Lead Center Director

Description

The Lead Center Director ensures effective and efficient management of the childcare center, both programmatically and operationally. All responsibilities are carried out in alignment with the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct, with a focus on ethical decision-making, professional integrity, and respect for children, families, and colleagues. Following Encompass, Department of Children and Families (DCF), and the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) guidelines and Code of Ethics, plan and implement onboarding, as well as ongoing supervision, training, and professional development of teaching staff.

Ensure High Scope curriculum, COR Advantage Assessment program, and Conscious Discipline strategies are embedded in teaching practices. Oversee financial aspects of center budget, including parent accounts. Model and maintain expected levels of customer service to parents, children, staff, and community. Ensure facility & equipment (indoor and outdoor) meet Encompass’ standards for safety, cleanliness, and functionality.

The Lead Center Director has responsibilities above and beyond those of the Associate Center Director position. This role demonstrates ethical leadership by thoughtfully balancing the needs of children, families, staff, and the organization, and by navigating complex situations with transparency, reflection, and professionalism. The Lead Center Director will have demonstrated a high level of independence regarding decision making and day to day management of the center.

Expectations will include involvement in agency and community initiatives, mentoring/coaching staff in specific areas or for specific reasons, and a willingness to assist or transfer to other locations during times of transition. This position is responsible for the leadership and oversight of the childcare center, ensuring both Programming and Operations related Performance Objectives are accomplished professionally, ethically and efficiently.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or a combination of a Bachelor’s Degree in another field with 24 credits in early childhood education, child development, elementary education or early childhood special education, 9 credits in administration, leadership and management, or documents meeting an appropriate combination of relevant education and experience as defined by NAEYC.
• Three to five years of experience as a Center Director or a related management position, with demonstrated competence of both operational and programming aspects of Center Leadership
• Prior experience with High Scope or other play-based curriculum strongly desired
• Prior leadership experience in a NAEYC accredited environment preferred
• Demonstrated knowledge of, and ability to apply, the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct to leadership and program decision-making
• Critical thinking and problem solving ability
• Effective time management and organizational skills
• Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills
• General knowledge of the financial management aspects of a child care center
• Solid working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs

• Strong Leadership
  
  Skills:
  
  Demonstrate strong, dynamic leadership that results in development and mentorship of team members, utilizing agency resources effectively and efficiently, and modeling ethical leadership consistent with the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct.
• Programming Experience in a Licensed Childcare Center(s):
  Oversee the programming function of the center, ensuring expectations regarding High Scope curriculum, COR Advantage and Conscious Discipline are met in ways that honor children’s dignity, promote equity, and reflect ethical responsibilities to children and families.
• Operations-focused for growth and development:
  Oversee the operations function of the center including, but not limited to, family enrollment, staffing patterns, managing parent accounts and processing staff payroll
• Center Budget Responsibilities:
  Manage the center’s budget
• Align with DCF Guidelines:
  Compliance with DCF licensing regulations and reporting requirements
• Follow NAEYC Standards:
  Compliance with NAEYC…