Assistant Director of Child Safety & Compliance

It's fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they're doing!
We're committed to bringing passion and customer focus to the business.

Location: Louisville, KY (On-Site)
Reports To: Executive School Director

Position Overview

The Child Safety & Compliance Lead serves as the on-site subject matter expert responsible for ensuring consistent implementation of state licensing requirements and The Gardner School (TGS) safety standards.

This role provides structured observation, individualized guidance, and targeted training to strengthen supervision practices, child protection protocols, and overall regulatory compliance. Through proactive monitoring and partnership with school leadership, the Child Safety & Compliance Lead helps ensure that safety expectations are clearly understood, consistently applied, and embedded in daily practice.

The hiring range for this position is $42,500–$52,500 annually, based on experience, credentials, and demonstrated expertise in licensing compliance and early childhood leadership.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package, which may include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.

• 401(k) with company match.

• Paid time off and holidays.

• Professional development and training.

• Tuition discount for eligible employees.

• Career growth opportunities within a growing, multi-state organization.

Essential Job Responsibilities & Duties

(These include but are not limited to the following. The company reserves the right to add to, delete, change, or modify the essential duties and responsibilities at any time.)

Observation & Standards Alignment

• Conduct structured classroom, playground, and transition observations.
• Assess and document adherence to state licensing requirements and TGS safety policies.
• Monitor activities including (but not limited to) active supervision practices, ratio compliance, and child protection protocols.

Individual Guidance & Skill Development

• Provide one-on-one guidance to teachers to ensure alignment with supervision and safety expectations.
• Ensure 100% of teachers are supported and aligned to standards within the first 30 days of implementation.
• Document observations, guidance conversations, and progress toward compliance benchmarks.

Training Development & Implementation

• Identify common opportunity areas based on observation trends.
• Assist in developing and delivering targeted training sessions to address recurring gaps.
• Support implementation of refresher trainings on child protection, supervision, and health and safety practices.​

Licensing & Compliance Support

• Monitor ongoing adherence to state licensing and TGS standards.
• Support preparation for licensing visits and follow-up on feedback.
• Review documentation practices to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Escalate compliance concerns as appropriate.

Continuous Improvement & Reporting

• Maintain accurate records of observations, coaching provided, and progress toward compliance benchmarks.
• Provide regular updates regarding trends and potential risk areas.
• Contribute to proactive planning to prevent licensing violations.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, or related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience as permitted by state licensing regulations)
• Minimum 5 years of experience in a licensed early childhood setting
• Demonstrated knowledge of state childcare licensing regulations including experience preparing for or leading licensing inspections
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive matters with discretion.
• Experience serving as an Assistant Director in an early childhood program.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong observational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to interpret policy and apply it consistently
• Ability to provide constructive feedback in a professional and respectful manner
• High emotional intelligence and professional composure
• Strong documentation and organizational skills
• Ability to analyze trends and identify root causes of compliance gaps

Physical Requirements

• Ability to move throughout the school building and outdoor play areas regularly throughout the day
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time
• Ability to bend, kneel, crouch, sit on the floor, and rise from the floor as needed
• Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds occasionally
• Ability to visually and auditorily monitor classroom and outdoor environments
• Ability to respond quickly in emergency situations

The Gardner School extends equal employment opportunities to qualified applicants and employees on an equal basis regardless of an individual’s age, race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other reason prohibited by law.