Description

Job Summary: This position has the responsibility for managing the overall operation of the childcare center including the recruitment and development of staff; management of and conformance to all policies and programs relative both to human resource management and academic curriculum; child safety, environmental and health/hygiene as required for accreditation, licensing (Title 22) (Title 5) as well as all other internal policies of Just 4 Kids Preschool.

Job Responsibilities: 

1. Center Development: Ensures that the Center is positioned to attract and retain families such that the Center consistently maintains its enrollment goals. Specifically:

a. The Center is organized, clean, engaging, in a manner that most would describe it as “exceptional”. All staff are dressed in a manner consistent with professional childcare staff and consistent with Just 4 Kids Preschool policy. 

b. Parent tours are superbly run with professional follow up towards “closing” the enrollment.

c. Regular events are held with parents both in group as well as individuals maintaining an ongoing and direct relationship with parents.

2. Outwardly supports the policies of Just 4 Kids Preschool and is an exemplary role model for all staff.

3. Recruitment & Selection: Works collaboratively with Human Resources & Recruiting to fill teaching vacancies at the center. 

4. Regulatory Compliance: Is familiar with all State and Local regulations and ensures that the Center is always in compliance.

5. Critical Policy Management: While the general body of Just 4 Kids Preschool policies are important, this position must carefully be aware of infractions related to child safety and hygiene (e.g. zero-tolerance for unattended children, etc.).

6. Communications with management – submits all weekly/monthly forms requested by management on a timely and accurate basis. Apprises management of all situations that are other than routine, including significant parent complaints/concerns, child behaviors or injuries, staff performance issues.

7. General Requirements: Understands and can mentor/perform all responsibilities of the Assistant Directors/Lead Teacher. Trains Assistant Director to assume responsibilities of the Center Director.

Areas that might be delegated to an Assistant Director but for which the Center Director is ultimately responsible:

8. Staff Development: Collaborate with Director of Curriculum & Quality to establish development objectives for all staff members ensuring that they not only meet accreditation requirements but are effective in the classroom. Mentoring classroom observations, program review and effective performance management are all areas of emphasis.

9. Coordinates the training of all new staff members during the New Employee Onboarding (NEO) process while giving ongoing support and assessment during the initial 90 days orientation period.

10. Coordinates staffing requirements ensuring that coverage is provided which also requires that temporary staff is trained/oriented to the specific group they will be working with. When overstaffed seeks opportunities to reduce coverage.

11. Supervises staff toward ensuring that classrooms promote positive relationships among all children encouraging a sense of individual worth within an environment that gives each child the opportunity to develop consistent with age appropriate standards. Specific expectations include:

a. Verbal tones and “body language” that is warm and caring.

b. Uses good judgment and is thoughtful when resolving classroom issues.

c. Demonstrates creativity and resourcefulness in planning both for the curriculum and classroom activities.

d. Programs are developmentally and culturally appropriate and utilize effective teaching techniques.

e. Maintains a professional and consistent level of communication with the families of children such that confidence and trust are fostered.

f. Fosters the children’s emotional well-being by creating a positive emotional climate through conversations, expressions/responses to children.

12. Ensure that the classroom environment is always bright, cheerful, healthy and clean.

13. Responsible for reviewing and approving children assessments prior to parent conferences.

14. Closely follow the Center’s guidelines as set forth in the Parent Handbook and the Staff Handbook.

15. Maintains materials, supplies, and equipment in good working condition.

16. Is conscientious with resources and recycles at every reasonable opportunity.

17. Maintains a positive and supportive relationship with other staff members such that ideas flow freely while ensuring that we are here to help each other. Specifically:

a. Model and emphasizes the five (5) core values of the company – Trust, Respect, Fun, Passion, and Integrity.

b. Recognizes the importance of teamwork, which is demonstrated by offering assistance proactively, receiving and offering ideas in a positive manner.

c. Maintains a record of timeliness and attendance that meets or exceeds Just 4 Kids Preschool’s standards while providing timely notice of any unavoidable absence.

d. Shows flexibility in working with different schedules (including reporting on time) and under changing situations without acting in a manner that could be described as frustrated or annoyed.

e. Always dresses in a manner that is consistent with established standards for appropriative dress and professionalism. (Clean, crisp, and “neutral” to public perceptions of what could be considered appropriate.)

f. Maintains children’s family confidentiality as required, while being supportive of all fellow staff members (both publicly and privately).

g. Offers positive guidance to parent helpers and volunteers/student teachers

h. Understands and closely follows standards for ethical conduct and all requirements for accreditation and licensing.

3. Personal attributes needed to supervise others; Staff and children, and to relate to parents and other staff members.

4. A Statement signed by a physician that the applicant is in good health and free from health problems which would have a harmful effect on children or co- workers or would interfere with effective functioning.

5. State police background check conducted by the Department of Justice and / or FBI shall determine that the applicant has not been “convicted of a felony…. has no criminal record that the commissioner reasonably believes renders the person unsuitable to be employed in a childcare center”.

6. Certification in California Childcare First Aid & CPR

Physical & Environmental Requirements:

With or without reasonable accommodation this position requires:

1. Extensive standing and walking; sitting on the floor and on low (12”) chairs.

2. Frequent bending, stooping, and kneeling.

3. Lifting and carrying children extensively in the infant/toddler program; less frequently in the preschool program, but the children are heavier.

4. Frequent moving of equipment (Cots, tables, etc.).

5. Pushing children in buggies, strollers, and walking for considerable periods of time.

6. The necessity of being outdoors in varying weather conditions. 

8. Relatively frequent exposure to loud noises (baby crying, toys falling and other common occurrences of children at play).

Requirements

Requirements

Education & Experience:

1. Must have a Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field, with a minimum of two years teaching experience with young children in a preschool environment. Official transcripts of all graduate work will be required.2. Must have at least 12 units of Early Childhood Education courses. 3. Personal attributes needed to supervise others; Staff and children, and to relate to parents and other staff members.4. A Statement signed by a physician that the applicant is in good health and free from health problems which would have a harmful effect on children or co- workers or would interfere with effective functioning.5. State police background check conducted by the Department of Justice and / or FBI shall determine that the applicant has not been “convicted of a felony…. has no criminal record that the commissioner reasonably believes renders the person unsuitable to be employed in a childcare center”.6. Certification in California Childcare First Aid & CPR

Physical & Environmental Requirements:

With or without reasonable accommodation this position requires:1. Extensive standing and walking; sitting on the floor and on low (12”) chairs.2. Frequent bending, stooping, and kneeling.3. Lifting and carrying children extensively in the infant/toddler program; less frequently in the preschool program, but the children are heavier.4. Frequent moving of equipment (Cots, tables, etc.).5. Pushing children in buggies, strollers, and walking for considerable periods of time.6. The necessity of being outdoors in varying weather conditions. 7. Exposure to unpleasant odors and fluids caused by vomit (occasional) and bodily elimination.8. Relatively frequent exposure to loud noises (baby crying, toys falling and other common occurrences of children at play).