The Early Learning Center (ELC) Director serves as the primary administrator and quality compliance staff member for the Early Learning Center at the Springfield JCC.  

• This role includes: 
• Developing, implementing, and maintaining procedures and policies, as well as related written materials; 
• Taking responsibility for and having a strong understanding of daily operational and administrative systems in early childhood programs; 
• Ensuring positive and communicative employee and family relations; 
• Maintaining and managing ELC/EEC new hire policy and procedure orientations; and
• Leading recruitment, selection, and retention efforts for educators of excellence. 

Working with the JCC’s  executive team, the Director will develop and implement a vision for excellence in early childhood education. Additionally, this position will be a thought leader and expert in early childhood education, staying abreast of literature, best practices and developments in the field.

In addition, this role will involve a significant emphasis on compliance around the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care and other accreditation/licensing bodies’ guidelines.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Administration

• Create and/or maintain communication systems so all educators, administrative staff, and families — as well as broader JCC staff — are aware of all happenings within the ELC.
• Work with educators to ensure classroom and logistical needs are addressed/completed.
• Lead staff scheduling efforts in coordination with the entire ELC staff.
• Ensure effective administrative systems are in place to track enrollment, health information, attendance, payment, and other important data points.
• Ensure proper information related to enrollment is collected, compiled, and reported.
• Support the planning and implementation of various family engagement efforts.
• Ensure all EEC guidelines, as well as any other licensing/accreditation agencies’ guidelines, are adhered to at all times.
• Ensure policies, procedures, and files are up-to-date and accurate and/or develop new policies and procedures, as needed (work with HR staff to ensure compliance with general JCC policies).
• Any other duties as assigned or required.

Communication & Conflict Resolution

• Create and actively promote a comfortable and welcoming environment where every educator and family is treated with dignity and respect, in a friendly, personalized manner. 
• Maintain professionalism in all conflicts. 
• Demonstrate respect for all families from diverse cultures and backgrounds.
• Work with families to ensure compatible child guidance philosophies and integrate opportunities for family involvement in the center.
• Coordinate parent/guardian involvement with staff to ensure continuity and consistency of programming.
• Share priority values of the JCC/ELC around community, inclusion, and service.
• Understand and use digital media effectively.

Management & Professional Development

• Facilitate conflict resolution process between educators and administrative staff.
• Serve as a sounding board for educators who have problems/questions regarding their work environment.
• Connect with the Sheva Center (and other professional development resources) on a regular basis and take advantage of all training, community building, and fellowship  opportunities. 
•  Create and implement professional development opportunities for educators.
• Integrate examples modeled by other JCC/ELC leaders into their own practices.
• Expect and embrace frequent feedback from supervising staff and management.
• Follow JCC/ELC standard operating policies and procedures when problems arise.

Personal Qualities

Must be physically able to perform the job of a teacher of young children. Must have a warm, supportive attitude toward children. Must be reliable and considerate. Must be flexible in receiving assignments or adapting to changes in the program. Must be willing to accept feedback to improve work performance. The ideal candidate is a creative problem solver and able to think outside the box.

Physical Demands

Performing the duties of this job requires the employee to regularly move from standing to crouching, sitting on the floor, and back to standing. The employee will use their hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and see, talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to carry children of up to 40lbs. This job’s specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

• Must meet the standards for hiring as cited in the EEC’s 606 CMR 7.00: Standards for the Licensure or Approval of Large Group and Child Care Programs.
• Massachusetts EEC Director II Certification
• Associate’s, Bachelor’s, or Advanced Degree in ECE and at least nine months work experience in related age groups.

OR

• Associate’s, Bachelor’s, or Advanced Degree in ECE-Related Field plus 12 ECE Credits, in addition to 4 CEUs or 3 Credits in Child Care (Early Childhood) Administration, 4 CEUs or 3 Credits in a Child Care (Early Childhood) Leadership Course, and 15 months work experience in related age groups. 
• An Educator does not need to work as an EEC Certified Lead Teacher prior to obtaining Director certification.

• 7+ years of experience in Early Childhood Education; must include 5+ years of experience in Early Childhood Education Administration.
• Strong administrative skills, including high-level computer and technology proficiency.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Outstanding time management and multi-tasking abilities, with first-rate attention to detail.
• Provide current CPR/First Aid certification or completion upon hire.
• Provide current EEC Professional Qualifications Registry (PQR).
• Follow all EEC Minimum Health Requirements for Educators.