Assistant Early Childhood Director

We seek an Assistant Early Childhood Director to help build strong foundations for our youngest learners.

Job Description

The Assistant Early Childhood Director position focuses on the overall success of the programs, with key responsibilities centered on

• Quality & Safety: Delivering excellent childcare while prioritizing the safety of children and staff
• Operational Excellence: Ensuring efficient program administration, meeting licensing requirements
• Team Leadership: Foster a positive and productive environment among the staff team
  
  

Qualifications

• Candidate must possess a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field
• Knowledge of NAEYC preferred
• Must be knowledgeable about current early childhood issues, trends and teaching strategies, work cooperatively with others, and have at least 5 years of experience working with children
• Must provide excellent customer service with families, members of the YMCA and children
• Experience with leadership or supervision
  
  

Essential Functions

• Support curriculum development and implementation in the classroom, including conducting regular classroom observations, giving feedback to teachers, and implementing quality improvements.
• Assist with achieving and maintaining NAEYC Accreditation by collecting and inputting assessment items
• Follow all Southington-Cheshire Community YMCA policies and procedures
• Follow the YMCA behavior management policy. Focus on positive behaviors and helping children work through their difficulties
• Assist in ensuring all policies and procedures of the Southington-Cheshire Community YMCAs are followed by program staff and leaders. This includes but is not limited to risk management, personnel, technology and child abuse policies and procedures
• Ensure implementation of bathroom, supervision, and counting policies and procedures
• Follow all State of Connecticut licensing regulations
• Assist in the responsibility for meeting all licensing standards in the classrooms.
• Ensure that the Early Childhood Director is notified of any safety or noncompliance issues immediately, at minimum by the end of business day
• Report any suspected cases of abuse and/or neglect to the Childcare Director or designated Director immediately. Understand your role and obligations as a Mandated Reporter.
• Review and make recommendations to current policies.
• Cover classrooms as needed for substitute, lunch breaks and other breaks.
• Assist with the overall implementation and supervision of all programs in the Early Childhood program.
• Ensure all concerns/complaints are communicated within the same business day to the director.
• Assist the director with staff management including but not limited to supervision, records, scheduling, call outs and reviews
• Assist the director with monitoring children’s files (including electronic) to be sure they are complete and accurate.
• Assist the director in the screening process, evaluation process and documentation of children
• Assist the director in the responsibility of scheduling, payment and execution of all field trips
• Collaborate with the Early Childhood Director to ensure positive/effective communication with families and staff
• Communicate and document conversations with parents. This may include but is not limited to notes, monthly newsletters, email, apps, and telephone.
• Be available for questions, concerns, and conferences
• Support the program with the responsibility of closing and opening the YMCA Learning Center on scheduled days
• Meet regularly with the Early Childhood Director
• Participate in special events, field trips, parent/teacher conferences, open houses, registration, staff trainings and general YMCA events as required
• Be a representative for our program during any required meetings or functions
• Serve as a YMCA ambassador in the Southington Community
• Participate in Director on Duty coverage
• Attend all staff meetings as required
• Adhere to all policies and procedures related to child abuse prevention
• Foster a positive team-oriented environment, encouraging staff growth and development
• Be a positive role model for children, families, and staff
  

Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies

Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the YMCA’s values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fund-raising.

Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the person’s point of view and remain calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.

Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgements, transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience.

Establishes goals, certifies tasks, plans work, and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.

Personal Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths, and limitations, and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well. Uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

Required Certifications

CPR and First Aid

Medication Administration