Director- Explorer Academy Bunnell

Salary will be $48,000- $50,000 per year (based on experience)

Full-time position; 40 hours per week (plus insurance and time off benefits)

About the Role:

Easterseals is seeking a compassionate, collaborative, and hands-on Academy Director to lead a small, high-quality early childhood program serving children whose mothers are enrolled in SMA Healthcare’s Project WARM residential program.

This unique leadership role combines early childhood education, program management, and family engagement. The Academy Director is responsible for ensuring a nurturing, safe, and developmentally appropriate learning environment while supporting positive parent-child relationships and partnering closely with mothers on their children's growth and development.

The ideal candidate is a strong leader who can balance warmth with accountability, effectively supervise staff, maintain compliance with licensing and accreditation standards, and step into the classroom when needed to support daily operations. This position serves as the primary liaison between Easterseals and SMA Healthcare and plays a key role in strengthening outcomes for children and families.

A Snapshot of What You'll Do:

· Lead the day-to-day operations of a small early childhood education program.

· Supervise, coach, evaluate, and support teaching staff to ensure high-quality classroom experiences.

· Recruit, interview, onboard, and assist with performance management of team members.

· Maintain compliance with all licensing, accreditation, and regulatory requirements.

· Oversee staff scheduling, attendance, classroom ratios, curriculum implementation, and overall program quality.

· Provide instructional leadership through classroom observations, coaching, and professional development.

· Support teachers with lesson planning, classroom design, and implementation of developmentally appropriate practices.

· Serve as the primary liaison between Easterseals and SMA Healthcare, fostering strong partnerships and communication.

· Build supportive, trauma-informed relationships with mothers in the Project WARM program and encourage family engagement.

· Manage records, reporting requirements, safety procedures, drills, inspections, and program documentation.

· Collaborate on budget oversight, strategic planning, and continuous quality improvement initiatives.

· Step into classroom roles as needed to provide coverage and ensure continuity of care and learning.

· Champion Easterseals’ mission, values, and commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for children and families.

Qualifications:

· CDA/Staff Credential required. 

· Florida Child Care Director Credential required at hire or within six months of employment. 

· Early childhood education teaching experience required; leadership or supervisory experience preferred. 

· Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related coursework preferred. 

· Experience supporting children with diverse learning and developmental needs is a plus. 

· Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and relationship-building skills. 

· Ability to maintain compliance with licensing and regulatory requirements while fostering a positive, trauma-informed environment. 

· Comfortable working in a hands-on role, including providing classroom coverage when needed. 

· Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and actively participate in classroom and outdoor activities.

Easterseals Florida has been rated a Great Place to Work (2020 - 2025) by our employees! We provide services daily that are leading the way to 100% equity, inclusion and access for people living with disabilities, families and communities. Working at Easterseals is more than just a job - it's an opportunity to be part of something bigger! If you want to translate your talent, your passion, and your commitment to help people with disabilities, families and the community, you might be exactly what we are looking for.

Easterseals Florida is a Drug Free Workplace (DFWP).

Easterseals Florida is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information.

Easterseals Florida is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact our HR department at (407) 629-7881, [email protected], 2010 Crosby Way, Winter Park, FL 32792.

Under the directive of Florida House Bill 531, our organization utilizes the Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse. More information regarding the background screening requirements for this position can be found on the Florida HealthSource Background Screening website or at this specific link: https://info.flclearinghouse.com.