Associate Director – Early Childhood Learning

Provide coaching, management and leadership to Advance Early Learning Professionals and early learning programs. Implement the YWCA’s mission in the daily operations of the early learning center.  Ensure program compliance with YWCA program policies and procedures, licensing requirements and standards of accreditation bodies. Maintain quality program services, staffing and facilities utilizing a strengths-based, collective leadership approach.

1. Create a safe, secure atmosphere for the YWCA Children’s Center, conducive to the emotional, physical, social and intellectual needs of program participants.
2. Support adequate staffing, arrange staffing patterns to meet program and/or licensing needs; provide direct staffing support as needed.
3. Lead! Manage staff by planning work schedules, evaluating Advance ELP staff performance and developing performance improvement plans.
4. Supervise all aspects of educational programming and the daily routine for Advance ELP program participants. Review, recommend and oversee the implementation of appropriate curricula, materials and supplies for the program.
5. Assist with the implementation of curriculum, which includes coaching, communicating, and interpreting standards with teachers.
6. Support the Family Advocate in the facilitation and organization of the YWCA-CC parent advisory committee.
7. Maintain the entryway, hallway, and common spaces of the Children’s Center so that they visually present and send a clear message which aligns with the mission and strategic plan of the Agency.
8. Oversee classroom staff in relation to family support, communications and engagement.
9. With appropriate staff, collaboratively develop goals, objectives and evaluation for the program within the association’s strategic plan, including the development of new program components.
10. Monitor and assure compliance with requirements of licensing and quality standards.
11. Perform child and program assessments at regular intervals. Use findings to guide coaching and learning and to make program decisions.
12. Arrange staffing patterns to meet program and/or licensing needs. Leading classroom when necessary due to staffing.
13. Assist the Site Director in maintaining program participants, staff and program records, collect data and submit reports as required for the Association, funding, quality and licensing standards.
14. Participate in budget planning/development/monitoring.
15. Monitor tuition accounts and consult with the Site Director, on any action to be taken.
16. Monitor attendance in Procare/Tadpoles. Empower families to sign in/out each day.
17. Encourage parent participation in daily routine as well as parent group functions and be available for parent-teacher conferences.
18. Work with the Director of Operations to ensure early learning centers facility operations, including transportation, maintenance, security, housekeeping and supplies, reflects standard of quality and professional integrity.
19. Ensure accurate timesheet entry for direct report line staff.
20. Manage efficient facilitation of the program following YWCA guidelines, policies, procedures and practices.
21. Support the Family Advocate in creating opportunities for family participation in daily routine as well as parent group functions.
22. Act as spokesperson for the program as directed by the Site Director; and, as a YWCA employee, project a positive image of the Association and its programs to the community, the Association and the program.
23. Safeguard confidential information gained as a result of the job.
24. Comply with Association policy regarding required reporting of child abuse.
25. Perform other duties as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:                                                                                            

1. Familiarization with YWCA Personnel Policies and mission.
2. Appropriate required licensing training and in-service which will occur during employment.
3. Infant/Child/Adult CPR and First Aid certification
4. 20 Hours of Professional Development annually

1. Must meet, at a minimum, leadership and educational standards required by State of Michigan Licensing and Regulatory Affairs as well as quality standards as required by Michigan’s Quality Rating and Improvement System for an Early Childhood Program Director
2. Must have and maintain current CDA certification
3. An Associate’s/Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Special Education, Elementary Education, or three to four years of experience working in a leadership role at a child care center.
4. Demonstrated understanding of Creative Curriculum (curriculum), Teaching Strategies GOLD (developmental assessment tool), and Ages and Stages Questionnaire (developmental screener).
5. Demonstrated understanding of the use of data to guide teaching and learning.
6. Demonstrated leadership ability in program and staff development.
7. Demonstrated strong oral and written communication skills.
8. Demonstrated ability to clearly articulate the work being done and support needed in order to drive the mission forward.
9. Demonstrated ability to work well under pressure and in situations that require teamwork.
10. Must meet all background check and health requirements of LARA prior to being offered the position.
11. Demonstrated ability to work with people of diverse backgrounds.
12. At least one-year leadership experience.
13. Demonstrated understanding of Children’s Center day-to-day operations.
14. Proven ability to set priorities and fulfill responsibilities.
15. Proven ability to make sound decisions and respond capably in crisis situations.
16. Demonstrated ability to access community resources and build community networks

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS:

1. Orientation to YWCA Personnel Policies, Mission, Purpose and One Imperative.
2. Racial Justice Training
3. Orientation to Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Confidentiality, Mandatory Reporting.
4. Other appropriate training and in-service which will occur during employment.