Childcare Center Director

Educators for Quality Alternatives (EQA) is a dynamic educational organization committed to providing supportive and effective pathways to graduation for students who have faced challenges in traditional educational environments. Established in 2011, EQA has grown to include three high school campuses—The NET: Central City, The NET: Gentilly, and The NET: East—along with a middle school called The Bridge. Beyond academics, EQA offers a comprehensive array of wrap-around programs and family supports to foster student and community success. The core mission of EQA Schools is to equip all students with the necessary skills, confidence, and experiences to thrive in their chosen educational and career paths. The organization's belief in restorative, flexible, and vibrant alternative schools drives its innovative approach to education, rejecting punitive models and instead fostering environments where young people can be their best selves.

The NEST: NOEOC Childcare Center is an essential part of EQA's holistic approach to supporting students and their families. Located within the New Orleans East Opportunity Center, The NEST operates as a Type III LDOE licensed childcare facility offering care for up to 17 children aged between six weeks and four years old. This center primarily serves the children of students attending EQA programs, providing a safe and nurturing space where infants and toddlers can be cared for on either a permanent or as-needed basis, enabling parents to focus on their classes or work commitments.

The Childcare Center Director role at The NEST: NOEOC is a full-time position that requires a valid Early Childhood Ancillary Certification (ECAC) and Type III Director Certification. The role calls for an experienced leader passionate about early childhood education and the mission of EQA. The Director is responsible for the comprehensive management of the childcare center, including daily operations, curriculum quality, staff development, family engagement, and regulatory compliance. Managing and nurturing both the children and staff is fundamental to this position, with the Director expected to actively engage in caregiving and instructional duties for about 75% of the day, exemplifying outstanding care and teaching standards.

Key responsibilities include developing and monitoring early childhood curricula, ensuring the safety and well-being of children, providing coaching and professional development to staff, and fostering strong, supportive relationships with families. Additionally, the Director manages licensing and administrative duties, maintains compliance with all relevant regulations, and collaborates with external organizations such as Agenda for Children to enhance program quality and staff expertise. The Center Director also leads efforts to develop onsite training programs and hosts student interns, further contributing to professional growth within the early childhood education community.

This role requires a seasoned professional with at least five years of early childhood teaching experience and three years managing staff and programs in the same field. The ideal candidate possesses excellent organizational, communication, and relationship-building skills, a commitment to continuous improvement, and a deep passion for advancing educational opportunities for urban students. The Director plays a key role in cultivating a safe, innovative, and nurturing childcare environment that aligns with EQA's overarching mission and values.

The position offers a competitive salary range of $50,000 to $65,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications, along with comprehensive benefits and a 403b retirement plan. It is a year-round position based at 12000 Hayne Blvd, New Orleans, LA, with a generous leave policy. The start date is July 1, 2026. EQA prides itself on being an equal opportunity employer, fostering diversity and inclusion, and requiring all hires to verify eligibility to work in the United States. This leadership role provides a meaningful opportunity to make a lasting impact on children, families, and the broader community through high-quality early childhood education.