Overview

The Center Director is responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and quality of education, for all children within the center’s care. The Center Director is directly accountable for overall operational management following well-established guidelines, including curriculum development, staff and facilities management, legal and budgetary considerations, and long-range planning. The Center Director ensures that the needs of the students and the center’s goals are met appropriately.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Corps Officers to establish a schedule, programs, activities, and services for children and families that align with The Salvation Army, NJSACC, Grow NJ Kids, state, and local requirements.
• Work with Divisional Education Director to adhere to and maintain state and local regulations for program licensure.
• Train, supervise, and evaluate staff members following state licensing requirements and the mission of the Salvation Army.
• Designate a staff member to serve as acting Director when necessary.
• Oversee all childcare office functions, including staff payroll, accounts payable and receivable, tuition billing and payment, personnel management (staff PTO), and purchasing.

• Maintain compliance with all USDA, Subsidy Voucher, Health Department, and Office of Licensing requirements.
• Maintain enrollment to ensure adequate income to meet the budget.
• Review and approve menus following USDA requirements and supervise food purchases.

• Order supplies for the center, including office, janitorial, educational, and other related supplies, following The Salvation Army Policies, and keep up-to-date inventories.

• Implement the policies and procedures consistent with Grow NJ Kids and The Salvation Army standards for the center’s day-to-day operation.
• Maintain and update records of staff and children in compliance with The Salvation Army, State of New Jersey, and local government regulatory agencies’ policies and procedures.
• Arrange for substitutes for absent staff members.

• Orient parents to the center, provide them with the parent’s handbook, and inform them of the center’s policies.
• Be available to parents for in-person or telephone conferences.

• Maintain ongoing communications with Corps Officers and administrative staff regarding the daily activities and concerns associated with the Early Childhood Education Center and Afterschool program.

• Conduct monthly staff meetings and quarterly parent meetings.
• Serve as the point of contact to community partners, agencies, and parents, and represent the center at community functions when necessary.
• Coordinate daycare center emergency closings with the CO following Salvation Army and state-established guidelines.
• Ensure that the daycare classrooms, equipment, and furniture are in good condition. Coordinate repairs per The Salvation Army policies and procedures.
• Utilize data to assess and evaluate children, staff, and program operations and implement a strategic plan to address program needs.
• Complete and maintain staff and personal professional development plan to ensure continuous quality improvement of all childcare staff.

• All other related duties as assigned by Corps Officers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in early childhood education or related field of study with a minimum of 30 credits in ECE.
• Minimum of 2 years of supervisory experience, preferably in an early childhood setting.

• Proficient with computer applications, including databases and Microsoft 365 (Excel, Word, Outlook, Teams, and PowerPoint), and proven ability to learn new applications.
• Understanding of state subsidy voucher system and experience in revenue tracking preferred.

• Strong oral and written communications skills.
• Ability to work well with others (staff, children, and parents) and to foster a team environment.

• Excellent leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Self-motivated, with the ability to work independently.
• CPR/First Aid certified preferred; must be willing to get certified within the first 90 days.

• Must provide health screening that includes physical and TB results within the first 90 days.

• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.

• Must clear full criminal background and Child Abuse Record check.

• Must be willing to support and lead faith-based kid’s activities and programming.
• Must understand and support the mission of The Salvation Army.