Early Learning Academy Director

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

To manage the daily operation and staff of a licensed childcare center. To provide supervision, educational leadership, and support to early childhood staff. To comply with all federal guidelines (Head Start Performance Standards, Transmittal Notices, etc.), Child Care Minimum Standards, and local Head Start policies in providing children and families with high quality child care services.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum Education/Certification:

Bachelor's degree from accredited university preferred

Texas Teaching Certification preferred

Childcare Director License or willing to obtain required

Current first aid/CPR certification or willingness to obtain required

Special Knowledge/Skills:

Ability to ensure staff complies with childcare licensing

Experience working with young children

Loving, nurturing disposition toward young children

Valid Texas Driver’s License or other reliable mode of transportation during work hours

Clear background history checks at the local, state, and federal levels required (Background checks are conducted by the District at no cost to the applicant.)

Demonstrated ability to problem-solve situations, motivate staff, and develop employees

Strong organizational skills

Moderate technology skills

Must be service-driven with the ability to assume personal responsibility and maintain a positive outlook

Must demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, possess the ability to work as a team player, enjoy a variety of activities, and possess organizational abilities

Work Conditions

Tools/Equipment Used: Standard classroom and nursery equipment such as toys, playgrounds, multiple-rider strollers, etc.; personal computer and printer

Posture: Must be physically able to tolerate frequent standing, kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting

Motion: Must be physically able to participate in moderate to high levels of physical activity, such as, but not limited to, standing for moderate to lengthy periods of time, frequent squatting and sitting on the floor, frequent walking, and overhead reaching, occasional driving

Lifting: Must be physically able to tolerate regular light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); may require occasional heavy lifting and carrying (45 pounds or more)

Environment: Must be physically able to tolerate cleaning products and sanitizers, work inside and outside (exposure to sun, heat, cold, and inclement weather); exposure to noise; frequent exposure to bodily fluids

Mental Demands: Must be able to work with frequent interruptions, maintain emotional control under stress and self-control in the presence of children

Regular Attendance is an essential function

Minimum Experience:

Experience working with young children required

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

• Engages in respectful partnerships with families to promote child/student success and family well-being.
• Manages the daily operations, maintenance, and safety of the Early Learning Academy, according to policy.
• Supervise and evaluate assigned staff at the Early Learning Academy.
• Provides educational and instructional leadership and evaluates classroom activities.
• Assists in analysis of child assessment data to determine programmatic, curriculum, and staff training needs.
• Maintains an awareness of District and Early Learning Academy policies, and other regulations influencing the Early Learning Academy and disseminates information to support staff, classroom staff, and district administration.
• Maintains documentation required by Day Care Minimum Standards.
• Ensures that center staff receives all training as required by Child Care Minimum Standards for center staff and other trainings as needed.
• Facilitates all parent involvement events for the Early Learning Academy and assigns staff to help.
• Assists with the documentation and implementation of the USDA meal service.
• Collects and analyzes information to find new solutions to challenges as ongoing monitoring and continual improvement in services.
• Follows safety and environment regulations.
• Maintains confidentiality of child and family information.
• Models correct speech patterns and vocabulary for children.
• Maintains a safe environment for children in the classroom and on the playground.
• Provides emergency medical care for children as needed.
• Monitors and follows the process for appropriate approved persons to pick up the children.
• Complies with district and Early Learning Academy policies.
• Reports for work ready to perform responsibilities.
• Performs duties that directly and/or indirectly impact student performance in the Early Learning Academy.
• Maintains a professional level of confidentiality regarding all Early Learning Academy matters.
• Supports the mission, goals, and objectives of the District and Early Learning Academy.
• Upholds and adheres to safety rules and policies of the District and Early Learning Academy.
• Performs professional responsibilities as required by the District and Early Learning Academy policies, processes, and procedures.
• Attends all required staff development and in-service meetings.
• Obtains and maintains first aid/CPR certifications.
• Maintains current licenses and certifications.
• Complies with the District and Early Learning Academy personnel policies regarding absences and tardiness.
• Manages time, calendar, and job responsibilities to meet deadlines.
• Meets proficiency levels of required technology skills as outlined by supervisor.
• Incorporates appropriate technology in daily work and exhibits continual growth in technologies as outlined by supervisor.
• Performs other duties as assigned.