Early Childhood Director

Linden Community Schools Job Description

Job Title: Early Childhood Director

Building: LCS Early Childhood Building

Reports To: Superintendent

FLSA Status: Exempt

Updated: Updated, September 2023

Job Purpose

The Early Childhood Director is to develop and maintain a program in which preschool age children are safe and well cared for while they grow and learn. Maintain the policies and guidelines set forth by the State of Michigan Department of Human Services - Division of Child Care Licensing, Michigan Department of Public Health, National Association of for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and Linden Community Schools. Create an environment where staff interact in a cooperative, pro-social manner with children, parents, co-workers and school personnel. Oversee and direct the planning and implementation of a developmentally appropriate daily schedule and curriculum that meets a young child's physical, social, intellectual and emotional needs in a group setting.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree required - Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, or related field (Must meet Rule 400.8113(9) for program directors, which states: All program directors shall have at least 2 semester hours or 3.0 CEUs in child-care administration or have an administrative credential approved by the department). Master’s degree preferred. At least five years of experience in early childhood education. Experience or knowledge with the following preferred: Administrative roles, Grant management, Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP), State licensing rules and regulation (LARA), Michigan’s Early Childhood Standards (ECSQ-PK) and Key Elements, Essential Practices in Early Literacy. High-level problem solving and conflict resolution abilities. Ability to build and sustain positive relationships. Demonstrated ability to communicate, lead and work in a collaborative manner with the community, board of education and all district staff. Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the District may find appropriate.

Essential Duties And Responsibilties

• General oversight and supervision of all Early Childhood & Eagle Club (before & after school care) programs and facilities. Ensure all assigned employees are aware of and follow all policies, rules, regulations, directives, and information issues by the Board of Education and Superintendent of schools
• Responsible for regular communication and reporting to the Superintendent.
• Overall responsibility for school district fund accounting activities to include general, debt, food services, building and site, student activities, bonds, long term debt and fixed assets.
• Responsibly for grant writing & reports that support early childhood and out of school time
• Obtain funding to support Play TOGETHER Learn TOGETHER program
• Promotes social, physical and intellectual growth of the child under his/ her care and works with staff to create an environment of learning while keeping parents informed of the progress of their children.
• Implementation of researched based Early Childhood Curriculum provide training to staff for curriculum and assessment used in the early childhood building.
• Accountable for the operation of the building ensuring school is operating under state licensing guidelines
• Accountable for the Quality Rating system with the state
• Accountable for the Great Start School Readiness Preschool Program which is working with the Early Childhood Specialists (ECS) from the GISD attending meetings
• Abide by the GSID contract for GSRP program: enrolling families, ensuring all paperwork is complete, working with the families and community to provide necessary support
• Collaborate with special education department to provide the necessary services for students
• Marketing and communication of the programs
• Weekly report to health department
• Responsible for entering immunization records onto MICR report
• Enrollment for the Preschool programs and school age programs
• Responsible for licenses the building and following the guidelines of LARA
• Medication administration for students in the building and ensuring staff, parents and students all have the necessary health plans and training to administer the medication
• Support teaching teams to implement the curriculum and assessments with fidelity
• Monitor formal training for both the lead and associate teacher
• Ensure teaching teams have access to professional development; facilitate meaningful professional development opportunities
• Conduct child file reviews
• Coordinate subs and coverage to ensure classrooms are adequately staffed to comply with LARA staffing requirements and/or special education program requirements
• Determine classroom assignments and rosters, as appropriate to programs
• Ensure lunch/required breaks for staff in compliance with federal labor laws
• Provide for the health, safety, and welfare of students, teachers, and other employees while in the school and on school grounds
• Provide proper prescribed measures for the care of injured and/or sick students and other personnel when at school
• Uphold a school culture of accountability that establishes high social and academic expectations, creates an atmosphere conducive to good citizenship, and develops attitudes and patterns of socially acceptable behavior
• Fulfill all assigned and unassigned responsibilities and reduce performance deficits to ensure excellence of education programs and effectiveness of instructional procedures
• Model and enforce positive morale for students, employees, and parents
• Regularly attend and participate in after school building, district, and community events
• Regular and predictable attendance.
• Other duties as assigned.