Assistant Director The Goddard School of Lyndhurst, NJ

At The Goddard School of Lyndhurst, we believe children thrive when they are loved, encouraged, and challenged in a safe, nurturing environment. We are committed to providing the highest quality early childhood education by combining a play-based curriculum, highly trained educators, and strong family partnerships. Our proprietary Wonder of Learning curriculum sparks curiosity, supports individual growth, and inspires a lifelong love of learning preparing children not just for school, but for life. We value integrity, respect, collaboration, and a passion for excellence. Every team member plays a vital role in making our school a warm, welcoming, and joyful place for children to grow.

If you are a motivated, organized, and passionate early childhood leader ready to make a meaningful difference every day, we would love to meet you!

Position Overview

The Assistant Director supports the School Director in overseeing all aspects of daily operations to ensure the highest standards of safety, education, and care. This role is both administrative and people-focused balancing compliance, curriculum support, staff coaching, and strong family relationships.

The Assistant Director is expected to step into the Director's role when needed, lead by example, and foster a culture of professionalism, collaboration, and joy.

Key Job Responsibilities

1. Administrative & Operational Support

• Assist in managing daily school operations, including opening and/or closing the building.
• Ensure classrooms maintain proper student-to-teacher ratios at all times.
• Maintain up-to-date licensing files, records, and required documentation for staff and children.
• Monitor classroom schedules, attendance, and teacher coverage to ensure smooth daily transitions.
• Track and report on key school metrics (enrollment, staffing, compliance) to the Director.
• Support scheduling of staff shifts, PTO coverage, and professional development days.

2. Staff Management & Leadership

• Assist with hiring, onboarding, and training new staff members.
• Conduct regular classroom observations to ensure lesson plans, teaching practices, and interactions meet Goddard standards.
• Provide coaching and feedback to teachers, fostering professional growth.
• Support staff with curriculum implementation and behavior management strategies.
• Help maintain a positive, supportive, and collaborative workplace culture.

3. Curriculum & Program Support

• Oversee and support implementation of the Wonder of Learning curriculum across classrooms.
• Ensure lesson plans are developmentally appropriate, engaging, and aligned with learning objectives.
• Encourage creative, play-based learning experiences that promote social-emotional, cognitive, and physical development.
• Organize and participate in special events, enrichment programs, and family engagement activities.

4. Family & Community Engagement

• Greet and communicate warmly with families during drop-off and pick-up.
• Maintain open, professional, and responsive communication with parents about their child's progress, classroom updates, and any concerns.
• Assist with school tours for prospective families and help promote enrollment growth.
• Support family events, school celebrations, and community outreach initiatives.

5. Health, Safety & Compliance

• Conduct regular safety checks of classrooms, playgrounds, and equipment.
• Maintain strict adherence to state licensing regulations, Goddard quality standards, and health protocols.
• Ensure staff are trained in emergency procedures and CPR/First Aid certifications are up to date.
• Oversee daily cleaning and sanitizing protocols for a safe, healthy environment.

Performance Expectations

The Assistant Director will be evaluated on their ability to:

• Maintain full compliance with licensing and Goddard operational standards.
• Keep classrooms fully staffed and ensure ratios are never compromised.
• Demonstrate effective leadership by motivating, supporting, and developing staff.
• Promote a positive school culture that reflects Goddard's values.
• Drive parent satisfaction through exceptional communication and service.
• Support enrollment growth through professional tours, positive school representation, and community engagement.
• Maintain an organized, efficient workflow in all administrative tasks.

Qualifications

• Education: Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field (Bachelor's preferred).
• Experience: At least 3 years of early childhood teaching experience, with 1+ years in a leadership role preferred.
• Knowledge: Strong understanding of child development, curriculum planning, and classroom management.
• Skills: Exceptional communication, leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Character: Warm, approachable, professional, and committed to children's success.
• Must meet all state and Goddard School employment requirements, including passing background checks.

Compensation: $39,000.00 - $43,000.00 per year

This Is Your Moment

The joy of childhood comes from those bright sparks of discovery moments that delight and surprise us. Your career at The Goddard School can be just as exciting. For more than 35 years, Goddard Schools have put each teacher at the heart of everything we do because teachers put each student at the heart of everything they do. The Goddard School trusts, empowers, and honors its exceptional educators. Develop your teaching skills in a vibrant and nurturing environment and make a difference in children's lives every day.