Director

JOB TITLE: Brown County Early Learning Center Director

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Brown County Early Learning Center (ELC) Director oversees overall early learning program development and promotion, leadership, and the supervision of the ELC. The ELC Director must be a strong team player with the ability to supervise multiple staff in the planning, development, and implementation of all early learning curriculum and program features.  The ELC Director must also foster a safe, nurturing and positive environment for infants through 5 year old children. He or she will be responsible for staff selection and development, creating a vision for the future, and working closely with others to increase enrollment and maintain early learning quality. The ELC Director will also ensure the ELC’s financial stability in accord with an annual budget. The ELC Director is an integral part of the YMCA team and will work closely with the Mt. Sterilng Community Center YMCA Branch Executive Director to maintain a strong community reputation for the YMCA.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  1. Manages and administers the Brown County Early Learning Center through the overall development, growth, leadership, and supervision of the ELC facility and staff.
  2. Recruits, hires, trains, develops, schedules and directs personnel. Reviews and evaluates staff performance. Develops strategies to motivate staff, achieve goals, and retain staff.
  3. Supervises staff in the planning, development, and implementation of all early learning center curriculum and program features, ensuring that center students are ready for Kindergarten.
  4. Leads and coaches the Assistant Director(s) and teachers in staff supervision, ELC programming, and administration of ELC activities.
  5. Successfully trains staff in the use of positive discipline and guidance techniques.
  6. Provides supervision to ensure that staff members contribute to each child’s physical, intellectual, personal, emotional and social development.  
  7. Provides a safe, nurturing and positive environment for all participants in the infant through five year old age groups.
  8. Develops, manages and controls budgets related to the ELC. Ensures the center operates within budget and that tuition fees are collected. Seeks out and applies for grants and other options for center income.
  9. Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with community organizations.
  10. Coordinates Illinois Department of Child and Family Services (IDCFS) licensing and requests.
  11. Develops and implements plans and strategies to progress in the Illinois ExceleRate Circle of Quality designations.
  12. Monitors all incident and accident reports and makes sure all required follow-up is complete.
  13. Supports and budgets for student nutrition through coaching, mentoring, and monitoring menu quality. Acts as the administrator to ensure that the ELC is fulfilling the requirements for the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).
  14. Assures compliance with federal, state and local regulations as they relate to center operations, including ADA accommodations where appropriate. Ensures that YMCA program and IDCFS standards are met and safety procedures followed. Oversees and completes state licensing certification requirements and meets with IDCFS representatives as needed.
  15. Develops and maintains relationships with state child care licensing agency and agencies related to early learning.
  16. Responds to all agency and parent inquiries and complaints in a timely manner.
  17. Provides for the upkeep and maintenance of the center facility and equipment and ensures the physical environment supports healthy living. 
  18. Completes continuing education requirements and required YMCA trainings according to the YMCA of West Central Illinois employee policy. 
  19. Maintains proper student records and center files.
  20. Assists in the marketing and distribution of center information.
  21. Compiles center statistics. Monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of and participation in center.
  22. Maintains a high level of customer service and satisfaction with ELC staff, families, and children, periodically conducting surveys to verify.
  23. Recruits, hires, trains, develops, schedules and directs volunteers as needed.

YMCA COMPETENCIES (Leader):

Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Y’s values.

Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions.

Operational Effectiveness: Follows budgeting policies and procedures, and reports all financial irregularities immediately.

Personal Growth: Demonstrates an openness to change, and seeks opportunities in the change process.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  1. Illinois state licensing requires that the ELC Director have an Associate’s degree in early childhood education and meet the additional state licensing requirements that can be found here: http://www.ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/089/089004070D01300R.html
  2. A Bachelor’s degree is preferred, but equal weight will be given to significant early childhood education experience.
  3. Prior work experience as an Early Learning Center Director or Assistant Director is also preferred.
  4. Proven successful employment history working with infants through 5 year old children.
  5. Strong skills and established work history in staff supervision, fiscal management and program development, such as health and wellness, and/or early childhood development.
  6. Excellent writing, communication and computer skills.
  7. Display superior relationship building skills and communicate effectively with a diverse group of employees, volunteers, children and parents.
  8. First Aid and CPR certifications.
  9. Favorable criminal background CANTS clearance.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

  • The Director will be expected to work Monday through Friday daytime hours, with occasional evening and weekend requirements.
  • The Director will be on their feet for a large portion of their work day and will be required carry children, move toys, and other physical tasks. The Director must have sufficient strength, agility and mobility to perform the essential functions of the position and to safely supervise children’s activities.
  • IDCFS requires a physical exam to ensure that the Director is capable of performing these duties. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.