Executive Director of Early Learning chez Allentown City School District

Qualifications:

• Five (5) years administrative experience and Master’s degree preferred.
• PA Certification in Grades K-4, and Supervisor, Early Childhood K-6 and/or School Administrator K-12.
• 5 years of experience in an administrative capacity required.
• Early Childhood Learning experience working in a large, urban PreK-12 environment preferred. Ability to effectively direct, plan, implement and evaluate programs in a school-based environment. Strong leadership and interpersonal skills with the ability to lead and provide direction.
• Knowledge of current applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students, staff and the public from diverse cultural, social, economic, and educational backgrounds.
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and contribute to a diverse workplace through ideas and experience.
• Experience with school district organization, operations, policies, and procedures; the ability to read, interpret, apply, and explain rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Experience with budget preparation and position control.
• Excellent time management skills and ability to prioritize work.
• Experience with urban school districts and diverse student populations.

Summary

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Directs and oversees the implementation of a broad spectrum of early learning initiatives.
• Communicates the vision of the Early Learning Program to all stakeholders.
• Establishes a coherent, collaborative system for the programs and services that benefit children and families.
• Develops and implements long and short-term strategic plans consistent with the district’s vision and mission.
• Works collaboratively with community partners to achieve the goal of increasing the opportunity for children to access high quality early learning opportunities.
• Builds support for sustainability of initiatives that will improve early learning opportunities.
• Coordinates, plans, implements, and assesses the capacity building of assigned personnel via professional learning based on current research.
• Identifies and provides support for parents to enhance and extend the school learning experiences of children at home; coordinates parent support sessions, including strategies, care and nurturing, and proper nutrition.
• Builds coordination of services and articulation between the early learning and elementary levels of the instructional program.
• Supports the transition of students entering Kindergarten from community-based early learning programs.
• Creates and implements an early learning program that encompasses the whole child cognitively (academic programs), socially, and emotionally.
• Collects and analyzes data regarding the performance and experiences of all students and other pertinent information affecting the design and implementation of services and programs, using the information to recommend new programs and modifications in existing programs.
• Creates and sustains a positive and collaborative environment for central and school-based personnel.
• Develops and maintains strong relationships with key stakeholders, including families, community providers, partners, teachers, leaders, and others.
• Provides leadership for the development of the department’s budget, ensuring that budget decisions provide optimal support to address the needs of our students.
• Supervises assigned personnel, provides assistance, conducts performance appraisals, and makes recommendations for appropriate employment actions.
• Directs the preparation of statistical and narrative reports to ensure reporting requirements are met for   state and federal agencies.
• Keeps abreast of current research, theory, and trends, and provides leadership in areas as appropriate to the district’s needs.
• Models and requires the use of leadership practices that promote high-performance, ethical behavior, collegiality, collaboration, and fairness.
• Required to have prompt, regular attendance in-person and be available to work on-site, in-person during regular business hours.
• Prepares comprehensive narrative and statistical program reports.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Executive Director and/or designee.