Child Care Director

Job Title: Child Care Director

Reports to: Owner

Employment Type: Full-time

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Child Care Director is pivotal in ensuring the successful operation and compliance of the child care program. This role demands a comprehensive understanding of the Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) regulations, which the Director must implement and uphold rigorously. The Director oversees the daily operations of the center, managing staff, scheduling, and program activities to ensure a smoothly running facility. A central aspect of the position involves developing and enforcing program policies that guarantee the safety, health, and well-being of the children. The Director is responsible for safeguarding each child from abuse and neglect, maintaining a secure and nurturing environment, and conducting regular safety assessments. Additionally, the Director is tasked with creating and maintaining a developmentally appropriate curriculum, supporting staff development, and engaging with families and the community to reinforce the center’s mission. Administrative responsibilities include managing the budget, maintaining accurate records, and preparing necessary reports for compliance and evaluation purposes. The Director also plays a key role in fostering a collaborative and positive work environment, providing guidance to staff, and promoting a culture of excellence and integrity. By fulfilling these duties with diligence, the Child Care Director ensures that the center not only meets regulatory requirements but also delivers high-quality care and education to the children and families it serves.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Plan and execute the program and curricula for the Child Care Center and assure that the program provided meets the highest quality standards

· Develop and Implement Operational and Personnel Policies: Create and enforce clear policies to ensure smooth center operations and effective personnel management.

· Establish and Communicate Policies to Staff and Parents: Establish policies needed for smooth operations. Communicate established policies to staff and parents to foster understanding and alignment within the community.

· Design Educational Programs and Standards: Develop and implement high-quality educational programs that meet or exceed established standards.

· Maintain Instructional Excellence: Ensure instructional practices are consistently of the highest quality, promoting a rich learning environment.

· Supervise Staff Effectively: Provide ongoing supervision and guidance to staff, ensuring they perform to the center's standards and expectations.

· Ensure Staff-to-Child Ratios: Regularly monitor and maintain proper staff-to-child ratios in compliance with state regulations.

· Conduct Daily Safety Checks: Perform daily safety inspections to guarantee children and staff a secure and hazard-free environment.

2. Maintain records to licensing standards.

· Required Paperwork: Ensure all required paperwork for children, staff, and licensing are obtained and organized in a timely manner in accordance to state licensing regulations; including required emergency plans and drills.

· Staff Binders: Create immediately upon hire, maintain and update staff binders with current information, ensuring they meet all necessary standards.

· Student Paperwork: Ensure all student paperwork is thoroughly completed and collected before the student's start date.

· Classroom Binders: Ensure all classroom binders are fully completed, regularly updated, and reviewed for accuracy.

· Digital Records: Upload staff information to ORO and Brightwheel for easy access and compliance tracking.

· Record Retention: Keep all records securely organized and accessible for at least five years, adhering to regulatory requirements. (Filing will be done by the year the student/staff left, alphabetically by last name.)

3. Maintain a strong staff by recruiting, hiring, training, supervising, and appraising the work of the daycare teaching and support personnel.

· Interview and Hire Staff: Recruit and hire staff according to the specific requirements of each job description to ensure the best fit for the role.

· Respond and Schedule Interviews: Promptly respond to applicants and efficiently schedule interviews to streamline hiring.

· Conduct Interviews: Conduct comprehensive interviews to assess candidate qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

· Verify Training: Ensure all required certifications and trainings are verified before a new hire’s start date to maintain compliance.

· Onboarding and Orientation: Provide a thorough onboarding process and orientation to familiarize new hires with the organization's policies and culture.

· Comprehensive Training: Deliver proper job-specific training to equip staff with the skills and knowledge needed for success.

· Professional Development and Mentorship: Oversee continuous training and professional growth by setting clear goals, conducting regular observations, and offering ongoing mentorship.

· Support in Communication: Assist staff in effectively communicating with parents and children, fostering a collaborative environment.

· Offer Professional Development: Facilitate opportunities for staff to participate in professional development to enhance their skills and career growth.

· Support for Daily Operations: Provide ongoing support for day-to-day operations, including approving time-off requests, leading recruitment efforts, and managing program schedules to ensure smooth functionality.

4. Give personal attention and supervision to every aspect of the Day Care operation.

· Foster a Positive and Inviting Environment: Create a welcoming atmosphere by greeting parents, students, staff, and visitors, answering questions, arranging meetings, leading tours, and handling daily customer service tasks with professionalism.

· Manage Staffing Plans: Develop and maintain daily lunch and closing schedules to ensure proper staffing levels for smooth operations.

· Enhance Parent Communication and Family Engagement: Facilitate effective communication with parents, actively engage families, and share valuable community resources, including support for children with special needs.

· Maintain Building Grounds: Coordinate with maintenance staff to ensure timely repairs and upkeep of the facility, maintaining a safe and pleasant environment.

· Budget Preparation and Fund Allocation: Prepare and manage the program's budget, ensuring that funds are allocated wisely and that financial responsibilities are met.

· Ensure Facility Compliance and Cleanliness: Oversee that the facility is maintained and cleaned according to state regulations, ensuring a safe and compliant environment for all.

· Manage Supply and Food Ordering: Supervise ordering of supplies and food to meet program needs while ensuring compliance with state licensing regulations.

· Oversee Program Budgeting and Financial Processes: Manage the program’s financial activities, including collecting payments, facilitating payroll, tracking expenditures, and organizing fundraising events to support ongoing operations.

5. Provide a welcoming and informative experience for prospective families is essential for building trust and ensuring they feel confident in our childcare program.

· Coordinate and Schedule Tours: Efficiently organize and schedule tours for prospective families, ensuring that appointments are flexible and accommodate their availability.

· Maintain an Updated Tour Calendar: Keep the tour calendar current and well-organized to ensure smooth scheduling and prevent conflicts.

· Manage a First-Come, First-Served Waiting List: Maintain a clean and orderly waiting list for families interested in enrollment, ensuring transparency and fairness.

6. Establish goals and objectives for the daycare program that are consistent with those of Precious Cargo Preschool & Childcare and what is developmentally appropriate for the children in care

· Ages & Stages Questionnaires: Regularly assess children's developmental milestones using this proven screening tool to ensure timely identification of strengths and areas needing support.

· Parent-Teacher Conferences: Facilitate open communication through regular meetings with parents to discuss their child’s progress, challenges, and goals.

· Written Care Plans: Develop individualized care plans tailored to each child's needs, ensuring personalized attention and support.

· Behavioral Plans: Implement effective behavioral strategies, working closely with staff and parents to promote positive development and address behavioral concerns.

· Review Student Placement and Provide Recommendations: Regularly evaluate each child’s placement within the program and suggest adjustments to optimize their learning and development experience.

· Student Transition Plans for Staff and Parents: Create smooth transition plans to guide children through different developmental stages or classroom settings, ensuring continuity and comfort for children and families.

· Regular Meetings with Parents and Staff to Discuss Progress: Hold consistent meetings with parents and staff to review each child's development, share observations, and adjust plans as necessary for their success.

7. Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with parents and on an ongoing basis

· Perform Daily Office Duties: Efficiently manage all general office tasks, including reviewing and responding to mail and emails, making and receiving phone calls, filing and organizing documents, managing database systems, and ensuring the smooth execution of all office operations.

· Answer Phone Calls: Handle incoming calls professionally, ensuring prompt and courteous communication.

· Respond to Emails: Reply to emails promptly and organized, maintaining clear and professional correspondence.

8. Implement staff meetings at a time that all staff can attend.

· Monthly Staff Meetings: Conduct monthly staff meetings to discuss important updates, address concerns, and ensure alignment with Precious Cargo Preschool & Childcare's goals.

· Additional Training Sessions: If immediate needs or issues arise within the facility, a follow-up training session will be scheduled to address them promptly and effectively.

· Staff Meeting Management: Effectively manage, conduct, and document all staff meetings, ensuring clear communication, action steps, and proper record-keeping to support ongoing staff development and operational efficiency. Minutes and notes should be taken at each meeting.

9. Always maintain responsibility for the safety and supervision of the children.

· Maintain Compliance with Staff Schedules: Ensure staff schedules are properly managed to maintain required staff-to-child ratios in compliance with licensing regulations. This may include stepping in as a classroom teacher or opening/closing the center on short notice if necessary.

· Monitor Staff-to-Child Ratios: Monitor all classrooms to ensure staffing levels meet regulatory standards and adjust as needed to accommodate changes.

· Ensure Building Safety: Conduct daily safety check. Oversee the safety of the building, ensuring a secure environment for both children and staff.

· Adhere to Licensing Regulations: Ensure all licensing rules and guidelines are strictly followed.

· Provide Classroom Support: Cover classrooms to maintain smooth operations and uphold high-quality care.

10. Ensure the development of weekly lesson plans that fit the children's developmental needs and interests

· Ensure Timely Submission of Lesson Plans: Require teachers to submit their lesson plans at least two weeks in advance to allow sufficient time for review and adjustments.

· Ensure Accuracy and Alignment with TS Gold Standards: Review lesson plans for accuracy and compliance with TS Gold standards. Provide training and guidance to teachers as needed to ensure their plans meet these educational benchmarks.

· Supervise Daily and Weekly Operations: Oversee daily and weekly activities, including reviewing staff and children's schedules, monitoring classroom management, and ensuring the successful implementation of the curriculum across all classrooms.

11. Document attendance, absenteeism, and incidents for each child enrolled and all staff employed by the Childcare Site.

· Track Absences and Illnesses: Monitor and record absences and illnesses for students and staff to ensure accurate tracking and compliance.

· Ensure Brightwheel Sign-ins: Confirm that all students and teachers properly sign in and out using the Brightwheel app for real-time attendance management.

· Manage Email Communications: Monitor email correspondence to address any issues or updates in a timely manner.

· Respond to Brightwheel Messages: Keep communication lines open through Brightwheel messages, ensuring prompt responses to parents' and staff inquiries.

· Adjust for Schedule Changes: Flexibly update and adjust schedules as needed to accommodate absences or changes in availability.

12. Maintain the appearance of the building and the classrooms and the quality of supplies, equipment, and materials.

· Classroom Appearance: Maintain classrooms in a clean and orderly fashion at all times. Organize classroom materials and supplies to ensure a tidy and functional learning space.

· Grounds Maintenance: Regularly inspect and maintain outdoor areas, including landscaping, gardens, and walkways. Perform routine cleaning and upkeep of building exteriors, including windows, entrances, and parking lots. Assist with seasonal tasks such as snow removal safety and proper leaf collection.

· Print and Restock Forms as Needed: Ensure all necessary forms are printed and restocked promptly to support daily operations and maintain a well-organized, fully equipped environment.

13. Participate in Precious Cargo activities that build the community within the child care program.

· Design and Implement Family Engagement Activities: Develop and execute meaningful activities that foster strong relationships between families and the childcare program, promoting active involvement and collaboration.

· Supply Ordering: Proactively manage supply orders by submitting requests in advance to ensure all necessary materials are available for family engagement events.

14. Supervise the maintenance of equipment and supplies within the financial boundaries set by the Owner.

· Manage Program Budget: Oversee all aspects of the program's budget, including collecting payments and fees, approving expenses, distributing funds, facilitating payroll, tracking financial performance, and organizing fundraising events to support operational needs and future growth.

15. Handle additional tasks as assigned by the Owner.

QUALIFICATIONS:

The ideal candidate will exhibit exceptional leadership abilities, a comprehensive understanding of early childhood education, and a dedication to nurturing a positive, collaborative work culture.

Required:

· Bachelor's Degree in Education, Teaching, or a related field.

· Proven leadership experience with excellent verbal and written communication skills.

· Self-motivated with the ability to independently problem-solve and make sound decisions.

· Proficiency in general computer literacy and technology tools.

· Strong knowledge of DELC (Department of Early Learning and Care) licensing regulations and compliance standards.

Preferred:

· 2 years of experience in an early childhood setting, demonstrating expertise in managing childcare programs and fostering child development.

EFFECT ON-END RESULT:

• Program Quality: Consistently upholds a high standard of excellence across all aspects of the childcare program.
• Parent Satisfaction: Parents express high levels of satisfaction with the quality of care provided, leading to strong relationships and trust.
• Enrollment Growth: Enrollment levels are maintained at capacity and continuously increased through effective program management and community engagement.
• Engaging and Developmentally Appropriate Activities: Activities offered are educational and fun and aligned with developmental milestones for each age group.
• Compliance with Licensing Requirements: The program fully complies with all DELC (Department of Early Learning and Care) licensing regulations to ensure safety and operational excellence.
• SPARK 5-Star Standards: The program consistently meets or exceeds SPARK 5-Star standards, ensuring the highest quality care and education.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $25.00 - $30.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Work Location: In person

Salary : $25 - $30