Site Director - Taylor Center

Position Summary

The Site Director must have a passion for creating a safe and nurturing environment for children to receive a quality education, and outstanding people skills to be able to grow and maintain relationships with children, families, and staff. This position will be responsible for staff performance and personnel management, center enrollment, program operations, budget management, facilities management of the center, compliance with contracts, and community relations.

Education & Certification Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in early childhood education, early special education, or child development from birth to age 6, AND Level 2 Illinois Director Credential or higher
• OR Bachelor's Degree in a related field with 21 credit hours related to early childhood education, early special education, or child development from birth to age 6, teaching experience in an early childhood setting (0-6 years), AND a Level 2 Illinois Director Credential or higher
• Master's degree in an early childhood field is preferred
• Minimum of two years of experience in a supervisory role in an early childhood setting
• Staff responsible for overseeing services for infant toddler programs must have Gateways to Opportunity Infant Toddler Credential Level 5 or above

Experience & Training Requirements

• Must demonstrate effective leadership skills
• Must have extensive knowledge of Head Start and Early Head Start, Creative Curriculum, the Reggio Emilia approach, CLASS, and Teaching Strategies GOLD (preferred)
• Must be at least 21 years of age
• Must have in-depth knowledge of best practices in early education
• Must have a deep understanding of developmentally appropriate practices in early education
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment and manage many projects at once
• Must have knowledge of supervision and/or supervisory experience
• Must have the ability to work well under stress
• Must have outstanding people skills and the ability to develop, grow, and maintain relationships with others
• Must be able to take initiative, use sound judgment when making decisions
• Must be able to serve as an advocate for children and families
• Must be organized and detail oriented
• Must exhibit excellent critical thinking skills
• Must exude patience when implementing techniques to support students
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to collaborate effectively and appropriately with others
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality
• Required to speak and read English proficiently, bilingual a plus

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the development of Chicago Commons' child development philosophy and goals
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with children and families using a strength-based approach that is respectful, supportive, and culturally sensitive
• Operate a quality program that meets the needs of children, families, and staff
• Ensure compliance with all city, state, federal, and accrediting regulations
• Interview and hire qualified staff
• Lead new staff orientation/onboarding and file compliance
• Formally observe, evaluate, and oversee the professional development of staff
• Support staff in developing and achieving goals as outlined in professional development planning
• Ensure classroom teams are creating an atmosphere in which children develop socially, emotionally, intellectually, and physically
• Ensure the consistent implementation of the Reggio Emilia philosophy and ongoing use of the Studios
• Establish strong record-keeping systems and monitor program budget, using sound judgment in expenditures
• Work with Facilities to ensure the center environment is clean and safe
• Coordinate and/or support parent meetings and family events
• Establish positive, professional relationships between Chicago Commons' staff, the surrounding community, and funders
• Handle challenges with clients or staff in a way that results in others feeling respected and valued
• Communicate with parents, students, and coworkers in a manner that reflects concern for their well-being by treating all with respect, integrity, and dignity without regard to background, race, religion, age, gender, disability, or sexual orientation
• Attend and participate in monthly leadership meetings
• Monitor to ensure the teaching team meets all DCFS, NAEYC, and Gateways qualifications
• Show leadership in interactions and conduct with peers and clients and always conduct oneself in a professional manner
• Maintain confidentiality regarding client and staff's personal information
• Work well with others, offering help when needed and seeking assistance when necessary
• Attend and participate in appropriate trainings
• Always interact with staff, children and families in a respectful, supportive, and positive manner ensuring individuals feel safe and that their voices are heard in the learning process and daily activities
• Work with teaching teams to ensure paperwork is completed and submitted on time and support teams as necessary when assistance is needed
• Notify supervisor of any challenges in a timely manner
• Demonstrate ethical behaviors in all activities and interactions
• Other duties as assigned

Desired Outcomes

• Identifies own learning needs and takes the steps necessary to develop skills and set challenging goals - working with direct supervisor on a yearly professional development plan
• Monitors the teaching team paperwork including, but not limited to, lesson planning, observations of children, and children's binders and provides reports to the EQI team on a monthly basis
• Submits yearly renewal application for Gateways ExceleRate and maintains GOLD status
• Submits annual report to NAEYC and ensures NAEYC guidelines are always followed within the program
• Submits renewal application to DCFS every three years and ensures the center remains in compliance with all DCFS regulations
• Responsible for hiring and maintaining a high-quality teaching team that is aligned with Chicago Commons' ambitious standards for education
• Responsible for the recruitment of eligible children, developing a school-specific marketing plan to ensure that the center is fully enrolled and meets funder requirements
• Create a program environment that is positive, fun, collaborative, and respectful

Physical Requirements

The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.