Associate Center Director - The Cornerstone Center

POSITION SUMMARY

Provide effective and efficient management, support the leadership and oversight of the child care center, contributing to the accomplishment of both Programming and Operations related Performance Objectives. Responsibilities include supervising, coaching, monitoring and planning for the professional development of the teaching staff, thus ensuring quality care and customer service for staff, children, families and community. Maintain knowledge of and ability to conduct family tours, process enrollments and assist with family account issues. Assure safety and upkeep of the center.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or a combination of a Bachelor’s Degree in another field with 24 credits in early childhood education, child development, elementary education or early childhood special education, 9 credits in administration, leadership and management, or documents meeting an appropriate combination of relevant education and experience as defined by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
• Prior experience with High Scope or other play-based curriculum
• Prior leadership experience in a NAEYC accredited environment preferred
• General knowledge of the financial management aspects of a child care center
• Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills, as well as time management and organizational skills
• Solid working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs

• ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
• Team with the Lead Center Director to ensure compliance with Encompass Policies, DCF, NAEYC, and High Scope curriculum
• Support professional development and supervision of center staff, including conducting teacher observations
• Ensure appropriate level of customer service is provided to children, families and staff
• Provide support and backup for the responsibilities of the Lead Center Director
• Perform the duties and responsibilities of a classroom teacher as needed
• Support the Encompass mission, demonstrating professionalism and confidentiality in all encounters

PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES

• Exhibit agency values in daily work and demonstrate commitment to the agency mission
• In collaboration with Lead Center Director, support efforts to effectively staff the center, fostering relationships with teaching staff, children, families.
• Ensure quality early childhood programming is implemented reflecting High Scope curriculum, COR Advantage and Conscious Discipline practices; team with and support the Lead Center Director in carrying out the program vision
• Team with Lead Center Director to effectively manage center
• Support center efforts to ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements (i.e. DCF, NAEYC, USDA)
• Support professional development for all center staff as aligned with both Center Program Wide and Individual Professional Development Plans
• Support Lead Center Director in overall fiscal management of center.
• Work cooperatively with Lead Center Director and support departments regarding center issues, including but not limited to the Foster Grandparent Program and volunteers
• Be an active member of the Encompass Leadership Team, Center Support Team and other work groups and committees upon request
• Perform other related duties as requested

PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES

• Exhibit agency values in daily work and demonstrate commitment to the agency mission

• Respect is shown
• Simple acts of kindness are shown to other staff, families, and children
• Confidentiality is maintained at all times
• Differences are accepted without judgment or discrimination
• Others are treated kindly; no person is diminished
• Appreciation is shown
• Others are told they did something well
• “Thank you” is offered genuinely and often
• Others feel valued and important
• Communication is clear
• You listen to others when they talk
• You keep your co-workers and families informed
• You talk to people, not about people
• Appropriate chain of command is observed; concerns are voiced to the Lead Center Director
• Honesty is part of all you say and do
• You do what you say you will do
• You are truthful
• Laughter is part of each day
• You perform your work with happiness, enthusiasm, and a sense of joy
• You delight in small things and enjoy the moment
• You are able to laugh at yourself and with others, but not at someone else
• The Encompass Mission is lived when
• Quality care is provided and supported by what you do
• Compassion is shown in your dealings with others
• Your voice is a voice for the well-being of all children
• In collaboration with Lead Center Director, support efforts to effectively staff the center, fostering relationships with teaching staff, children, families
• This duty has been performed well when:

• Qualified persons are hired and trained following Encompass’ procedures, High Scope, DCF, and NAEYC guidelines
• Orientation is conducted for all staff (i.e. teachers, kitchen, bus) and documentation is submitted to Human Resources in a timely manner
• Staff under supervision are evaluated annually, with supporting teacher performance observations conducted in a timely manner
• Teachers’ Individual Professional Development Plans are created, updated annually and monitored
• Cross training is supported to assure that duties are covered during absence of any personnel
• An effective communication system is established, maintained and demonstrated; feedback and information requested is provided; current notes are kept on center happenings
• Room/team meetings are scheduled and occur on a regular basis, etc.
• Cross training with the Lead Center Director occurs to assure that duties are covered during absences
• Ensure quality early childhood programming is implemented reflecting HighScope, COR Advantage, and Conscious Discipline strategies; team with and support the Lead Center Director in carrying out the program vision

This duty has been performed well when:

High Scope Curriculum & Child Observation Record (COR)

• High Scope Curriculum is implemented and followed consistently in classrooms
• Classroom Observations are conducted on a regular basis
• It is evident that resources and support are given regarding High Scope and COR Advantage
• COR Advantage is monitored for quality anecdotes, lesson plans, storyboards, child development summaries and family messaging

Conscious Discipline

• Conscious Discipline is implemented and followed consistently in classrooms
• Resources and support for Conscious Discipline strategies are shared with teaching staff and peers

DCF & NAEYC

• Children’s and Staff files are maintained in compliance with all applicable licensing and NAEYC regulations, including documentation related to the Registry, using the monthly Events report as a guide
• Department of Children and Families (DCF) licensing regulations and NAEYC standards are adhered to

Classroom Observations

• Classroom Observations are conducted as directed by the agency’s plan annually

Ages and Stages (ASQ)

• Knowledge of ASQ as a screening tool and how to utilize it are evident
• Support is provided to families in the referral process if needed based on screening results

4K Partnerships

• Attendance at district 4K meetings occurs, as requested
• Expectations of district 4K program are met; required reports are submitted accurately and on time

Summer Programming

• Overall responsibility is accepted for the implementation of Summer Program, including facility and supply needs, coordination with other centers, field trip logistics and attendance, evaluation, etc

Center Vision

• Under the direction of the Lead Center Director, participate in the development of the Center Vision
• Effective communication with staff occurs to ensure vision remains visible and becomes reality
• Team with Lead Center Director to effectively manage the center

• This duty has been performed well when:
• Customer Service:

• All customers are treated with respect and consideration at all times
• Accessibility to families, children and staff is a priority
• Center tours are conducted in a positive, professional and timely manner and are treated as a prime marketing opportunity for the center and Encompass
• Family and staff concerns are addressed promptly and with professionalism; consultation with support staff occurs as needed
• Community resources that strengthen families are fostered and utilized and utilized for the benefit of Encompass’ families and programs
• Center Staff:

• Assistance and support are provided for resolving center issues (i.e. staff, child, parent, facility, etc.)
• Employment related forms are completed and submitted following standard procedure (i.e. employee change and resignation form, acknowledgements, etc.)
• Disciplinary procedures are followed when necessary
• Staff is informed of enrollment changes, terminations, facility issues, etc. in a timely manner
• Knowledge and use of agency policies and procedures is apparent
• Staff is scheduled to meet state licensing requirements and Encompass guidelines
• Staff/child ratios requirements are adhered to at all times
• Supervisor is notified of the need for increased staff time
• Time off schedules and processes (PTO, LOA, LE) are developed and communicated to ensure appropriate coverage and to minimize overtime
• Staff pattern forms are completed annually and as requested

Program and Classroom Maintenance

• Safe and sanitary conditions of the center and equipment, as well as the orderly appearance of the center, are maintained
• Support center efforts to ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements (i.e. DCF, NAEYC, USDA)

This duty has been performed well when:

NAEYC

• Thorough understanding of NAEYC standards is demonstrated
• Staff is coached and mentored regarding NAEYC accreditation standards
• Program and classroom electronic portfolio are up-to-date and meet NAEYC guidelines
• A supporting role is assumed and is given in achieving NAEYC reaccreditation, and maintaining NAEYC expectations on an ongoing basis
• All NAEYC reports are completed accurately and filed on time with a copy sent to the Director of Agency Operations

DCF

• Thorough understanding and implementation of DCF regulations is demonstrated
• Staff is coached and mentored regarding DCF regulations
• Required reports and documentation are maintained and submitted as required

USDA

• Knowledge of all Food Allergy, Medical Issues, IEP’s in classrooms is evident
• Annual USDA Civil Rights training is provided to all teaching staff; attendance is documented and submitted to CFO
• Ensure required CACFP income statements and enrollment forms are received from families
• Teachers are provided guidance with completing infant meal production records, meal counts, and family style meal service
• Support professional development for all center staff as aligned with both Program Wide and Individual Professional Development Plans

This duty has been performed well when:

• Program Wide Professional Development Plans are developed annually and reviewed with teaching staff on a regular basis
• Training for center personnel is provided to meet the needs of the center and individual staff as indicated on their Individual Professional Development Plans, as well as to meet all licensing requirements (i.e. continuing education hours, First Aid, CPR, etc.)
• Information about programs such as TEACH, REWARD, educational assistance benefits, etc. is made available and the use of these programs is tracked according to procedure
• Staff Trainings (i.e. center, room, team) are developed, coordinated and conducted on a regular basis and reflect goals of the Program Wide Professional Development Plan
• Support for Registry renewals and overall Registry Portal updating is evident
• Support Lead Center Director in overall fiscal management of center

This duty has been performed well when:

• Ratio sheets are analyzed and utilized to develop staffing patterns based on projected and actual child attendance
• Ability to accurately calculate FTEs is demonstrated
• Knowledge of Encompass’ tuition rate structure, including tuition assistance programs and 3rd party funding options, is demonstrated; rates are accurately quoted to families
• Enrollment and termination processes are completed in a timely and accurate manner, as requested
• Ability to assist with questions regarding family accounts is apparent, and tuition collection efforts are supported
• Purchasing guidelines are followed and receipts are submitted to Lead Center Director for approval
• Expenses are monitored for Summer Program, including supplies, transportation, field trip costs, etc. in relation to budget
• Fundraising activities, as applicable, are supported following Encompass’s fundraising guidelines
• Knowledge of annual budget preparation and projections, as well as monthly monitoring of financial reports is evident
• Recommendations for additional personnel, equipment, and changes in job duties are made with evidence to support each request
• Assistance is provided with completing payroll biweekly, as needed
• Work cooperatively with Lead Center Director and support departments regarding center issues, including but not limited to the Foster Grandparent Program and volunteers

This duty has been performed well when:

• The Administrative Office, Maintenance, Central Kitchen and/or other centers are contacted in a timely manner regarding center needs and concerns
• Timely follow through occurs for all procedures and requests from Maintenance, Central Kitchen, and the Administrative Office
• Collaboration occurs with the Foster Grandparent Program Project Director ensuring a successful Foster Grandparent presence in the center
• Be an active member of the Encompass Leadership Team, Center Support Team, and other work groups and committees upon request

This duty has been performed well when:

• Input at meetings is constructive and professionally stated and meetings are attended regularly
• Assignments generated by the meeting content are accomplished within the stated time frame
• Feedback is provided on policy and procedure proposals, agency issues and any other management concern
• Support for management decisions when consensus has been reached is evident
• A willingness to work with applicable community and state organizations as an early childhood education advocate is demonstrated.
• Involvement in, and support of, agency events is evident (i.e. Big Event, Strengthening Families, Annual Celebration, etc.), including attendance at such events
• Perform other related duties as requested.