Assistant Child Care Center Program Director

Magical Beginnings•Merrimac, MA

2d•$52,500 - $62,500

About The Position

Magical Beginnings is seeking an experienced Assistant Child Care Center Program Director to join the leadership team at our child care center in the North Shore area of Massachusetts. This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate early education professional who thrives in both center leadership and hands-on classroom support. As Assistant Director, you will be a hands-on instructional leader, spending approximately 50% of your week working in ratio within classrooms, while also partnering closely with the Center Director to support operations, compliance, staff development, and family engagement. This is a visible, relationship-driven leadership role built on trust, collaboration, and presence. This role leads from within the classroom, not from behind a desk. Youâll be a trusted operational partner, helping keep the school running safely and smoothly. This is active instructional leadership, grounded in real classroom experience. Your consistency and warmth will help shape the tone of the school each day.

Requirements

Massachusetts EEC Director 2 Certification required
Associateâs Degree / CDA and additional experience
Ability to complete the required in-person training hours
CPR & First Aid Certification (or ability to obtain within 6 months)
Ability to work occasional evenings or weekends for school events or trainings
Physical ability to actively engage in classrooms and lift up to 50 lbs as needed

Responsibilities

Serve as a consistent, in-ratio presence in classrooms across age groups
Model developmentally appropriate practice, classroom management, and nurturing interactions
Support classroom continuity by covering breaks, absences, and transitions
Build strong relationships with children through daily engagement and responsive care
Provide real-time coaching and feedback to educators while working alongside them
Ensure classrooms consistently meet Massachusetts EEC ratio and safety requirements
Support daily operations of a licensed childcare and preschool center in Leominster
Assist with maintaining compliance with Massachusetts EEC regulations, licensing standards, and ratios
Help manage child, staff, and classroom documentation accurately and on time
Participate in EEC visits, inspections, and audits
Complete daily classroom, building, and playground safety checks
Ensure emergency drills, health logs, and inspections are completed as scheduled
Support staff scheduling to ensure ratio coverage and smooth daily operations
Support curriculum implementation aligned with state frameworks and quality standards
Reinforce instructional consistency across classrooms
Coach teachers on lesson planning, classroom structure, and child development
Model best practices in social-emotional learning and positive guidance
Support educators in completing required ECE professional development hours
Assist with on-site trainings, mentoring, and onboarding of new staff
Build strong, respectful relationships with teachers and support staff
Serve as a daily resource for classroom questions, problem-solving, and guidance
Help reinforce expectations around professionalism, safety, and care
Support performance feedback and growth conversations alongside the Director
Foster a calm, supportive, and accountable school culture
Act as a mandated reporter and help ensure staff understand their responsibilities
Be a steady, reassuring presence for both staff and families
Build trusting relationships with families through daily interactions and communication
Support tours and welcome prospective families when needed
Partner with leadership to ensure families feel informed, supported, and connected
Help reinforce the schoolâs values, curriculum, and care philosophy