Early Childhood Director

Purpose of Position

Ensure safe operation and educational enrichment of the center, provide a point of welcome and information for parents and support for site staff.

Job Qualification

• Ensure best practice in quality education for the preschool community
• Provide a welcoming community for families
• Monitor classrooms to ensure teaching staff are supported in delivery of age-appropriate curriculum
• Support educators in developing lesson plans and individual plans that meet the needs of all children
• Ensure daily record-keeping including child and staff attendance and food service records
• Ensure the schedule is developed and followed to ensure all activity expectations are met as prescribed for a substantial part of the day
• Ensure safety protocols are observed in the indoor and outdoor classrooms and on activities outside the center
• Keep Cluster Leader abreast of site visits from regulatory agencies; have all site records (children, staff, and service) and practices audit ready
• Participate as needed in planning for the Early Childhood Education department
• Participate in departmental and agency training sessions
• Other tasks as needed

Qualifications/Educational Requirements

• Master's degree in early childhood education combined with NYS (New York State) Certification in Early Childhood Education required
• Experience working with ACS/DOE funded Day Care and/or Head Start programs as well as DOE UPK programs
• Minimum of five (5) years of teaching experience in early childhood classrooms
• Two (2) or more years of experience in a ECE supervisory/management role
• MAT Certified preferred

Skills, Knowledge, And Abilities

• Ability to work independently and as a team
• Knowledge of Article 47 of Dept of Health
• Ability to supervise, coach and collaborate with staff
• Ability to take initiative in work assignments
• Ability to work flexible hours
• Must be highly organized with an excellent work ethic
• Must be able to determine the appropriate relationship levels with staff and maintain appropriate leadership role
• Must be able to handle working on multiple projects at once
• Prior Knowledge of ACS and HRA (Human Resources Administration) subsidized funding for families preferred
• Knowledge of DOE UPK, Day Care and Early Learn Policies and Procedures
• Must have some knowledge of CACFP (Child and Adult Care Food Program) guidelines
• Excellent written and oral communication and interpersonal skills and ability to multi-task
• Bilingual (Spanish) preferred

Computer Skills

• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, etc.)
• Knowledge of ProCare or willingness to learn
• Knowledge of DOE Interdisciplinary Units of Study and Building Blocks Math Curriculum