Director Job Description

Description:

The Director is responsible for providing leadership in the day to day operations of the program. The Director will manage all aspects of the program including: legal/fiscal components, staff management/human relations, educational programming, operations/facilities managements, marketing/public relations, leadership/advocacy, and will serve as a model for family support through family-centered practices. The Director will be an effective communicator both orally and in writing and will be able to effectively utilize computer technology in their work.

Accountability:

The Director Reports to the Emilie Christian Day School Board on a monthly basis and to the Emilie United Methodist Church, as needed.

Minimum Qualifications:

A Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or Elementary Education; experience as an ECE preschool teacher. Experience in supervising support staff and teaching staff. Knowledgeable in the field of budget management.

Ability to relate joyfully and sensitively to children. Evidence of emotional maturity and stability. Evidence of sufficient security and judgment to handle crisis situations and to use supervision constructively. Physical stamina.

Responsibilities:

Personal and Professional Self-Awareness

  1. Knowledge and application of adult and career development, personality typologies, dispositions, and learning styles.
  2. Knowledge of one’s own beliefs, values, and philosophical stance.
  3. Ability to evaluate ethical and moral dilemmas based on a professional code of ethics.
  4. The ability to be a reflective practitioner and apply a repertoire of techniques to improve the level of personal fulfillment and professional job satisfaction.
  5. Developing personal goals to reduce stress and avoid burnout.
  6. Conceptualizing and articulating a philosophy of management.
  7. Seeking out professional resources to improve leadership effectiveness.
  8. Developing strategies to achieve a balance between personal and professional obligations.

Legal and Fiscal Management

  1. Oversees administration and evaluation of USDA Milk Program, DPW/CCIS Invoicing and Parent accounts.
  2. Develop understanding and access resources for knowledge and application of the advantages and disadvantages of different legal structures.
  3. Know of different codes and regulations – Dept. of Children and Family Services, building, zoning, fire, occupational, safety, health, sanitation, and American with Disabilities Act – as they related to the delivery of early childhood program services.
  4. Knowledge of child custody, child abuse, special education, confidentiality, antidiscrimination, insurance liability, contract and labor laws pertaining to program management.
  5. Knowledge of different federal, state, and local revenue sources.
  6. Skill in budgeting, cash flow management.
  7. Working with the Board to develop an annual budget that reflects program goals and objectives.
  8. Reviewing a financial report.
  9. Understanding of salary scale that reflects education, experience, and level of performance.
  10. Evaluating the cost effectiveness and appropriateness of different fiscal options.

Staff Management and Human Relations

  1. Knowledge and application of group dynamics, communication styles, and techniques for conflict resolution.
  2. Ability to relate to staff and board members of diverse racial, cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
  3. Ability to hire, supervise and motivate staff to high levels of performance.
  4. Insures the adherence of program personnel policies and practices.
  5. Skills in consensus building, team development, and staff performance appraisal.
  6. Interviewing and hiring new teachers and support staff.
  7. Implementing an orientation program for new personnel.
  8. Developing a staffing plan to reflect enrollment patterns.
  9. Conducting a staff meeting that promotes active involvement of staff.
  10. Mentoring, supervising, and evaluating staff, setting goals for professional development.
  11. Ability to manage reflectively based on different personality typologies.
  12. Implementing an individualized model of staff development.

Educational Programming

  1. Knowledge and application of developmental/constructivist approach curriculum models, standards for high quality programming, and child assessment practices.
  2. Ability to develop and implement a program to meet the needs of young children at different ages and developmental levels.
  3. Knowledge of administrative practices that promote the inclusion of children with special needs.
  4. Planning and implementing a child-centered curriculum.
  5. Develop and implement grouping practices that promote continuity and stability.
  6. Implementing assessment procedures that include developmental profile of each child (anecdotal records, developmental checklists, running records, etc.)
  7. Designing instructional practices to meet the mandate for full inclusion.
  8. Maintaining programming consistent with NAEYC accreditation standards.

Program Operations and Facilities Management

  1. Knowledge and application of policies and procedures that meet state/local regulations and professional standards pertaining to the health and safety of young children.
  2. Knowledge of nutritional and health requirements for snacks.
  3. The ability to design and plan the effective use of space based on principles of environmental psychology and child development.
  4. Knowledge of playground safety and design.
  5. Designing, arranging, and equipping space to meet children’s needs at different ages.
  6. Designing and arranging space to meet staff and parent’s needs.
  7. Developing a system to maintain accurate student and family records.
  8. Developing and inventory control system for supplies.
  9. Implementing an appropriate snack plan.
  10. Implementing emergency and risk management procedures – building security lock in (fire, tornado, building security, environmental risk).

Family Support

  1. The ability to support parents as valued partners in the educational process.
  2. Knowledge and application of family systems and different parenting styles.
  3. Knowledge of community resources to support family wellness.
  4. The ability to implement program practices that support families of diverse cultural, ethnic, linguistic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
  5. Implementing system of community resources that is reflective of the needs of diverse families.
  6. Implementing a program of parent involvement including input on curriculum planning, parent meetings, etc.

Marketing and Public Relations

  1. Knowledge of the fundamentals of effective marketing, public relations, and community outreach.
  2. The ability to communicate the program’s philosophy and promote a positive public image to parents, business leaders, public officials, and prospective funders.
  3. The ability to promote linkages with local schools.
  4. Participate in the development of a business plan and effective promotional literature, handbooks, newsletters, and press releases.
  5. Conducting an assessment to determine community needs.

Leadership and Advocacy

  1. Knowledge of organizational theory and leadership styles as they relate to early childhood work environments.
  2. Knowledge of the legislative process, social issues, and public policy affecting young children.
  3. The ability to articulate a vision, clarify and affirm values, and create a culture built on norms of continuous improvement and ethical conduct.
  4. The ability to evaluate program effectiveness.
  5. The ability to define organizational problems, gather data to generate alternative solutions and effectively develop strategies for improvement.
  6. The ability to advocate on behalf of young children, their families, and the profession.
  7. Assisting the Board of Directors and staff in carrying out the agency’s philosophy and mission statement.
  8. Evaluating center practices and implementing a program improvement plan.
  9. Pursuing and maintaining program quality – Keystone Stars.
  10. Providing an atmosphere that is supportive of a high quality work environment for staff.

Oral and Written Communication

  1. Knowledge of the mechanics of writing.
  2. The ability to use written communication to effectively express one’s thoughts.
  3. Knowledge of oral communication techniques including establishing rapport, preparing the environment, active listening and voice control.
  4. The ability to communicate ideas effectively in a formal presentation.
  5. Writing informal and formal business communication.
  6. Making a formal presentation at a board meeting or community forum.

Technology

  1. Knowledge of basic computer hardware and software applications.
  2. The ability to use the computer for child care administrative functions.
  3. Composing and editing a memo on the computer.
  4. Communicating by electronic mail, when applicable.
  5. Accessing early childhood resources via internet, when applicable.
  6. Linking to advocacy and professional development resources, when applicable.

Limits of Authority

Must have prior authority from the Emilie Christian Day School Board for the following:

  1. To set program policy
  2. To hire/terminate
  3. Make larger purchases