Director of Early Childhood
Classification: Exempt
Department: Preschool
Reports To: VP of Science Learning
Direct Reports: Yes
Position Purpose
The Director of Early Childhood provides safe, stimulating environments where young children can thrive. This role requires vision, expertise and a commitment to helping children in the early stages of their development. This position will lead the preschool and early childhood initiatives to meet the goals of the Science Center of Iowa Preschool program.
Responsibilities
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily, with or without reasonable accommodation, and perform other duties as assigned.
- Direct the operations of SCI Preschool in compliance with all state and local regulations including, but not limited to, the maintenance of NAEYC credentials, DHS, SWVPP requirements
- Develop and implement department plans and budget outlined in the annual and strategic plan
- Effectively resolves problems related to the management of the center; seeks assistance when appropriate
- Recruit, hire, supervise and evaluate early childhood team
- Maintain appropriate, required records of staff and children
- Develops, implements and evaluates the annual professional development plan for the early childhood team
- Supports teachers with implementing a developmentally appropriate curriculum
- Coordinate effective communication with parents through newsletters, calendar of events, parent conferences and other methods
- Manages annual enrollment and onboarding of new families to SCI Preschool
- Establishes and maintains emergency and safety plans
- Lead the development, implementation and evaluation of innovative programs to engage and establish SCI’s early childhood program as a leader in the early education community
- Build a positive and productive team environment that is integrated with SCI’s mission and operations
- Actively participate on various internal and/or cross-functional teams as needed in furtherance of SCI’s goals and objectives
- Manage and coach a diverse and creative team of education professionals
- Lead and provide general guidance to volunteers on a day-to-day basis when they are serving in the same functional area to proactively support creating an effective and engaging experience for all volunteers, team members and participants
- Please note this job description does not contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job; duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice
Supervisory Responsibility
This position supervises employees in the Early Childhood & Preschool department. Supervisory responsibilities include interviewing and hiring, assigning and directing daily work, conducting performance reviews and providing developmental feedback, facilitating conflict resolution and taking corrective action with employees when deemed appropriate based on performance or conduct.
Education, Experience and/or Other Requirements
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree with a focus in Early Childhood Education
- Must acquire 10 continuing education credit hours annually
- Maintain current First Aid, Universal Precautions, CPR, and Mandatory Reporter credentials
- Has a passion for creating learning environments where children develop a love of science
- Impeccable judgment and ability to make sound decisions in a fast-paced, dynamic setting
- Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with a good vision for opportunities to enhance the success of SCI
- Must be able to multitask and work with great attention to detail
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Teaching experience in the public school system and/or preschool teaching experience
- Well-informed concerning the Early Childhood Education industry
- Effective relationship building skills in regards to partnering with parents in support of their child’s development
- Trustworthy and of high integrity, showing high respect for confidential information
- Obtain and maintain a Chauffeur’s License
- Obtain and maintain expectations for administration for NAEYC
- Pass a physical examination and TB test every two years
- Successfully pass a background check
Preferred:
- Non-Profit supervisory experience and strong organizational skills
- Completed Master’s program (or currently pursuing)
- Administration experience or credentials
Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. This position is primarily focused on time with children and will require prolonged periods of standing and walking throughout the program space. The employee will also need to sit and stand on the floor throughout the day, and bend, kneel, stoop, crawl and crouch to be at eye level with children. The employee may be required to regularly lift and/or move items up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to high.
Hours & Work Schedule
Hours will vary based on business needs and may include days, evenings, weekends and holidays. Primarily Monday through Friday, 9:00am - 5:00pm. Limited travel will be required.
To Apply: Email your resume and completed application materials to scihr@sciowa.org.