Floater Site Director

Position Summary

This position supports up to four (4) Directly Operated School-Based Early Education Centers while preparing for a future Site Director opportunity. The individual in this role must be able and willing to work at any of the designated Chicago Commons sites as assigned, based on organizational need.

About the Role

The individual in this role assists in overseeing all areas of center-based early education programming, including program leadership, instructional quality, family engagement, and compliance monitoring. The individual is directly responsible for program operations in the absence of the Site Director.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the management team in the development of site-based education and improvement plans as well as the agency’s child development philosophy and goals.
• Ensures compliance with all city, state, and federal regulations.
• Responsible for the management and operation of the site in the absence of the site director.
• Ensure appropriate classroom coverage to maintain required teacher-child ratios.
• Provide center tours to parents and partners interested in the program.
• Establish positive, professional relationships with Chicago Commons’ staff, the surrounding community, and funders.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with children and families using a strength-based approach that is respectful, supportive, and culturally sensitive.
• Ensures classroom teams are creating an atmosphere in which children develop socially, emotionally, intellectually, and physically.
• Aids in team lesson planning and reviews all lesson plans.
• Ensures all social emotional, developmental; vision and hearing screenings are completed with the 45-day timelines.
• Makes sure Teaching Strategies GOLD assessments are being monitored and provides feedback to enhance child outcomes.
• Aids teachers in implementing Individualized Education Programs/Individual Family Service Plans (IEPs/IFSPs) and differentiates planning and instruction for all children.
• Oversees site’s efforts for serving children with disabilities including referrals, provider’s observations and required documentation.
• Makes sure the Reggio Emilia philosophy is implemented consistently and monitors consistent use of the Studios.
• Maintains quality programs that meet NAEYC and ExceleRate GOLD requirements.
• Provides supervision and training of staff as designated by the Site Director.
• Collaborates with the Site Director in recruiting and hiring qualified staff members.
• Aids in new staff orientation/onboarding.
• Supports staff in developing and achieving goals as outlined in professional development planning.
• Ensures continuity of care in 0-3 classrooms.
• Aids in planning parent meetings and family events.
• Participates in family meetings, as needed.
• Collaborates with the Site Director to plan field trips and other special events.
• Prepares written reports as requested.
• Aids in ensuring the center environment is clean and safe.
• Participates in Chicago Commons Leadership and Site Director meetings.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Demonstrated understanding of early education and developmentally appropriate best practices.
• Experience formulating and writing assessments and support plans.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent oral and written skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work well under pressure.
• Ability to use Office 365 suite.
• Strong leadership skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Outstanding people skills and ability to develop, grow, and maintain relationships with others.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative, use sound judgement when making decisions.
• Detail oriented.
• Self-motivated person who can work both individually and on a team.
• Able to serve as an advocate for children and families.
• Knowledge of Head Start and Early Head Start, Creative Curriculum, the Reggio Emilia approach, CLASS, and Teaching Strategies GOLD (preferred).
• Knowledge of English language proficiency. Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.