Executive Director at Laboratory Family Services, Inc
Job Summary
Job Summary
General Description Laboratory Family Services, Inc. (LFS) seeks a strategic, mission-driven Executive Director to lead our early childhood education center. This leader will champion high-quality care, strong staff development, and meaningful family partnerships. As the senior leader of the Center, the Executive Director ensures the delivery of developmentally appropriate early childhood programs. The role maintains full compliance with California Community Care Licensing Division (CCLD) regulations and upholds LFS's organizational agreements and the expectations of its Board of Directors. This position is ideal for an early childhood leader who thrives in a high-accountability environment and moves easily between long-term strategy and hands-on daily operations. Key responsibilities Strategic Leadership and Board Relations • Partner with the General Manager, Assistant General Manager, Human Resources, Board of Directors, and leadership team to set and carry out strategic priorities. • Prepare and present Board reports on enrollment, staffing, program quality, operations, and other key organizational matters. • Lead long-term planning for enrollment growth, staffing models, program expansion, and organizational sustainability. • Develop data-informed strategies to meet enrollment demand, manage the wait list, and optimize classroom capacity without compromising quality or compliance. • Use enrollment trends, staffing stability, family satisfaction, and other key indicators to guide decisions and continuous improvement. • Ensure transparency, accountability, and alignment between Center operations and Board expectations. Licensing, Compliance, and Child Safety • Ensure compliance with all applicable CCLD regulations and health and safety standards. • Oversee classroom ratios, supervision, and staffing coverage to protect the safety and well-being of every child. • Lead CCLD visits, audits, inspections, and corrective action responses. • Maintain the
Requirements / Qualifications
Required • Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field. • Meets or exceeds California licensing requirements for a Site Supervisor or Program Director permit. • 7 to 10 years of experience in early childhood education, including at least 3 to 5 years in a leadership role. • Demonstrated experience managing budgets, staffing models, enrollment, and licensing compliance. • Deep knowledge of child development and play-based learning philosophies. • Strong understanding of CCLD regulations and compliance systems. • Proven ability to lead teams in a fast-paced, high-accountability environment. • Strong conflict resolution and employee relations skills. • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including with a Board of Directors. • Strong financial and analytical skills, with the ability to use data to inform decisions. • Ability to balance long-term strategic leadership with hands-on operational oversight. Preferred • Master's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field. • Experience working with a Board of Directors or other governing body.
Requirements / Qualifications
Required • Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field. • Meets or exceeds California licensing requirements for a Site Supervisor or Program Director permit. • 7 to 10 years of experience in early childhood education, including at least 3 to 5 years in a leadership role. • Demonstrated experience managing budgets, staffing models, enrollment, and licensing compliance. • Deep knowledge of child development and play-based learning philosophies. • Strong understanding of CCLD regulations and compliance systems. • Proven ability to lead teams in a fast-paced, high-accountability environment. • Strong conflict resolution and employee relations skills. • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including with a Board of Directors. • Strong financial and analytical skills, with the ability to use data to inform decisions. • Ability to balance long-term strategic leadership with hands-on operational oversight. Preferred • Master's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field. • Experience working with a Board of Directors or other governing body.