Program Lead

Job Summary

The Program Lead oversees all programmatic and staffing operations of an early care and education center, ensuring high-quality services for infants, toddlers, and / or school-age children. This role is responsible for program planning, implementation, assessment, and continuous improvement while maintaining a safe, healthy, and inclusive environment. The Program Lead serves as a classroom and program leader, providing coaching, mentoring, observation, and feedback to teaching staff to ensure consistent, high-quality programming. The role also supports center operations such as enrollment, attendance, staffing, purchasing, and community engagement. Program Leads spend approximately 33% of their time working directly in ratio, based on center needs.

Essential Job Functions

Program Quality

Communicate program vision, mission, philosophy, and curriculum approaches to staff, families, schools, and community partners

Ensure consistent and high-quality documentation practices, including observations, lesson plans, assessments, and reviews

Support and mentor teaching staff in developing, implementing, and evaluating program action plans

Collaborate with staff to create enriched, culturally responsive indoor and outdoor learning environments that meet industry standards

Assess program quality, curriculum implementation, health and safety practices, and licensing compliance; implement continuous improvement strategies

Lead and participate in quality rating and improvement systems for applicable programs

Maintain knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices and relevant curriculum frameworks

Use observations and assessment tools to support individualized child growth plans

Support positive behavior approaches in partnership with families and staff

Maintain classroom coverage in ratio as required

Managing, Coaching & Supporting Staff

Manage and support a team of teaching staff based on center size and enrollment

Provide ongoing coaching, mentoring, and performance feedback

Conduct timely performance evaluations and professional check-ins

Facilitate effective team meetings that promote collaboration and accountability

Observe classroom practices and provide immediate, constructive feedback

Provide on-site modeling and mentoring to support curriculum and instructional quality

Support onboarding, orientation, and retention of new staff

Develop professional growth plans and align individual and team goals with organizational priorities

Address performance concerns through corrective action plans when needed

Leadership

Commit to continuous professional growth in leadership, curriculum, and child development

Participate in and lead professional development initiatives and share best practices

Act as a change leader to support organizational improvements and initiatives

Foster team engagement, morale, and a positive workplace culture

Mentor staff for future leadership opportunities

Support recruitment efforts through strong relationships with families, schools, and community partners

Family & Community Partnerships

Build authentic, culturally responsive relationships with children, families, and community partners

Support family engagement opportunities and advisory participation

Serve as a representative in school and community activities

Assess community needs and adjust programming to better serve families

Maintain open, two-way communication with families regarding child development and program activities

Provide parent education and connect families to community resources

Participate in advocacy efforts supporting children and families

Compliance

Ensure compliance with all applicable policies, procedures, licensing regulations, and funding requirements

Maintain required staff-to-child ratios and health and safety standards

Protect organizational assets and resources

Business Management

Forecast staffing needs and support hiring and onboarding efforts

Support staff scheduling, purchasing, and operational planning

Maintain enrollment and attendance goals

Identify opportunities to improve program performance, enrollment, and operational efficiency

Support budget oversight and purchasing guidelines

Education & Experience

Education

High School Diploma or GED with required early childhood education units, or

Associate or Bachelors degree with required ECE / CD, administration, and adult supervision units

Site Supervisor Permit preferred or willingness to obtain upon hire

Ongoing professional development required

Experience

2–3 years of experience in an early childhood education or child development setting

Minimum of 1 year of experience mentoring, coaching, or supervising adults

Other Qualifications

Ability to complete required orientation and mandated training

Ability to meet background clearance and health screening requirements

Strong understanding of child development, cultural responsiveness, and inclusive practices

Excellent interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills

Strong initiative, motivation, and strategic thinking abilities

Ability to coach, mentor, and manage staff effectively

Strong organizational, budgeting, and planning skills

Commitment to high-quality program implementation and continuous improvement

Bilingual or multilingual skills preferred