PRIMARY FUNCTION:  Responsible for the daily operations of programs in the Early Education and Care Center; including, but not limited to: quality as related to program implementation, quality curriculum approaches, Accreditation and State Licensing, policies and procedures, ECHO (Head Start) and special projects.  Responsible for the overall development, organization, operation and coordination of the Early Education and Care program. The functions of this program assume responsibility in recruiting, selection, training, supervisory and evaluation of all paid and non-paid staff members.

PRIMARY DUTIES:

Program Development

1.           Develop / facilitate programs, classes, or activities, that meet cultural, social, recreation, education and health needs

2.           Ensure that State Licensing Standards are met

3.           Ensure that lesson plans are completed weekly and include curriculum and age appropriate focus.

4.           Implement a Needs Assessment on a regular scheduled basis

5.           Oversee the ECHO (Enhanced Childcare/Head Start Option) program; including curriculum review, reports writing, attendance at meetings, etc.

Budgeting and Financial Planning

6.           Provide input on an annual budget to VP for Early Education and Care, Family Programs and Services

7.           Maintain appropriate financial records for all programs and activates

8.           Maintain appropriate program and facility licensing standards and zoning requirements as necessitated by various programs

9.           Monitor project and client files for detail, accuracy and compliance and prepare required project reports

Early Education Center and Community Relations/Collaborations

10.       Coordinate the development of any early education newsletters, brochures, catalogs, etc that inform the community of school issues and activities

11.       Promote inter-program cooperation and ensure staff involvement with special events and other programmatic needs

12.       Promote team building between staff and staff and parents

13.       Establish regular scheduled meetings for parents and staff

14.       Complete reports as needed.

Staff Development

15.       Act as chairperson for the Staff Development Committee

16.       Plan and implement early education and care all staff meetings and others as needed.

17.       Provide courses and in-service programs that address the requirements of State Licensing and the Social Development Commission Curriculum, as required

18.       Provide in-service opportunities for support staff and certified staff in the following areas: performance improvement, job orientation, (new staff), career development, personal health, physical and mental and emotional

19.       Develop and review policies, procedures, handbooks, implementation guidelines, work plans and evaluation tools used in the Early Education and Care Centers

20.       Model and assist early education and care staff with preparation of classroom environment and in developing activities and experiences in the classroom that will meet children’s physical, social, emotional, intellectual needs, abilities, interests and maximize adult/child interactions under a quality curriculum approach and Accreditation criteria.

21.       Review job descriptions annually and makes recommendations for changes to Human Resources

22.       Complete documents in a timely manner, including but not limited to; evaluations, Personnel Action Records, Worker’s Compensation reports and investigations

General

23.       Perform other duties as assigned for the overall purpose of the program and fulfillment of La Causa's mission and vision.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1.           Meet State Licensing/Credentialing requirements for Administrator

2.           4 year degree in Early Childhood Education or related field

3.           2 years experience in the administration in early childhood education setting

4.           Experience in supervision, project planning and management of programs targeting children and families

5.           Developed competencies in writing, verbal communications, team building, leadership, and training

6.           Legally able to work near children according to state licensing requirements

7.           Knowledgeable about High Scope Curriculum and Accreditation Criteria

8.           Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, interpersonal relationship skills, and able to work effectively with others from culturally diverse, linguistic and economic background; both in a team and individual environment

9.           Excellent critical thinking; able to use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems

10.       Highly developed organizational skills and able to manage multiple priorities

11.       Knowledge of word processing and spreadsheets; with experience in using Microsoft Office suite

12.       Transportation, valid Wisconsin Driver’s license, state minimum auto insurance and must meet La Causa, Inc. driving standards

13.       Able to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends depending on program needs

14.       Bilingual, English and Spanish, strongly preferred

15.       Must successfully complete TB Testing, Physical and background checks