Early Learning Child Care Program Director

General Description:

The Early Childhood Education Program Director for a center licensed for 48 children or over is responsible for the day-to-day functioning of the program. The Program Director must create and maintain a safe, nurturing environment for children and a welcoming attitude towards parents.

Qualifications:

Must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age and meet one of the following:

• An AA/AS in Early Childhood Education or a closely related field, such as elementary education, youth development, or recreation management; or
• Thirty (30) college credits in Early Childhood Education or a closely related field, such as elementary education, youth development, or recreation management with one (1) year direct childcare experience; or
• A Child Development Associate (CDA) as awarded by the CDA National Credentialing Program with three (3) years direct childcare experience; or Maine’s Youth Development Credential (YDC)
• Five (5) years direct childcare experience and one hundred and thirty-five (135) hours training in healthy, safe environments; child development; observation and assessment; developmentally appropriate practice; guidance; relationships with families; individual and cultural diversity or business and professional development, childcare, early childhood education, topics related to operating a Child Care Facility, or other subjects related to the age or characteristics of children for whom care is planned.

Requirements:

1. Apply for and maintain a professional membership with the MRTQ Registry.

2. Continue to pursue education/training to keep up to date on the latest trends, information, Quality Rating Scale (QRS), and licensing requirements (Minimum of 30 hours per year).

Personal Characteristics:

1. Has understanding of child development, specifically ages 0-5.

2. Has ability to model and use conflict resolution with peers as well as with children.

3. Has patience and understanding in meeting daily needs of children.

4. Is flexible to the daily business demands of the program, including scheduled work hours.

5. Maintains a positive attitude toward responsibilities and a professional relationship with teachers and parents.

6. Accepts constructive criticism and implements necessary changes.

7. Is a positive role model for staff, parents, and children.

8. Avoids harmful gossip.

9. Appearance is neat and suitable for working with young children.

10. Demonstrates desire to grow and learn.

11. Demonstrates enthusiasm for the position.

12. Prompt, dependable, and reliable.

Responsibilities:

1. Manages program in a professional, organized, and conscientious manner, taking responsibility for the day to day operations and appearance of the program, activities and actions of the staff and safety of each child enrolled. Use ITCERS, ECERS, QRS, and NAEYC as the measurement for training and evaluating quality.

2. Follow fee collection processes and prepare fees, fee paperwork, late payment notices for designated staff member. Follow the fee collection guide.

3. Support, council, inform, guide and supervise all staff including, assistants, volunteers, and substitutes. Responsible for the adhesion to the appropriate job description.

4. Schedules staff and assures coverage.

5. Ensures program and staff operate within agency philosophy, licensing rules, school rules, school policies and use developmentally appropriate practices.

6. Know and follow emergency procedures (including monthly fire drill, danger drills, and lock down drills).

7. Adhere to sanitary/disease control procedures, including but not limited to, hand washing, etc.

8. Attends mandatory staff meetings, Annual Training Day, IEP’s, and other meetings as needed to promote a quality program.

9. Prepares, maintains/submits program records, including family intake forms, IEP’s, program attendance, time sheets, children’s records, and other related information in an accurate and timely fashion.

10. Recruits, orients and enrolls families – Providing weekly reports at staff meetings on enrollment

11. Acts as a resource and source of referrals and support for families.

12. Initiates parent/child updates as needed.

13. Fills in for missing staff if substitutes cannot be arranged and follows all teacher expectations.

14. Maintains enrollment and tracks wait list to ensure full enrollment.

Classroom Responsibilities

a) Set up and maintain the environment within provided space, making changes as necessary to meet the children’s needs. Use the SACERS and IEP’s

b) Review IEP plans and adapt the program if needed.

c) Ensure supervision of children at all times. Follow NAEYC standards

d) Develop and maintain relationships with children in the program and families – meeting with parents/guardians as needed, and Family Focus Staff.

e) Complete assessments four times a year offering conferences twice a year (Nov., Feb., May, Aug.) Conferences in November and May. Turn in signup sheet with families’ signatures designating YES or No to conferences.

f) Complete weekly updates to Family Information “Boards” including weekly lesson plans and daily schedule.

g) Develop and maintain a professional and collaborative relationship with ECE programs and personnel.

H) Maintain confidentiality, a professional appearance, and adherence to the NAEYC Professional Code of Ethics.

I) All other duties as assigned.

Duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar in nature, related or a logical assignment.

This job description is subject to change by Family Focus as requirements of the job change.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: From $18.00 per hour

Expected hours: 20 – 35 per week

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekdays
• Weekends & holidays off

Work setting:

• In-person

Work Location: In person

Salary : $18 - $-1