Director of Early Childhood Education

The Utica City School District is accepting applications from qualified candidates for the following anticipated vacancy:

Director of Early Childhood Education

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The Utica City School District’s mission is to ensure that all students succeed and are well-rounded, with knowledge, skills, and character to be productive members of society.

The District’s vision is that students can reach their goals and find academic success through a variety of pathways and with different levels of support. 

About the Utica City School District:

The Utica City School District serves a community of approximately 64,500 city residents in an urban and multi- cultural environment with a current enrollment of roughly 9,644 students in its 13 schools __ Proctor High School, Donovan Middle School, JFK Middle School and 10 elementary schools. The District’s greatest asset is its diversity, with more than 50 languages spoken and 16% of students being English language learners. 

Elementary -  The District’s elementary schools integrate a vibrant curriculum across all grade levels and subject areas, aligning with the New York State Learning Standards. The District is also investing in the realignment of math goals, instruction and curriculum to focus on research-based best practices in mathematics that are proven to increase student performance outcomes. In all subject areas, there is an understanding that developing foundational skills will support students in bridging gaps in learning. Students are provided with a well-rounded curriculum focused on fostering academic and social/emotional competencies that will carry them through their academic career.

Middle School -  The focus at the District’s middle schools is to ensure that students are provided with equitable opportunities to successfully transition from elementary to high school. Both middle schools offer opportunities for students to succeed at every learning level, with dedicated classes for English Language Learners and students with disabilities, as well as honors/advanced studies. The Family and Career Sciences and Technology programs have incorporated science, technology, engineering and math topics into each curriculum to help prepare students for the Career and Technical Education opportunities available at the high school.

High School - Proctor High School provides numerous avenues for students to achieve the District’s vision. This is accomplished through supportive and adaptive special education and English language learner programming, a robust honors and Advanced Placement curriculum, and partnerships with post-secondary institutions including Mohawk Valley Community College and Syracuse University’s Project Advance. The District most recently embarked upon a groundbreaking initiative working with community and business partners to create innovative Career and Technical Education programming for its high school students. Proctor’s Naval Junior Reserve Officers Training Corp (NJROTC), music, art and drama programs, along with numerous extracurricular activities and athletics, offer additional avenues to showcase students’ talents and interests and support them throughout their school experience. 

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Director - Early Childhood Education

Job Description

Reports to: Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment

Supervises: District-level elementary AIS Facilitator, Universal Pre-K agencies

Job Description:

This is a full time, twelve-month administrative and supervisory position responsible for the development, support and administration of early childhood learning and programming, including early childhood special education. The position reports to the Chief Accountability Officer and collaborates with the Chief Academic Officer. The focus of this position is to fulfill the District’s initiative: Every student is reading by the end of third grade.

Performance responsibilities Include but are not limited to:

• Plans and oversees programs and services associated with Universal Pre-K. This involves collaborating with the Chief Accountability Officer for funding, and managing CBO’s, monitoring certifications, ensuring curriculum supports school readiness and the Kindergarten curriculum.
• Plans and oversees programs and services designed to expand the availability of quality early care and education opportunities in the district consistent with the district’s initiative.
• Assists in grant writing for associated programming.
• Maintains appropriate records for fiscal and accountability reporting purposes.
• Prepares year-end reports and program evaluations necessary to monitor and evaluate the quality of programs.
• Sits on reading committees to help ensure consistent, science-based reading strategies are implemented consistently through grade 3.
• Works with elementary faculty and administrators on the periodic review of curriculum to ensure consistency within the early childhood and elementary school services.
• Develops an effective district-wide program of supervision and support for programs offered by the district and programs offered in the community through partner agencies.
• Implements appropriate staff development and staff evaluation procedures necessary to ensure quality services for young children.
• Coordinates family outreach including parent education at community locations and family literacy programs community partners and building principals.
• Coordinates the school district’s early childhood screening program, school readiness program, and parent/family engagement programs offered at the elementary schools.
• Supervises and directs the activities of all early childhood personnel.
• Plans and implements new program initiatives through the conduct of needs assessments, research, networking and collaboration with others inside and outside of the district to meet the needs of the community.
• Performs public relations activities to promote and communicate the early childhood programs and the District’s focal initiative.
• Prepares, recommends and monitors the budgets of early childhood through grade 3 programs.
• Provides professional expertise and assistance to individuals, other district staff and the community concerning early childhood through grade 3.

Minimum Requirements:

• Must have appropriate NYS Certification (School District Leader or its equivalent)

Additional Information:

• Confidential Employment Agreement

Salary:

• $144,522, Commensurate with experience
• Benefits Package

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer which fully and actively supports equal access for all regardless of Race, Color, Weight, National Origin, Ethnic Group, Religion, Religious Practice, Disability, Sexual Orientation, Gender, Age, Veteran Status, or Genetic Information.