Assistant Director (Ridgefield Campus)

Position Overview  The Assistant Director is a key operational leader and thought partner to the Head of Program, responsible for ensuring the smooth, consistent, and high-functioning day-to-day operations of the school.  While the Head of Program leads the school’s educational vision, pedagogy, and family relationships, the Assistant Director ensures that the systems, structures, and logistics required to support that vision are executed with clarity and excellence.  This role is ideal for an early-childhood professional who combines strong educational knowledge with exceptional organizational and operational skill; someone who thrives in dynamic environments, anticipates needs, solves problems proactively, and takes pride in making complex systems run seamlessly.  As a founding team member, the Assistant Director will play a central role in building the operational foundation of the school from the ground up.  Key Responsibilities  School Operations & Daily Execution  Oversee the day-to-day operational flow of the school, ensuring a calm, organized, and well-functioning environment  Manage daily staffing schedules, classroom coverage, and ratio compliance across all age groups  Coordinate arrivals, dismissals, and transitions to ensure smooth experiences for children, families, and staff  Anticipate and respond to real-time operational needs, stepping in as needed to support classrooms or logistics  Maintain oversight of facilities, supplies, and shared spaces to ensure readiness and consistency  Staffing, Scheduling & HR Operations  Partner with leadership on hiring, onboarding, and staffing strategy  Build and manage staff schedules, time-off tracking, and coverage plans  Support substitute and floater coordination to ensure continuity of care and teaching  Help manage staff performance processes, including documentation and operational feedback  Contribute to building a strong, reliable, and accountable team culture  Systems, Compliance & Licensing  Ensure compliance with Connecticut licensing requirements, including ratios, documentation, and operational standards  Maintain accurate records related to attendance, staffing, health and safety, and required reporting  Support licensing visits, inspections, and ongoing regulatory readiness  Develop and refine operational systems, procedures, and internal workflows  Family Experience & Communication  Support the day-to-day family experience, with particular attention to logistics, scheduling, and operational clarity  Serve as a warm, responsive, and solutions-oriented point of contact for families, particularly around operational questions and needs  Partner closely with the Head of Program to ensure clear, timely, and thoughtful communication with families  Actively participate in the admissions and onboarding process, including joining tours and family meetings alongside the Head of Program  Help manage enrollment logistics, transitions, and onboarding processes for new families, ensuring a smooth and welcoming entry into the school community  Program Support & School Culture  Partner closely with the Head of Program to align operations with educational priorities  Support classroom teams in maintaining consistent routines and expectations  Help ensure that the physical and logistical environment reflects the school’s values and standards  Contribute to building a warm, respectful, and highly collaborative school culture  Founding Team & Build-Out  Play an active role in setting up the school prior to opening (systems, schedules, materials, workflows)  Help operationalize the use of new spaces including classrooms, atelier, and shared environments  Identify opportunities to improve systems and processes as the school grows  Contribute to shaping a scalable, sustainable operational model  Qualifications  Required Qualifications 5+ years of experience in early childhood education  Prior experience in an operational, administrative, or leadership role within a school or childcare setting  Strong understanding of child development and early childhood program structure  Demonstrated ability to manage complex logistics, scheduling, and systems  Highly organized, detail-oriented, and proactive in problem-solving  Excellent communication skills with staff, families, and leadership  Ability to remain calm, flexible, and solutions-focused in a dynamic environment  Preferred Qualifications  Experience in a Reggio-inspired or progressive early childhood program  Experience opening or scaling a school or program  Familiarity with Connecticut licensing requirements  Experience with childcare management systems (e.g., Brightwheel or similar)  Personal Attributes We Value  Deeply reliable and operationally minded; someone who “holds the whole system”  Warm, grounded, and respectful in all interactions  Takes initiative and anticipates needs before they arise  Balances high standards with flexibility and practicality  Collaborative partner who communicates clearly and directly  Energized by building something new and meaningful  Why Join TCS Ridgefield?  This is a rare opportunity to join the founding leadership team of a new early-childhood school backed by 20 years of experience and a clear educational vision.  The Assistant Director will play a critical role in bringing that vision to life, ensuring that each day runs smoothly, that educators are supported, and that families experience a school that feels thoughtful, organized, and deeply caring.  For the right candidate, this role offers the opportunity to build, shape, and lead the operational systems of a school designed with intention from the very beginning.