Dir-Child Development Center

Director Child Development Center

Reporting to a Dean or Vice President of a College, the Director-Child Development Center provides direct oversight of the total operation and management of a Laboratory preschool by ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for children; work closely with the college, Child Development Faculty and District Office staff to facilitate a model training environment for students to observe and practice; and implement a developmentally appropriate curriculum according to guidelines established by the City Colleges of Chicago Laboratory Centers, the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Code of Ethical Conduct, and standards set by local funding and regulatory agencies, in accordance with the educational and philosophical goals of the program.

Essential duties include supervising the educational program to make certain children are provided a nurturing, stimulating, non-punitive, and culturally sensitive environment that encourages language, self-expression, exploration, creativity, cognitive development, and the development of positive relationships.

Holds center and staff accountable for upholding the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct. Models professional work ethics at all times. In addition, maintains confidentiality around issues concerning other staff members, children, and families.

Recruits, screens, interviews, selects, trains, and supervises all staff. Coordinates staff assignments. Oversees the maintenance of staff records as required by the City Colleges of Chicago and all licensing and funding agencies.

Prepares and manages the budget with regard to grant proposals, monthly reports, purchase requisitions, and collection of fees. Monitors expenditures to assure sound fiscal practices. Oversees center purchasing and inventory.

Serves as the Principal Investigator (PI) for all grant funding, ensuring that spending and budgeting complies with grant regulations.

Ensures compliance with state and federal funding regulations, ensuring programs meet all applicable licensing, program, and accreditation standards.

Provides fiscal and program reports to District Office and external funding and regulatory agencies on a timely basis.

Ensures adherence to licensing and funding requirements and standards in the following areas : health and safety, nutrition, staff files, qualifications and schedules, teacher-child ratios, and children's files.

Recruits children of eligible families and maintains full enrollment of the child development center. Oversees marketing efforts during key enrollment periods as well as maintains ongoing marketing efforts during the remainder of the year.

Sustains and / or ensures that the program maintains or receives NAYC accreditation and Illinois Gateways highest quality rating.

Conducts timely performance evaluations of teaching staff in collaboration with other appropriate staff; guides teachers in development of individual goals for professional growth; and monitors their progress towards achieving these goals. Facilitates staff professional development.

Supports and sustains positive morale of the staff. Establishes and maintains a relationship of cooperation and respect with co-workers.

Models positive behaviors toward and professional interactions with parents. Must not involve parents in program concerns.

Facilitates the use of the center as a teaching site for colleges, universities, and agencies and works closely with Child Development faculty to create and maintain a laboratory school environment.

Positively projects the Colleges' organizational goals, philosophies, and policies to parents, staff, and the community. Represents the college and center in professional organizations, assuming leadership roles and / or participating in conferences, presentations, etc.

Ensures the center is safe, clean, and attractive and child and family ready at all times. Arranges janitorial and housekeeping services in accordance with health standards.

Keeps college administrators informed of any formal parent or staff concern, issue, and / or complaint.

Ensures the delivery of meals to children in compliance with all relevant guidelines : participates in the preparation, distribution, and serving of catered food to children as needed.

Required to adhere to CCC Customer Service Excellence standards.

Performs other duties as required.

Reporting relationships include reporting to the Dean or Vice President of College / Exec Dir-Child Development Services. Direct supervision includes Assistant Director, Master Teacher, Teacher, Assistant Teacher, Social Service workers, Clerical, Work Study, or volunteer positions.

Qualifications include a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Child Development, Early Childhood, or related field required. Master's Degree plus 2 years of experience as a Center Director and / or administrator in early childhood program OR a Bachelor's Degree, while working on Master's Degree (to be completed within one year of hire) with at least 4 years of experience as a Center Director and / or administrator preferred.

Must have prior experience with fiscal management and administration, directly supervising personnel, providing training to adults, and working with young children.

Must hold the Gateways to Opportunity Illinois Director Credential (IDC), Level II or higher.

Must hold a City of Chicago Food Service Manager certificate.

Be able to pass IL CDFS Background Check and medical certification.

Excellent organizational, administrative, and communication skills required.

Must be able to lead a team, supervise personnel, and manage all aspects of center activities, while maintaining positive interactions with the College and District at large.

Must demonstrate a strong knowledge and understanding of child development, developmentally appropriate practice, and how to incorporate these into the operation of a high-quality child development laboratory school.

Must be able to work well within a culturally diverse environment with the ability to handle situations with tact and diplomacy. Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

Salary range : $92,866 - $95,000. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as other factors such as internal equity.