What are the responsibilities and job description for the Education Director position at IMAGINE EARLY LEARNING CENTERS LLC?
Imagine Early Learning Centers seeks an Early Childhood Education Director for our soon to open Morningside Heights childcare center, our 13th Imagine site! The center will operate year round, full day and will serve children ages 2 to 5 years.
An experienced leader is needed with the ability to interface with staff, families and the vibrant community of Morningside Heights, steps from the Columbia University campus. The newly renovated center has abundant light, spacious classrooms and outdoor play space in addition to a huge gross motor space inside and, with the right leadership, will thrive as a community hub.
Experience with Developmentally Appropriate Practice including knowledge of NAEYC standards required. Directors with experience running DOE PKA programs and familiarity with New York State Quality Stars are strongly encouraged to apply. Imagine highly values strong, creative leadership skills and collaboration.
Responsibilities include:
- Hire, train and build culture for new staff and new center, in partnership with Imagine training experts
- Ensure highest quality of care offered throughout center, based on and building on developmentally appropriate curriculum
- Ensure compliance with all licensing guidelines at all times, with a particular emphasis on high health and safety measures
- Adhere to, and believe in, Imagine’s play-based and whole-child centered educational philosophy
- Understand and socialize the benefits of Imagine’s employee ownership program
- Train, guide and mentor employees, with a focus on implementing effective professional development practices
- Develop warm and trusting relationships with families based on partnership model
- Develop center to act as community hub and community resources for Morningside Heights neighborhood
- Build partnerships with local businesses and organizations to enhance enrichment, build out programs at the individual center level, and offer more to families and staff
- Manage budget of the center, with an emphasis on meeting and exceeding enrollment targets and financial goals
- Develop and deploy marketing strategies as needed
- Participate in recruiting activities as needed
- Ability to meet physical requirements of position which include lifting children, sitting on the floor and year-round daily outdoor activities
Competitive salaries and benefits including:
- ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) qualified Retirement Benefit Plan. Eligible employees receive this retirement benefit, at no cost.**
- Paid Vacation and Sick Time
- Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
- Company paid life insurance
- Voluntary Insurance (Prudential)
- Commuter Benefit
- Tuition Reimbursement/Degree Incentive Reward
- Educational support programs available
- Childcare Discount where available
- Professional Development
**In 2018 Imagine officially became an employee owned company through the creation of an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan). What this means is not only does Imagine value and possess an ownership culture, all qualified employees at Imagine receive a retirement benefit without paying any contributions to the fund themselves!
Qualifications
- Master's degree and New York State Teacher Certification in (B-2) Early Childhood Education, Elementary or Special Education required
- Minimum 2 years experience as an Early Childhood program administrator.
- Minimum 5 years experience as an Early Childhood program teacher.
- Previous experience with NAEYC accreditation is a plus.
