Child Care Center Director

Center Director

The Lakin Foundation Child Development Center of East Mills

Overview

East Mills Child Care Solutions (EMCCS) is a 501(c)3 non-profit with the mission of working together cooperatively to identify safe and reliable child care, allowing for future growth in East Mills communities. EMCCS is working to open The Lakin Foundation Child Development Center of East Mills (The Center), which is anticipated to open in late 2025. The Center Director is anticipated to begin their work three to six months prior to The Center’s open date.

The Director provides and coordinates the necessary support, resources, supervision and leadership to ensure the provision of nurturing care and education to young children in a group setting at the Center. The Director shall ensure services are provided in accordance with the goals and curriculum developed for the Center in addition to the policies and procedures for the Center. The Director will ensure all requirements, licensing needs and reports required by the Iowa Department of Human Services, and any other State agency, are completed and filed appropriately. The Director will report to the EMCCS Board of Directors with immediate supervision by the Board President.

Responsibilities: Establishing Organization

• Prepare the Center in accordance with policies and procedures and licensing standards to open.
• With the Board of Directors, raise funds to support the opening and ongoing costs of the center.
• Prepare and submit licensing documentation with the approval of the Board of Directors.

Responsibilities: Center Operational Duties

• Maintain the Center in accordance with policies, procedures and licensing standards.
• Maintain and update, as necessary, all Center records.
• Maintain and update, as necessary, all personnel and operating policies and procedures.
• Develop and maintain an annual budget in conjunction with the EMCCS Board of Directors for Board approval.
• Responsible for bi-weekly payroll and all required payroll duties.
• Manage payments to the Center for child care services and ensure prompt payment in accordance with Center policies and procedures.
• Manage all service contracts for the Center and order required items for Center operations.
• Approve and order materials and supplies for classroom programs and activities.
• Represent the Center in the community and act as a liaison with other agencies.
• Establish and maintain a healthy, safe, and enjoyable working and learning environment for staff, parents, children and visitors.
• Coordinates the delivery of all food and snacks for the Center with the selected food service.
• Coordinates with the East Mills Community School District and Board for development and implementation of three-year preschool curriculum.
• Develops and maintains a monthly report for the Board of Directors identifying successes, challenges, and financial standing five (5) business days prior to the monthly Board meeting.
• Performs other duties as assigned from time to time by the Board of Directors.

Responsibilities: Staff

• Maintain staff as needed for operation of the Center (including interviewing, hiring, performance reviews, disciplinary actions, etc.)
• Responsible for effectively managing and resolving issues with and between the staff, parents and children.
• Interview and hire qualified and certified staff. Provide appropriate orientation, training and evaluation for all staff on an annual and ongoing basis.
• Responsible for addressing personnel matters and implementing solutions that are in the best interest of the Center.
• Supervise staff on an ongoing basis, including the development and implementation of curriculum plans.
• Educate staff on important and relevant information, including but not limited to licensure requirements and policy changes, through regular staff meetings.
• Identify required training opportunities for all staff and make the appropriate modifications necessary to accommodate all training.
• Create appropriate staff schedules which adhere to all state and Center requirements, including staff/child ratios.
• Ensure staff comply with all Center policies and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with confidentiality requirements and policies.
• Maintain current and accurate staff records (including all requirements for reporting to the State of Iowa)

Responsibilities: Children/Parents/Guardians

• Ensure all enrollment and discharge information is documented, complete and up-to-date.
• Ensure all records are complete, updated and accurate.
• Ensure that the Center meets all DHS licensing requirements. This includes, but is not limited to:
• Standards of health and safety (Sanitation)
• Learning environment and curriculum
• Nutrition and food preparation
• Physical safety and well-being of children and staff
• Emergency policies and regulations
• Establish and execute policies and procedures that ensure the well-being of children. This includes but is not limited to:
• Developmentally appropriate curriculum
• Positive behavior management plans
• Safe arrival and departure
• Maintain an environment that is tolerant and respectful of child and family cultures, values and differences.
• Establish relationships with individual children and families and be responsive to requests, comments and concerns.
• Provide care in classrooms as needed to meet safety and licensing regulations.
• Provide families with information and assistance with community resources.
• Report evidence of suspected abuse/neglect to The Iowa Department of Human Services.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be able to meet and maintain certification through the Iowa Department of Human Services as a Child Care Director
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Maintain certification in infant, child, and adult CPR, first aid, and Iowa’s training for the mandatory reporting of child abuse.
• Has completed at least one course in business administration or 12 contact hours in administrative-related training related to personnel, supervision, record keeping, or budgeting or has one year of administrative-related experience
• Must have a high school diploma or have passed a general education development test.
• Bachelor’s or higher degree in early childhood, child development, or elementary education
• Minimum 1 year of work experience in a child care center, pre-school, or other child development related setting
• Must be able to maintain a high degree of efficiency in changing from one task to another and establishing priorities.

Minimum Physical Qualifications

• This position is a moderately stressful job that requires good organizational and communication skills. Must be able to perform several tasks at one time. This job requires the individual to be able to read, write and communicate with staff and parents/guardians.
• Position requires constant lifting, twisting, stooping, bending, squatting, kneeling and reaching. Pushing and pulling may be required. Frequently exposed and subject to: changes in temperature and humidity, vapor, fumes, odors and infectious disease conditions.
• Must be able to routinely lift 30 pounds.

Benefits

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Enjoy generous paid time off to recharge and focus on your well-being.
• Child Care Assistance: Through a pilot program, child care workers are eligible to receive child care assistance through the state of Iowa.
• Weekends Off: Benefit from a predictable schedule with weekends off to enjoy time with family and pursue personal interests.
• Salaried Role: Competitive salary with consistent compensation that supports work-life balance and financial stability.
• Supportive Board of Directors: Work alongside a compassionate and collaborative board of directors who are dedicated to providing the guidance and resources needed for your success.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $52,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekends & holidays off

Application Question(s):

• Have you completed at least one course in business administration or have one year of administrative-related experience?

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Child Care: 1 year (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Malvern, IA 51551 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $52,000