Educational Program:
• The director is responsible for the general planning and supervision of the curriculum, which includes providing continuous training to staff on developmentally appropriate practices through coaching, modeling, and reflective supervision.
• The director must keep current on trends in early education, which may include but is not limited to participating in local early childhood provider groups, attending meetings and conferences, and networking within the local early childhood provider community.
• Reviews lesson plans and provides approval or comments on a timely basis.
• Ensures a safe, clean, attractive school and classroom environment conducive to learning.
• Leads the accreditation process of the school as required.
Leadership:
• Demonstrates high degree of integrity and honesty, including but not limited to confidentiality of company, student, family, and employee information as required by both company policy and federal and state laws.
• Recommends program placements and classroom assignments.
• Interfaces with parents on all concerns related to the classroom, staff interactions and child development or behavior.
Profit & Expense Control:
• Manages the annual departmental operating budgets, but allows for teacher and support staff input for those budgets.
• Manages all aspects of the preschool to achieve or exceed planned financial and enrollment targets.
• Operates within the budget designated by the school district and demonstrates proficiency in the budgeting process.
Staff Management:
• The director is responsible for the hiring and orientation of all teaching staff and ensuring that the staff receive the appropriate training each year. The director must be able to establish good rapport with families, children, staff and community leaders. The director must be able to lead with positive reinforcement and encourage open and honest communication that is mutually beneficial to all YMCA staff members and the organization.
Marketing:
• Manages enrollment, including conducting tours, attending and scheduling Open Houses, and recommending outreach opportunities.
Ancillary Programs:
• Assists in the planning, implementation and operation of successful and creative before and after school programs, summer programs including camp, and all other local and national enrichment / ancillary programs.
• Train, mentor, equip and hold your staff accountable for participating in the annual campaign.
Professional Development:
• Attends both YMCA and non-YMCA training, conferences, special events and professional development opportunities as required
• Assists with any other projects or activities as assigned.
The Preschool Director supervises and supports the Lead Teachers, other teaching staff, enrolled families’ needs with respect to program, ensures full curriculum implementation for all program development, compliance with Office of Licensing and state quality standards, staff development and organizational initiatives. As a member of the management team, the incumbent actively participates as needed in a variety of cross-departmental projects and initiatives that advance the organizations mission and strategic plan goals. Deep knowledge and understanding New Jersey licensing regulations preferred. Abbott District experience a plus.
ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS and SKILLS
Education & Credentials:
• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood or Elementary Education
- AND Minimum of two years experience in education administration (managerial or supervisory).
- PLUS Minimum of five years teaching early childhood setting required (as teacher or teacher assistant).
OR Meets minimum preparation, experience and/or any state required credentials to attain teaching certification in Early Education or Elementary Education
OR
• Master’s degree in Early Childhood or Elementary Education
- AND Minimum of three years experience in education administration (managerial or supervisory).
- AND Minimum of three years teaching early childhood education required (as teacher or teacher assistant).
Qualifications:
• Knowledge of principles, techniques, goals and objectives of early childhood education; preferably experienced with Creative Curriculum
• Demonstrates knowledge of and proficiency with technology and commitment to the unique role it plays in education.
• Prior recruiting & onboarding experience preferred.
• Possesses time management and organizational skills.
• Possesses basic math skills.
Communication & Interpersonal Skills:
• Presents ideas clearly and concisely.
• Remains accessible and responsive, to parents, students and staff.
• Has a command of curriculum issues and how to communicate the YMCA and the Trenton Public School District Office of Early Childhood educational and business philosophy to parents and the community.
• Exhibits interpersonal skills for creating productive working relationships with various stakeholders including parents, teachers, other staff and the local community.
• Demonstrates ability to manage conflict in the workplace and school setting by effectively applying conflict resolution strategies and confronting issues as they arise.
• Utilizes technology to effectively communicate with staff, parents and corporate office.
YMCA COMPETENCIES
Mission Advancement:
Accepts and demonstrates the Ys values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fund-raising.
Collaboration:
Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view, and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.
Operational Effectiveness:
Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures, and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.
Personal Growth:
Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change, and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.
PHYSICAL QUALIFICATIONS:
To protect the health and well-being of our children, and to maintain the optimum classroom environment, the Director must be able to do the following:
1. Pass the state required physical exam and TB test
2. Lift a child weighing at least forty (40) pounds
3. Sit on the floor with children
4. Be able to mentally exercise reasonable judgment involving children’s safety in potentially dangerous situations