Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education/Child Development or Associate’s Degree in combination with 18 related course hours in Early Childhood Education/Development plus 480 hours of experience required.
• Administration course in Child Care Administration or Education Administration required.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Knowledge of child growth and development.
• Previous experience with young children in a group setting.
• Previous experience supervising support staff preferred.
• Ability to walk and stand for the majority of work time as well as ability to react immediately to reach a child in danger.
• Completed First Aid and CPR training, Epi-Pen and Blood Borne Pathogens training and keep current 16 PD hours yearly.
• Alert and ready to assist children with sliding, climbing, and riding bicycles, etc.
• Negative TB test, FIA Clearance and current physical on file. 

Description:

• 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 Utica Community Schools. This is accomplished through the staff interacting in a cooperative, pro-social manner with children, parents, co-workers and school personnel. 40 hours/week – 8 hours/day – 52 weeks.
• 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.
• Model appropriate interactions with children using words and actions which are sensitive to and respectful of children’s ages and level of development. Initiate planned and spontaneous activities for individual and groups of children.
• Oversee the planning and implementation of the daily routine. This schedule should be a balance between active and quiet, individual, large, and small groups and all areas of development.
• Ensure that the children are safe and healthy through awareness understanding of policies and procedures for supervision, cleaning, and food service for example.
• Arrange and equip the physical environment so that children have opportunities to grow in all areas of development. Monitor equipment and be sure that it is in good repair and adequate in amount and variety to meet the needs of the age and group size of the children.
• Guide, focus and support teachers and assistants. Provide information, direction, and feedback to staff that will allow them to grow to their potential.
• Schedule children and staff to provide for consistency in relationships, adequate supervision, and instruction throughout the day.
• Arrive promptly and consistently for scheduled workdays. Provide adequate coverage for staff vacations and approved time off.
• Dress appropriately in casual, neat and clean attire. Overall appearance should set a tone for an education setting. (See Dress Code)
• Develop and oversee systems (i.e. job charts, daily schedules and lesson plans) that distribute responsibilities appropriately and fairly among staff.
• Manage allocated budget for classroom purchases. Make recommendations for equipment purchases within budget guidelines.
• Demonstrate knowledge of typical child growth and development. In consultation with early childhood coordinator appropriately refer children outside the range of normalcy to UCS Special Services, MISD or community agencies.
• Supervise communications with parents so that daily, routine items are shared. Serve as a resource for teachers and parents when concerns are expressed. Provide information and education for parents on child development. Keep families informed through bulletin boards and newsletters. Keep professionally updated by attending conferences, postings and distributing information on current events and relevant information.
• Serve as a liaison with building administrator and staff.
• Maintain accurate records including children’s emergency cards, schedules, medication forms, and immunizations. Review sign in sheets for accuracy.
• Acknowledge, respect and support individual differences such as gender, national origin, and family values. Honor and maintain the confidentiality of all children, families, and staff.
• Sensitively manage physical contact with the children in an appropriate caretaking manner, respecting the gender, age and need of each child.
• Collaborate with the Early Childhood Coordinator in the hiring process.
• Properly report any suspicion of abuse or neglect listed in the guidelines defined in the State of Michigan Child Protection Law – Act No. 238.
• Act and respond as needed in any situation requiring First Aid or CPR. Report these occurrences to the Early Childhood Coordinator.
• Monitor and evaluate staff on a yearly basis.
• Additional duties may be assigned by the Early Childhood Coordinator.

Applicants must apply online at https://uticak12.tedk12.com/hire/index.aspx. Please scan and upload your cover letter, resume, transcripts, credentials and letters of recommendation to your online application. Paper applications and emails will not be accepted. Posting expires when job is filled.

NONDISCRIMINATION: It is the policy of the Utica Community Schools that no person on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, age, sex, marital status or handicap shall be discriminated against, excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of or otherwise be subjected to discrimination by this educational agency. Any persons suspecting a discriminatory practice should contact the Human Resources Department at 11303 Greendale, Sterling Heights, MI 48312 or 586.797.1130.