Daycare Director

Job Description

Job Description

SUMMARY:

Square One is a private nonprofit organization that provides a range of family-friendly education and support services that are unique to each child and every family served. Our focus is on providing opportunities for children and families to build the foundation for lifelong learning and to grow strong cognitively, emotionally, socially, and physically.

Square One’s programs include early education and care at centers in Springfield, home-based care settings located throughout greater Springfield, and out-of-school-time care for elementary-school-age children. In addition, Square One provides family support services through a variety of home visiting programs with parenting education and support groups in addition to youth workforce development programming.

The King Street Center Director is responsible for the management and oversight of multiple classrooms, both preschool and school-age, and approximately 40 staff members. The center director ensures that the program meets the needs of children and families, as well as adheres to all DEEC licensing requirements and Square One policies and procedures.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Bachelor’s degree in Education (preferably Early Childhood Education).
2. DEEC Director ll certified.
3. Four to Six years’ teaching experience in an early education and care program.
4. Two to Four years’ experience as a center-based director.
5. Knowledge of Creative Curriculum and developmentally appropriate practice.
6. Ability to communicate with families, donors, and community groups.
7. Bilingual English/Spanish, speaking and written, preferred.
8. Ability to implement all program requirements in adherence to performance and outcome standards, along with compliance standards, as prescribed by Square One and the Department of Early Education and Care.
9. Must be able to pass a background check that meets compliance standards
10. Experience working with multiple partnerships.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS / ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Knowledge of developmentally appropriate curriculum, principles, and best practices of early childhood education.
• Ability and willingness to remain abreast of developments in the child development/early childhood education field to enhance professional growth and development.
• Willingness to participate in Square One’s commitment to continuously review and

analyze current program design and continuously work towards program improvement.

• Knowledge of DEEC licensing requirements.
• Experience working with union staff
• Ability to develop and maintain a respectful working relationship with UAW local 2322 representatives.
• Organization skills with the ability to manage time and multiple priorities.
• Ability to work within an interdisciplinary team as a cooperative and supportive team member.
• Ability to establish supportive relationships and form an alliance with staff and families from diverse backgrounds, on behalf of children.
• Proficient knowledge of computer software, including but not limited to Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Ability to effectively communicate, verbally and in writing, in a manner that demonstrates and fosters cooperation, respect, concern, and openness to change.
• Ability to take or think about the perspective of others and demonstrate self-awareness of one's own culture, beliefs, and values.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND KEY TASKS:

Leadership and Vision

• Create a culture of trust, transparency, and open communication including seeking of divergent viewpoints to ensure growth of the organization.
• Provide a clear explanation of the “why” behind decisions.
• Fosters mutual respect, communication and partnership between the staff, families, and visitors/donors.
• Represent Square One with visitors, stakeholders and donors at community events.
• Work with partners and other community members to manage and implement grants that further the mission and vision of Square One.

Program Planning and Management

• Collaborate with community partners to align all quality standards and policies.
• Work with administration to ensure all required state and local licenses and other regulatory requirements are maintained.
• Plan and implement professional development for all staff in collaboration with administration.
• Participate in collaborative work with the Springfield Public Schools and Community Based Organizations; including attendance at meetings and learning events, in support of the professional learning community.
• Working knowledge of Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and its implementation requirements.
• Maintain all child and staff files; preschool and school age.
• Work in partnership with OST Program Administrator for staffing and programmatic needs.
• Collaboratively plan with Family Engagement Specialist (FES) staff and facilitate monthly informational/activity meetings, for families, for sharing data with families and responding to their identified interests and/or needs.
• Encourage parent participation in program activities and in implementing education activities

for their children at home and in the community.

Staff and Program Development

• Support management in resolving staffing concerns and any and all conflict among children, families and staff.
• Maintain an appropriate communication system among other program administrators for program planning, implementation and continuous improvement to support the vision of Square One.
• Ensure the implementation of reflective practice and supervision with all staff.
• Promote an interdisciplinary, team approach among staff and consultants in alignment with Square One principles and standards.
• Support and coach staff in lesson planning, using the Creative Curriculum, and child assessment using Teaching Strategies Gold (TSG).
• Participate in team meetings to support the implementation of Square One policies and procedures.
• Complete and maintain staff observations, classroom observations and all staff meeting notes.

Program Evaluation and Continuous Improvement

• Maintain a system of regular data feedback and utilization for continuous program improvement and individualized planning for children and families.
• Review program and child assessment data to utilize in program planning and continuous improvement. Ensure use of ongoing data by teaching staff to support lesson planning and individualized instruction.
• Familiarity with Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) and Teaching Pyramid Observation Tool (TPOT) to evaluate program quality.
• Develop, maintain, and implement a Continuous Quality Improvement Plan (CQIP) for the center.

Fiscal Management and Control

• Assist Director of Early Education Programming with development and monitoring of budget for programmatic operations.
• Track classroom spending to remain within budget.

Other

• Perform other duties as assigned within the scope of the job description.
• Participate in all assigned training.
• Conduct family intakes.
• Collaborate with the Family Engagement Specialist, Early Childhood Mental Health Team and other Square One personnel and support staff to promote individual children's goals relating to early communication development, fine and gross motor skills, development of social and self-care skills.
• Ability to collaboratively problem-solve.
• Maintain boundaries and perform all duties in an ethical and professional manner.
• Compliance with all confidentiality regulations as required.
• Ability to obtain First Aid and CPR certification.
• Ability to operate a computer and office equipment, including, but not limited to, a telephone, fax machine, and copier.
• Ability to physically interact with children including the ability to walk or run quickly, kneel or sit on floor, bend and lift, walk over rough or uneven ground, while in or outside of facility.
• Ability to lift, carry and move center/classroom equipment and supplies and/or bulky objects or children weighing up to 50 lbs.