5 or higher.
Completion of Early Childhood Development Course (3 semester hours) every 5 years.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES REQUIRED:
Extensive knowledge of child development theory and practice from birth through age 6.
Demonstrated knowledge of IEP processes, special education coordination, and inclusive childcare practices.
Strong understanding of Colorado childcare licensing regulations and CDPHE compliance requirements.
Proficiency in curriculum design, implementation, and quality assessment for infant, toddler, and preschool populations.
Exceptional leadership, coaching, and interpersonal skills with the ability to motivate and develop a diverse team of 30+.