Overview
Program Director (Early Childhood Education) Jobs in Rockville, MD at Helios HR
Title: Program Director (Early Childhood Education)
Company: Helios HR
Location: Rockville, MD
Our client, The Children in the Shoe, is a mission-driven early childhood education center grounded in the belief that children learn best through play, exploration, and meaningful connection. Serving a vibrant community of families, their work is rooted in creating a nurturing, engaging, and developmentally rich environment where both children and educators can thrive.
They are seeking a Program Director who is passionate about early childhood education and energized by the opportunity to lead programs that shape foundational learning experiences. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a collaborative, child-centered environment and is eager to make a meaningful, lasting impact—supporting both student growth and educator development every day.
The Program Director will lead all programmatic and classroom operations, working closely with leadership and teaching staff to ensure high-quality, play-based learning experiences aligned with Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) standards. This individual will serve as both an instructional leader and a cultural ambassador—fostering a supportive, inclusive environment where children feel inspired to learn and teachers feel empowered to grow.
This is an opportunity for someone who wants to do more than manage a program—it's for a leader who wants to help shape a learning community and see the direct impact of their work in the growth and development of young learners.
Key Responsibilities
Program & Curriculum Leadership
- Ensure high-quality curriculum implementation and positive child outcomes using formal and informal assessment practices
- Review and approve lesson plans and child assessments
- Conduct classroom observations and provide instructional feedback and coaching
- Support teachers in curriculum planning, classroom management, and individualization
- Oversee educational materials, library resources, and art supplies
Staff Development & Supervision
- Support, mentor, and evaluate teaching staff
- Co-lead staff meetings and professional development initiatives
- Train staff on assessment tools (Healthy Beginnings, Maryland Early Learning Standards, Teaching Strategies GOLD)
- Ensure compliance with training, credentialing, and licensing requirements
- Participate in hiring, onboarding, and staff evaluations
Family & Community Engagement
- Build strong, responsive relationships with children and families
- Support parent communication and participate in conferences
- Oversee child and classroom transitions to ensure continuity of care
- Conduct tours and represent the center within the community
Safety, Compliance & Operations
- Ensure compliance with MSDE licensing, health, and safety regulations
- Maintain appropriate child-to-staff ratios and staffing coverage
- Communicate important medical, allergy, and care information to staff
- Serve as a mandated reporter and support inclusive, ADA-compliant practices
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field (Master’s preferred)
- 5–8 years of experience in Early Childhood Education
- 2–4 years of supervisory or leadership experience
- Demonstrated ability to lead and support large, diverse teams
- Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills
- Child-centered leadership approach that celebrates individual growth and development
Organizational Culture & Benefits
The Children in the Shoe values collaboration, creativity, leadership, and open communication. They foster an inclusive, supportive environment where children and families are at the center of all decisions—and where educators are encouraged to grow, contribute, and lead with confidence.
Benefits include:
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) and retirement plan options
- Paid time off and parental leave
- Childcare benefits and employee discounts
- Professional development and tuition reimbursement
- Life insurance and additional employee perks
Additional Details
- Full-time, on-site role
- Location: Maryland
- Childcare Director Certificate required
