Daycare Administrative Support Coordinator (Full-time), Hickory, NC

About this position

The Sandbox Child Development Center

Are you passionate about early childhood education and looking for a career where you can truly make a difference? The Sandbox is seeking a full-time Administrative Support Coordinator.  This role ensures smooth daily operations, state childcare compliance, and facility maintenance at The Sandbox. Key duties include assisting leadership, managing staff schedules, supervising kitchen operations, and executing end-of-day building procedures. 

Key Responsibilities

Core Competencies & Skills

• Leadership & Operational Support: Proactive problem-solver with the ability to assist center directors, manage staff PTO requests, and supervise kitchen and afternoon staff.
• Kitchen & Inventory Management: Skilled in menu planning (implementing seasonal fruits/vegetables), sanitation oversight, reading CN labels, and managing food vendor orders.
• Multi-Tasking & Flexibility: Strong organizational skills to manage administrative workflows, shift rapidly between office duties and classroom coverage, and perform end-of-day facility closing procedures.

Child Guidance & Safety

• Regulatory Compliance: Maintain full compliance with North Carolina Child Care rules, sanitation regulations, and DSS standards, including tracking attendance on NCFAST.
• Safety & Emergency Procedures: Conduct and record monthly fire drills, fire extinguisher checks, and playground inspection reports.
• Health & Medical Care: Administer oral medications with proper documentation and enforce strict classroom food allergy protocols.

Family & Team Engagement

• Confidentiality & Professionalism: Maintain strict confidentiality regarding children, families, and staff issues, conducting all sensitive discussions behind closed doors in the office.
• Policy Enforcement: Consistently interpret and implement the Sandbox Family Handbook, Staff Handbook, and organizational policies with parents and team members.
• Community & Events: Active involvement in planning and coordinating center-wide extracurricular functions, such as graduations and holiday programs.

Classroom & Curriculum Management

• Classroom Coverage & Support: Step in to cover classrooms promptly during staff absences, maintaining seamless teacher-to-child ratios and operational continuity.
• Educational Quality Standards: Assist in implementing and maintaining North Carolina environmental rating scales and Pyramid Model framework across all classrooms.
• Program Evaluations: Conduct quarterly classroom observations as assigned to ensure high instructional standards and compliance with center guidelines.

Education and Credentials

• Education: Associate degree or higher in Early Childhood Education or a related field (preferred).
• Credentials: North Carolina DCDEE Lead Teacher Credentials (or equivalent state licensing qualifications).
• Clearances: Documented clean criminal background check and compliance with all state health/safety requirements.
• Professional Development: Commitment to completing all required annual state licensing training hours.

Benefits Package

We offer a competitive compensation structure along with comprehensive benefits:

• Health & Wellness: Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance options.
• Income Protection: Short-Term and Long-Term Disability coverage.
• Retirement: 401(k) plan with generous company match.
• Time Off: Paid Time Off (PTO) plus 9 paid holidays annually.

To Apply: Submit your resume and state credential documentation directly to our hiring team or visit us at The Sandbox Child Development Center.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against applicants due to race, ethnicity, gender, age, veteran status, or on the basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class