Title: Early Childhood Director

FLSA: Exempt

Reports To: Superintendent

Updated: 04-10-2024

Position Summary

The Director of the Child Care Program is an effective leader responsible for the overall management and successful implementation of early education programs offered for children birth to age five. The Director will support early childhood staff in creating and implementing an inclusive and nurturing learning environment where children are empowered to explore, question, collaborate, and construct knowledge with enthusiasm and confidence.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

(Essential functions in terms of the Americans with Disabilities Act)

• Lead the successful implementation of early childhood programs for children birth to age five.
• Guide and support staff in the use of age-appropriate curriculum and activities that promote the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development of children.
• Oversee the collection and analysis of assessment documentation to gain a deeper understanding of children's learning and to inform instructional practices.
• Promote ongoing professional development and reflective practices among staff.
• Attend professional development to maintain an understanding of the current best practices of curriculum and administrative functions of child development programs.
• Supervise and support child care staff, including hiring, training, and performance management.
• Cultivate and maintain positive relationships with children, staff, families, community organizations and stakeholders based on trust, respect, and effective communication.
• Collaborate with the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation CLEO Purdy Endowment for early childhood at Central Lake Public Schools.
• Collaborate with Communities in Schools to support the work of the preschool site coordinator.
• Collaborate with the Michigan Education Corp to support the early learning tutors assigned to the program.
• Communicate regularly with parents to provide updates on their child's progress and address any concerns.
• Encourage parent participation and collaboration to enrich the children's learning experience.
• Develop and manage the program budget and resources effectively to ensure financial sustainability.
• Ensure compliance with all LARA licensing requirements, health and safety regulations, and district policies maintaining a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all children.
• Adhere to rules, regulations, and policies of the district.
• Maintain accurate records and reports related to attendance, enrollment, and staff certifications.
• Maintain membership in the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
• Communicate the district’s mission and vision to employees and other stakeholders.
• Represent the center in a professional, courteous and positive manner at all times.
• Manage other early childhood projects as assigned by the supervisor.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by a person in this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties that may be performed by such a person.

Preferred Employment Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, child development or a related field

Experience: Experience working in a licensed child care facility with at least one year experience in a leadership role

Supervisory Responsibilities: Yes

Other Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Required:

1. Strong knowledge of child development principles and best practices in early childhood education.
2. Excellent interpersonal, communication and organizational skills.
3. Strong understanding of Michigan Child Care Licensing requirements.
4. Ability to lead and motivate a team, while fostering a positive and inclusive work environment.
5. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other relevant software applications.
6. Current CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).
7. Must pass background check and fingerprinting as required by state regulations

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role.

• Ability to work at a desk, conference table, or in meetings of various configurations
• Ability to support young children within an early childhood environment
• Close vision is required for computer related tasks
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds

Work Environment:

The work environment varies depending on the location of the identified needs of the LEA/ISD. Activities may take place in a school, office, or conference room setting.

• In person.
• Moderate to high stress levels.
• Noise level moderate to high.

The qualifications listed above are guidelines for selection purposes; alternative qualifications may be substituted if sufficient to perform the duties of the job.

Terms of Employment

Annual Work Days: 260 days, year round

Salary Scale: $70,000 - $75,000, commensurate with experience

This job description is not an employment contract and should not be construed as such. Additionally, no other statement, verbal or written, is to be interpreted to constitute an employment contract or an employment relationship other than at-will. Employment in support employee positions with Charlevoix-Emmet Intermediate School District (Char-Em ISD) is not by annual contract but rather is at-will, and terminable either by the employee or the employer at any time, with or without cause, except as otherwise provided by law.

This current job description supersedes all prior descriptions and all previous versions of the job description are null and void. This job description may be amended or modified at any time by the employer. Any such modification will be timely communicated to all affected employees.

The Central Lake Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, (including sexual orientation and transgender identity), disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected characteristic, (collectively, "Protected Classes") in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities. The following person is designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies of the District or to address any complaint of discrimination: Superintendent, 8190 W State Street, Central Lake, MI 49622, 231.544.3141