MOC Child Care and Head Start are seeking an Early Childhood Center Director/Education Specialist for their Leominster site. Enrolled children are between the ages of 15 months to 5 years. This position works in collaboration with the Family Service and Health Specialist to provide comprehensive child and family services. Must have a BA/BS in ECE or related field, Director 2 Infant toddler/preschool qualified and a minimum of 3 years supervising or coaching early educators.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Give on-going guidance and direction to teachers regarding classroom operations. Supervise assigned staff using Reflective Practice. This includes regular observations, goal setting, staff development, annual performance evaluations, etc.
• Participate in recruitment, interviewing and hiring of new staff
• Ensure that child care routines are carried out in a manner that is prompt, hygienic and consistent with good child development principles. This includes routines related to diapering, potty training, hand washing, tooth brushing, eating, napping, and transitioning between activities.
• Ensure that the classrooms operate in compliance with all Ma Dept. of Early Education and Care licensing standards and program policies, adhering to Head Start Performance Standards and NAEYC criteria as applicable.
• Responsible for EEC licensing, required building inspections, NAEYC Accreditation, and QRIS for assigned sites.
• Ensure that classrooms maintain a pleasant, inviting atmosphere in which children feel comfortable and secure. Ensure that the school readiness program plan and goals are implemented.
• Provide training for new staff and on-going training to seasoned staff in the areas of child development, activities, nutritional requirements of children enrolled, behavior management, etc
• Seek volunteers to assist in daily program to provide positive and meaningful experiences for children.
• Ensure that strict confidentiality of records is maintained.
• Maintain all children’s records in accordance with program policies, EEC regulations, and Performance Standards as applicable.
• Ensure responsibilities for the daily operation of the Center are carried out including calling subs, maintaining classroom ratios, problem solving, etc.
• Ensure that a variety of learning activities are provided for the children and act as a resource for team.
• Ensure that appropriate curriculum plans are developed, implemented, and documented.
• Conduct regular staff/building meetings to provide on-going training, ensure proper communications, discuss and resolve issues.
• Evaluate possible courses and action regarding employees and site responsibilities and make decisions based on that evaluation accordance with program policy and regulations.
• Meet with supervisor on a regular basis, attend scheduled education supervisor meetings, and keep supervisor informed of progress and issues that may come up at the site.
• Ensure all necessary paperwork as required by funding sources is prepared and submitted on time.
• Comply with programs Code of Conduct, Code of Ethics and Confidentiality policies.
• Conduct on-going monitoring for HHPS, EEC regulations and program policies. Collect and analyze data to monitor progress of program and school readiness goals.
• Conduct on-going monitoring of child data system.
• Attend at least 20 hours of training per year as approved by supervisor.
• Work with all staff in a consistent, fair manner and in accordance with MOC Personnel Policies and our SEIU contract
• Attend and participate in required meetings, including monthly team meetings
• Assist in ordering classroom/building supplies and equipment, making sure that expenditures are reasonable and that large purchases have been planned for in the budget
• Assist in planning and conducting component meetings and training appropriate to staff needs.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree or Master’s in Early Childhood Education or a related field with a minimum of 6 ECE courses
• Ma Early Education and Care Director 2 certified for the age groups at the center
• Strong communication skills (oral, written, computer).
• Certified in First Aid and CPR
• Certified CLASS observer
• Working knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards Ma EEC regulations, NAEYC and QRIS standards.
• Strong supervisory skills and experience.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to relate to children and adults of different socio-economic and racial/ethnic backgrounds.
• The ability to manage a variety of duties and work well under pressure.
• Knowledge of resources available in assigned area.
• Ability to work in a team atmosphere.
• Must have current MA driver’s license, reliable transportation and telephone.
• Demonstrated knowledge of child development
• Experience working in a child care environment.
• Must be able to pass a Background Record Check

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

• The physical demands and work environment described above are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee is frequently required to sit, stand, walk, talk, use a keyboard, use a telephone and climb stairs. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. The employee must have the ability to drive a vehicle as needed.

Work Authorization: Must be eligible to work in the United States.

EEO Statement: Making Opportunity Count is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.