JENNIFER SCHMIDT
Dublin,OH
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven school director with over 15 years of progressive leadership experience in early childhood education. Proven success in staff development, operational management, and family engagement. Skilled in maintaining compliance with licensing and accreditation standards while fostering high-quality learning environments grounded in developmentally appropriate practice. Recognized for mentoring strong teaching teams, enhancing program quality, and building trusting relationships with families and community partners.
Strong leader and problem-solver dedicated to streamlining operations to decrease costs and promote organizational efficiency. Uses independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to positively impact company success.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive School Director
The Gardner School of Powell
07.2023 - Current
- Managed the school as it was acquired by The Gardner School and transitioned from The Compass School in many systems aspects.
- Oversee all daily school operations, staffing, and enrollment for a premier early childhood education center serving infants through pre-kindergarten.
- Lead a team of educators and management staff to deliver exceptional educational programs and family experiences.
- Ensure compliance with state licensing and health/safety standards while maintaining the school’s brand and quality benchmarks.
- Manage budgets, payroll, and financial performance to achieve enrollment and operational goals.
- Drive professional development, team culture, and retention through coaching, mentoring, and recognition programs.
- Partner with families to support children’s individual growth and ensure strong communication and satisfaction.
- Collaborate with regional leadership to execute company initiatives and continuous improvement strategies.
- Recruited, hired, and trained initial personnel, working to establish key internal functions and outline scope of positions for new organization.
Assistant Director
The Compass School of Powell
09.2011 - 07.2023
- Oversaw daily operations for a NAEYC-accredited early childhood education center, ensuring compliance with Ohio Department of Job & Family Services (ODJFS) regulations.
- Recruited, trained, and mentored teachers to foster a collaborative and high-performing team environment.
- Managed documentation, child records, and licensing files to meet state and national accreditation standards.
- Built strong relationships with parents and families to support child development and family engagement.
- Supported staff evaluations and provided ongoing coaching to enhance classroom quality and teacher growth.
- Coordinated curriculum implementation and child assessments to promote optimal learning outcomes.
- Promoted the Reggio Emilia-inspired philosophy through project-based learning and child-centered exploration.
Pre-K Teacher
The Compass School of Powell
10.2008 - 09.2011
- Developed engaging lesson plans that fostered early childhood learning and development.
- Implemented age-appropriate activities to enhance social, emotional, and cognitive skills.
- Established a nurturing classroom environment promoting positive behavior and teamwork.
- Collaborated with parents to track student progress and address individual needs effectively.
- Trained new educators in curriculum delivery and classroom management techniques.
- Led workshops on child development best practices for staff professional growth.
- Evaluated student performance through assessments, adapting strategies for diverse learning styles.
- Gave one-on-one attention to children while maintaining overall focus on entire group.
- Sanitized toys and play equipment each day to maintain safety and cleanliness.
- Promoted social-emotional development with interactive lessons on empathy, conflict resolution, and self-regulation techniques.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Human Ecology, Human Development & Family Science, Education, Early Childhood Development and Education
The Ohio State University
Columbus, OH08.2008
Associate of Arts - undefined
Columbus State Community College
Columbus, OH03.2006
Skills
- Leadership & Staff Development
- School Operations & Budget Management
- Family & Community Engagement
- Licensing & Accreditation Compliance (ODJFS, NAEYC)
- Recruiting, Hiring & Retention
- Child Development & Curriculum Oversight
- Organizational Planning & Team Collaboration
- Customer Service & Communication Excellence
- Administrative skills
- Team leadership
- Team player
- Customer retention
- Staff training
- Facility management
- Program leadership
- Budget allocation
- Vendor sourcing
- Marketing
- Staffing
Timeline
Executive School Director
The Gardner School of Powell
07.2023 - Current
Assistant Director
The Compass School of Powell
09.2011 - 07.2023
Pre-K Teacher
The Compass School of Powell
10.2008 - 09.2011
Associate of Arts - undefined
Columbus State Community College
Bachelor of Science - Human Ecology, Human Development & Family Science, Education, Early Childhood Development and Education
The Ohio State University
Full House Award 2024, 2025
Full House Award-awarded for high enrollment all four quarters.
Budget Breaker Award-awarded for meeting budgets all four quarters.
Work Smart, Work Safe Award-awarded for no student or staff injury claims.
Taking Care of Business Award-awarded for meeting budget and enrollment expectations all four quarters.