Childcare Director

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Director is responsible for creating a learning community of children and families that promotes optimal child development and healthy families. The Director also develops organizational systems, implements human resources functions, establishes/maintains collaborations and promotes advocacy in Early childhood education. The Director of the Early Learning Center will act as a van driver for fieldtrips, pick-up children and/or when needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

·        BA in ECE, Business or related field.

·        5 years’ experience in early childhood education.

·        Meet qualifications for childcare director licensure.

·        CPR/First Aid certified.

·        Proficient in an Asian language.

·        Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Power point.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

·        Knowledge of accounting software.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

·        Program Management & Sustainability

o  Prepare business plan and budget for the program.

o  Maintain Program Logic Model and all Licensing and Accreditation standards.

o  Prepare Child and Adult Care Food Program renewal application.

o  Ensure program growth and stability by leading the curriculum and instructional methods.

o  Coordinate field trips and schedule activities for the center such as parenting workshops, family engagement activities, etc.

o  Provide supervision to the kitchen and food program including but not limited to monitor inventory, prepare menus, etc.

o  Enroll – establish file as instructed by Child Care Licensing. Monitor child assessments and track their attendance. Interview parents and counselors for case assessment.

o  Refer clients to related social services when needed.

o  Attend program required trainings.

·        Personnel Management

o  Manage the hiring process including but not limited to interviewing, hiring, background and finger print checks, and required paperwork for the early childhood education program related positions.

o  Supervise and monitor all staff as well as give regular feedback in terms of performance up to including terminations.  Schedule teachers trainings and ensure teachers meet licensing and professional credentials.

o  Conduct performance appraisals on an annual basis as well as evaluate Professional Development Plans.

o  Arrange for CPR, First Aid, and other required trainings for staff annually.

o  Class walkthroughs/observations/equipment check list for the early childhood education and youth program.

·        Partnerships and Collaboration

o  Maintain outside collaborations with news media, area school counselors, Parent Teacher Organizations, Advocacy groups and other social service agencies.

o  Prepare brochures, posters, and flyers for marketing purposes. Write articles for newsletters and annual reports.

o  Collaborate with other programs within CCC to offer comprehensive services to students and their families.

·        Outcomes and Evaluation

o  Maintain all center inspections/reports as well as policies and procedures to maintain licensure requirements.

o  Conduct bi-annual program survey.

o  Attend funder meeting.

o  Prepare annual and monthly reports, and help with annual audits.

·        Professional Development

o  To perform the job successfully, the incumbent must be able to satisfactorily attend professional development trainings and stay aware of the Center’s policies and procedures.

o  Ensure that staff attends professional development trainings to meet State Licensing standards.

PERIODIC FUNCTIONS:  

·        Purchase training materials and supplies.

·        Conduct staff meetings.

·        Participate in agency-wide activities such as fundraising, gatherings, annual meetings, volunteer appreciations, etc.

·        Perform other related duties as assigned.

JOB COMPETENCIES:

·        Leadership: An ability to monitor, assess, respond to, and create internal and external changes related to staff, program, partners, organization and community in different sectors.

·        Adaptive: An ability to create and sustain a vision, to inspire, to model, to prioritize, strong decision making, clear judgment, to provide clear and effective decisions, and to innovate – all in an effort to achieve the objectives of the funded programs and the changing needs of target population and staff.

·        Management: Ability to identify and utilize resources effectively and efficiently.

·        Technical Capacity: The resources, skills, experience, knowledge, and aptitude to implement and grow the program toward sustainability.

·        Interpersonal Skills: Should be empathetic to children's emotions and teachers and parent's needs.

·        Patience – The ability to exhibit patience when working with school-aged students and their families and supervise staff and understand that it is imperative to be the pacifying agent in certain high-tension situations.

·        Good communication skills – Able to communicate effectively with students, parents, and peers in a professional manner.

·        Conflict resolution skills – Ability to think quickly on their feet and help resolve conflicts as soon as they arise. Staff should be skilled at acting as a mediator to help calm situations.

·        Team player – An ability to function as part of a team and how to motivate those staff that they supervise towards a common goal.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

·        Standing: Must be able to stand for long periods of time when teaching or supervising active games.

·        Sitting: May have to sit for an extended period of time when working on administrative duties. Must be able to sit for long periods of time in the van seat when acting as a driver, reach the steering wheel and pedals, and wear the seat belt properly every day.

·        Lifting: Must be able to frequently lift up to 40lbs.

·        Bending: Must be able to bend or twist their body. Must be able to kneel, stoop, or crouch to interact with children.

·        Walking: Walk or run to observe children in a classrooms setting and outdoors.

·        Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, and tools.

·        Physical equipment: Must wear safety belt when riding in the van. Must wear gloves changing children and handling bodily fluid. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

·        Office and outdoors playground.

·        Travel to attend local program meetings and trainings occasionally

WORKING CONDITIONS:

·        Monday through Friday from 9:00AM-5:30PM

·        This position requires a flexible schedule subject to change based on center hour operations.