First Learning - Director chez First Learning

Responsibilities:

Program / Administration:

• Adhering to and enforcing all the policies and procedures of Care-a-lot Child Care and the child care licensing regulations of New York State
• Performing work in accordance with governmental laws/state mandates (Health Dept., CACFP, etc.)
• Maintaining program quality to meet national accreditation standards
• Supervising the implementation of an age and developmentally-appropriate, open-ended program of the highest quality that supports learning through play
• Maintaining current customers and promoting the center in the community
• Interacting frequently with children in a positive, respectful, responsive and encouraging manner
• Maintaining a positive work climate, meeting deadlines and organizing center procedures
• Providing timely reports outlining needs, problems, suggestions for improvement, etc.
• Communicating frequently and effectively
• Maintaining records and keeping necessary written documentation current
• Guarding and protecting all information of a confidential manner
• Preparing budgets, collecting tuition, maintaining financial records, and meeting earning targets
• Supervising general housekeeping and repair of entire center, playground, outdoor space
• Purchasing or having available supplies and materials for program and staff
• Assisting and rendering staff support to all classrooms and employees as necessary
• Delegating responsibilities to an appropriate person in his/her absence
• Participating in professional conferences, ongoing training or educational opportunities to remain current in the field
• Completing 15 hours of early childhood training within the first 6 months and every year thereafter
• Maintaining current Aspire account to record education and training with QualitystarsNY
• Taking on additional responsibilities as needed
• Personnel/Supervision:
• Supervising staff and children in accordance with the laws and regulations of all New York State agencies and Care-a-lot policies
• Interviewing, hiring/firing, orienting and supervising subordinates
• Developing, coaching and training subordinates, including developing in-service staff training
• Supervising staffing schedules, breaks, time off, etc.; providing building coverage as needed
• Communicating effectively and directly with all staff
• Measuring progress of staff and creating systems to improve, modify and remediate
• Participating directly in the classroom as a mentor, role model and back-up staff as needed
• Serving in the absence of other staff as necessary
• Parental Involvement:
• Responding to and orienting current and prospective client inquiries
• Developing family relationships and communicating directly with families on a regular basis
• Assisting in the development of parent education or support groups

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of NYS child care regulations
• Knowledge of child development, early childhood education programming, and national accreditation criteria
• Knowledge of and ability to supervise developmentally appropriate practices and age appropriate activities
• Knowledge of first aid procedures
• Effective, professional, timely, courteous, and tactful oral and written communication skills
• Effective supervisory skills and role modeling practices
• Ability to maintain positive relationships with children, co-workers, and parents
• Ability to use sound judgment and tact
• Ability to lead and motivate a team
• Ability to organize, problem solve and respond to emergencies effectively
• Knowledge of community resources
• Flexibility (especially in scheduling and practice to respond to program needs)
• Creativity and patience
• Training and Experience:
• B.A. Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development or related field OR NYS Administrator Credential AND at least one year each of teaching and supervisory experience;

OR

• Associates Degree in ECE or related field

OR

• Child Development Assoc. AND at least two years each of teaching and supervisory experience AND a plan of study leading to a Bachelor’s degree or NYS Children’s Program Administrator Credential AND
• Prefer one-year experience with office management or financial record keeping AND
• Demonstrated commitment to and interest in professional growth through education, work experience and involvement with the early childhood community