Swapna Jiju

Dynamic and accomplished Academy Director and HR professional with a proven record of leading early childhood education operations, managing payroll, driving compliance, and building high-performing teams. Promoted from Assistant Director to Academy Director at Kiddie Academy within 20 months based on demonstrated leadership and operational excellence. Achieved NAEYC Accreditation and Georgia Pre-K program approval within the first year — a distinction held by fewer than 5% of Georgia childcare programs.

Recognized by Georgia Bright from the Start state authorities for outstanding school management. Holds ADP-endorsed Coursera certifications in U.S.

Payroll

Fundamentals, The Payroll Cycle, and The Payroll Professional. Combines early childhood education expertise with formal HR, recruiting, and healthcare administration experience.

Academy Director - Kiddie Academy - Cumming, GA

(2024-09)

• Oversee all aspects of day-to-day school operations, implementing and upholding Kiddie Academy's core values, curriculum, and policies
• Lead by example, fostering a positive, professional, and collaborative school culture
• Continuously evaluate and improve center operations to ensure quality, compliance, and family satisfaction
• Hire, onboard, train, and evaluate staff across all functions — teachers, assistants, kitchen, and admin
• Create staff schedules ensuring proper classroom ratios at all times
• Provide ongoing coaching, feedback, and professional development to build a strong, stable team
• Handle conflict resolution and maintain staff morale, resulting in sustained reduction in attrition
• Ensure Kiddie Academy's Life Essentials® curriculum is implemented with fidelity across all classrooms
• Support teachers with lesson planning, assessments, and classroom environments
• Conduct classroom observations and deliver instructional feedback aligned with GELDS best practices
• Promote GELDS alignment and early childhood education best practices center-wide
• Maintain all center records — enrollment, staff files, immunizations, and compliance documentation
• Oversee billing, tuition collection, and financial reporting in collaboration with owner and admin
• Manage state inspections, health and safety protocols, emergency drills, and food safety procedures
• Ensure full compliance with Georgia state licensing, NAEYC, Quality Rated, and Bright from the Start standards
• Conduct school tours and lead promotional efforts to attract and retain prospective families
• Track enrollment data, waitlists, and classroom transitions to optimize occupancy
• Communicate regularly with parents via newsletters, meetings, and updates; handle concerns professionally and promptly
• Plan and oversee family events, orientations, and holiday celebrations promoting an inclusive school environment

Assistant Director - Kiddie Academy - Cumming, GA

(2023-01 - 2024-08)

• Oversaw day-to-day operations of the school supporting the Director in all administrative functions
• Managed enrollment processes, attendance records, and parent communication channels
• Calculated employee wages including hours worked, overtime, bonuses, and deductions
• Maintained detailed payroll records covering compensation, leave balances, and wage adjustments
• Managed year-end payroll processing including preparation and issuance of W-2 forms
• Processed payroll adjustments for salary changes, promotions, and terminations
• Collaborated with the Director on staff performance evaluations and delivery of constructive feedback
• Supported a positive and collaborative workplace culture contributing to a 60%+ reduction in staff attrition
• Assisted with budgeting and financial planning; monitored expenses to support school financial sustainability
• Reduced fee leakage by 80% through proactive billing follow-ups and stringent payment administration
• Ensured school met all state licensing and safety regulations; implemented health and safety protocols
• Fostered positive parent relationships through regular communication and participation in school events
• Provided classroom support to teachers and stepped in to cover classrooms and handle emergencies
• Resolved conflicts among staff, parents, and students, maintaining a positive school atmosphere

HR Recruiter - Bangalore Consultants - Bangalore, India

(2008-01 - 2008-07)

• Designed and updated job descriptions aligned to client requirements across multiple industries
• Sourced qualified candidates via HR databases, Naukri.com, and professional networks
• Crafted targeted recruiting emails and outreach campaigns to attract passive candidates
• Conducted initial candidate screening and prepared shortlisted candidates for client-facing interviews

Customer Relations Executive - Muthoot Hospitals - Kerala, India

(2001-06 - 2002-05)

• Managed patient scheduling, billing, and hospital admissions with accuracy and empathy
• Served as liaison between patients, families, and clinical staff ensuring a seamless experience
• Maintained administrative records and coordinated information flow across departments

School Volunteer — Classroom & Event Support - Fulton County Schools - Webb Bridge Middle & Creek View Elementary

(2016-08 - 2018-12)

• Coordinated cultural events and programs in partnership with parents, students, and administrators
• Assisted with classroom management, library administration, and school office documentation
• Supported PTA programs and supervised student activities including lunchrooms and playgrounds

Diploma of Education - Education - Shri Rawatpura Sarkar International University (2003 - 2004)

B.S. - Physics - Mahatma Gandhi University (1997 - 2000)

Computer Diploma - Computers - Aptech Computers (2000 - 2002)