Early Childhood - Assistant Director

Summary

KidZone is an established learning center serving the communities of Lakewood, Tacoma, and Puyallup. We are inclusive, collaborative and leadership oriented.
?We value connection, emotional intelligence and empowering the team as a whole. We pride ourselves on maintaining great relationships and commit to KidZone's Vision, Philosophy and Mission. If you are passionate about early learning and are ready to make a difference we would love to have you join us in our journey!
The Assistant Director is responsible for assisting the Center Director in ensuring the health, safety, and quality of education for all children within the center's care. Under the direction of the Center Director, the Assistant Director collaborates with staff to ensure that curriculum and classroom activities are properly delivered, and that the needs of the students and the goals of the center are met appropriately.

Duties

Responsibilities

• Utilize TSG, implement cultural and diverse practices and our self-regulation SEL Spots program.
• Adhere to State WAC and Health Regulations, KidZone handbook policies, Early Achievers Standards.
• Engage in classroom meal times.
• Must assist in wellness checks when needed.
• Aid injured children or ill children.
• Follow proper diaper changing procedures.
• Document all incidents, accidents, and other mandatory running logs.
• Must be flexible, may occasionally fill in for an absent teacher and all their tasks, may be asked to help at another location due to short staffing.
• Attend staff meetings or trainings during work hours or after work hours.
• Maintain a tidy classroom and participate in regular Center cleaning responsibilities.
• Encouraged to participate in team bonding events, projects or competitions.
• Uphold positive disciplinary strategies and other techniques to assist our children in using appropriate behavior.

• Assume duties of Center Director and Teachers as needed during their absence.
• Collaborate with staff to ensure adherence to quality standards in accordance with Center guidelines and state and local requirements; implement improvements where needed.
• Maintain communication with families and community through appropriate outreach activities.
• Follow all center policies and state regulations.
• Maintain personal professional development plan to ensure continuous quality improvement.

Requirements

It is a high priority of KidZone to prepare this young minds for the next level of education by using Teaching Strategies Gold curriculum and encouraging the best opportunities for STEM projects, hands on experience and social emotional learning through child or teacher led activities.
?We are looking for qualified engaging teachers to use the best practices and educational methods to contribute towards the healthy development of the whole child as well as State requirements.
Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• High School Diploma or GED
• Childcare experience preferred
• ECE Education preferred (Certificates Initial, Short or AA Degrees)
• STARS Basic 30 (Continued annual STARS) Valid STARS ID/Merit
• Cleared DCYF Background Check
• Fingerprints
• Valid ID or Drivers License
• First Aid/CPR Infant/Child
• Food Handlers
• Bloodborne pathogens/HIV
• Negative TB Test
• MMR Vaccination
• While preforming the duties of this job, employees may frequently stand, walk, bend, run, kneel at child's level, sit on the floor, lift children up to a preschool age, move light furnishings

Desired Skills

• Must understand the principles of child development, excellent communication skills, reliability and have the ability to lead a group of children without an assistant. Must be able to complete tasks in a timely manner, demonstrate competency to implement program activities and a structured schedule.
• Supervision is imperative. Be present during your shift, not just physically, but mentally as well to ensure a safe learning environment.
• Must work within the guidelines of TSG lesson plans, assessments, observations, intentional teaching, family engagements.
• Self-Motivated and independent yet proven ability to engage, inspire and collaborate with our team of teachers. Must be approachable with In House Support and Leadership Team.
• Strong organizational skills and able to multi task.
• Create intentional learning environments, rotating toys, books, posters to be consistent with curriculum as well as change or add new props and themes to the environment settings.
• Must have technical skills such as using social media, Brightwheel, the cloud TSG, chatrooms for communication.

Nice To Haves

• 3 ? 5 years of direct professional experience in an early childhood setting.
• High energy.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• A strong understanding of child development.
• Excellent leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

Benefits

KidZone provides the following benefits depending on enrollment, job role, full time or part time employment and length of time with the company.

• Paid Planning Time
• In house mentorship
• Paid Sick time
• Paid vacation
• Program bonus
• Holiday bonus
• Paid day off for Birthday
• Anniversary recognition
• Discounted childcare
• Paid professional development, trainings and education
• Recognition awards, events and trips
• Leadership structure that allows for growth and promotion