Site Director - Lakeville

POSITION PURPOSE

This position is principally responsible for ensuring that all staff members understand and carry out the objectives and expectations for their roles: including Teachers, Assistants, Aides, and any additional support staff. Of primary concern, is the promotion of and adherence to Parent Aware accreditation and State licensing requirements, as well as the internal policies of New Creations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following is a brief description of some of the responsibilities of the position:

General:

• Outwardly supports the policies of New Creations and is an exemplary role model and manager for all staff.
• Understands and mentors/performs all responsibilities of Teachers and Assistants.
• Ensures Assistant Director / Classroom Development Director reviews and approves curriculum on a weekly or monthly basis (consistent with center practice) and ensures proper implementation.
• Ensures staff reviews are done in a timely manner according to review schedules.
• Maintains all aspects of the given budget including center supplies, classroom supplies, food, community involvement, team building and tokens of appreciation, and field trips.
• Ensures Assistant Director / Classroom Development Director reviews and approves children assessments prior to parent conferences. Assistant Director / Classroom Development Director also ensures conferences are held bi-annually each November and March.
• Maintains materials, supplies, and equipment in good working condition.
• Is conscientious with resources and helps with inventory needs.
• Cheerfully and enthusiastically attends all significant center and New Creations events.
• Achieves and maintains their academic certifications consistent with Parent Aware accreditation and Rule 3 State licensing requirements as well as New Creations internal expectations.
• Actively seeks advice and counsel from the Regional Director on development needs and implements such advice into staff meetings and professional interactions.
• Handles all parent concerns on a timely basis.
• Acts as a sub as dictated by short term center staffing needs.
• Maintains CRM
• Maintains a 75% conversion rate year 1, then year 1 , 90%
• Maintains no more than 4 violations at any given time
• Follows Director Task List on a weekly basis which outlines all specific duties within the guidelines of the position.

Center Development:

• Ensures that the center is positioned to attract and retain families such that the center consistently maintains its enrollment goals. Specifically:
  • The center is organized, clean, engaging, in a manner that most would describe it as exceptional.
  • Parent tours are superbly run with professional follow up towards closing the enrollment.
  • Regular events are held with parents, both in group, as well as individuals, maintaining an ongoing and direct relationship with parents.
  • Ensures that the classroom environment is always bright, cheerful, healthy and clean.
  • Closely follow the centers guidelines as set forth in the Parent Handbook and the Staff Handbook.

Critical Policy Management:

• While the general body of New Creations policies are important, this position must carefully be aware of infractions related to child safety and hygiene.

Staff Development:

• Establishes development objectives for all staff members ensuring that they not only meet accreditation requirements but are effective in the classroom. Mentoring, classroom observations, program review and effective performance management are all areas of emphasis.
• Coordinates the training of all new staff members during the onboarding process, while giving ongoing support and assessment during the initial 90-day orientation period.
• Coordinates staffing requirements, ensuring that coverage is provided, which also requires that temporary staff is trained / oriented to the specific group they will be working with. When overstaffed, seeks opportunities to reduce coverage.
• Supervises staff towards ensuring that classrooms promote positive relationships among all children, encouraging a sense of individual worth within an environment that gives each child the opportunity to develop consistent with age appropriate standards. Specific expectations include:
• Verbal tones and body language that is warm and caring.
• Uses good judgment and is thoughtful when resolving classroom issues.
• Demonstrates creativity and resourcefulness in planning both for the curriculum and classroom activities.
• Programs are developmentally and culturally appropriate and utilize effective teaching techniques.
• Maintains a professional and consistent level of communication with the families of children such that confidence and trust are fostered.
• Fosters the childrens emotional well-being by creating a positive emotional climate through conversations, expressions/responses to children.
• Acts in accordance with these tenets when subbing in a classroom.
• Maintains a positive and supportive relationship with other staff members such that ideas flow freely while ensuring that we are here to help each other. Specifically:
• Recognizes the importance of teamwork, which is demonstrated by offering assistance proactively, receiving and offering ideas in a positive manner.
• Maintains a record of timeliness and attendance that meets or exceeds New Creations standards while providing timely notice of any unavoidable absence.
• Shows flexibility in working with different schedules (including reporting on time) and under changing situations without acting in a manner that could be described as frustrated or annoyed.
• Always dresses in a manner that is consistent with established standards for appropriative dress and professionalism (clean, crisp, and neutral to public perceptions of what could be considered appropriate).
• Maintains childrens family confidentiality as required, while being supportive of all fellow staff members (both publicly and privately).
• Offers positive guidance to parent helpers and volunteers/student teachers.
• Has team meetings with Teachers and Assistants on a regular quarterly basis, as well as one on one meetings with all staff once a month (outside their review). Stay connected with your team.

Accreditation:

• Ensures the center is always in a position to achieve/maintain accreditation through a complete familiarity of Parent Aware and Rule 3 State requirements. Constantly apprises the staff of such requirements and monitors for compliance. Develops appropriate plans to report on and correct deficiencies.
• Understands and closely follows standards for ethical conduct and all requirements for accreditation and licensing

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Must be at least 18 years old and have a High School Diploma or GED, along with an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field, however a Bachelors Degree is preferred.
• Must be Teacher qualified under DHS Rule 3 Standards. Official transcripts of all post-secondary work required.
• Must have a one-year minimum experience in an Early Childhood Education setting, along with the associating College degree/credits or CDA Credentials to teach in early childhood education.
• Minimum of five years teaching experience with young children, and one-year management or leadership experience is preferred.
• Demonstrates qualities of an effective leader including a genuine concern for others, excellent listening and problem-solving capabilities. Presents concerns in a thoughtful, balanced manner, compromises and/or in group situations seek consensus when appropriate.
• State DHS background check and fingerprints shall determine that the applicant has not been convicted of a felony has no criminal record that the commissioner reasonably believes renders the person unsuitable to be employed in a child care center.
• Certification in Adult and Pediatric First Aid & CPR completed within 30 days of employment.
• SUIDS & AHT completed on first day of employment.

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

With or without reasonable accommodation this position requires:

• Extensive standing and walking; sitting on the floor and on low (12) chairs.
• Frequent bending, stooping, and kneeling.
• Lifting and carrying children extensively in the infant/toddler program; less frequently in the preschool program, but the children are heavier.
• Frequent moving of equipment (cots, tables, etc.).
• Pushing children in buggies, strollers, and walking for considerable periods.
• The necessity of being outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Exposure to unpleasant odors and fluids caused by vomit (occasional) and bodily elimination.
• Relatively frequent exposure to loud noises (baby crying, toys falling and other common occurrences of children at play).