FIRST PLACE
JOB DESCRIPTION

POSITION: Director of Early Childhood Services
DEPARTMENT:Educational Services
REPORTS TO: Deputy Executive Director

PURPOSE: This position is responsible for managing the staff and operations of the First Place Pre-School Program

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Percent of allocation for this position is as follows:
100% toward Educational Services

Direct the planning, start-up and operations of the Pre-School Program including, scheduling, curriculum development, planning, implementation, special project coordination and staff supervision.

Develop and oversee the school’s behavior management system and plan for the social-emotional growth of the enrolled children.  Ensure teacher/parent contact and coordination with the Family Support Services Department in the development and management of behavior plans for children.  Work to ensure uniform compliance with all school and classroom rules by agency personnel in all areas of the building.  Act as a partner with the teachers and other First Place staff in the plan for the social and emotional development of the children.

Collaborate with the Family Support Services Department director and staff to ensure consistent and quality services are provided to students and their families.

Support, supervise and provide training for the implementation of curriculum, daily instruction and classroom management.  Train and coach teachers/teachers assistants and interns in areas related to the academic curriculum, social/emotional development of children and classroom management/discipline.  Create a fully developed multi-cultural curriculum. Provide guidance and oversight to teachers on the development of student goals and weekly lesson plans.

Facilitate the Pre-School Program Meetings.

Work together with the Pre-school staff and the Volunteer Coordinator to ensure the proper use and supervision of volunteers.

Administer assessment program for pre-school classes. Assist teachers to utilize testing information on students in lesson planning, development of student goals and classroom management.

Create annual school calendar, class schedules and staff schedules to provide adequate coverage for meals, recess, outdoor play, bathroom breaks and staff breaks.

Oversee process and create procedures to guide student admissions and retention.  Develop criteria to guide student transition into elementary school.

Accumulate data from student academic progress to be used in future articles, grant applications and donor and Board of Directors requests.

Manage the budget for the Pre-School program.

Attend and participate in meetings for Direct Services, All Staff, 1/1, Leadership Team and the Board of Directors when applicable.

Foster relationships with outside agencies for continued development of the Pre-School  Program within the agency and to supplement and extend the school program for the children.  Coordinate special programs such as arts and culture, assemblies, Parent’s Night and Parent/Teacher conferences.

Keep abreast of current research through professional periodicals, professional development and conferences.

Coordinate hiring for department personnel including review of resumes, development of interview schedules and reference checks.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

A minimum of a BA with an emphasis in early childhood development..M.A. preferred or a combination or related work experience and education.

Five or more years of experience in the education field including pre-school experience and supervisory experience.

Knowledge of and experience working with traumatized children, especially those who have been homeless.

Knowledge of the correct usage of grammar and math functions.

Knowledgeable of the operation of standard office equipment including a photocopier, FAX machine, calculator, typewriter, and computer keyboard.

Must clear a Washington State Patrol Criminal History check and obtain an FBI Fingerprint Clearance.

Must have completed Red Cross First Aid Training and have a current CPR Certification.

Strong oral and written communication skills.

A valid Washington State Driver’s License.

Must have the demonstrated ability to work as a collaborative member on a team.

Computer literacy using MS Word, Excel or Access, Publisher, Email and the Internet.

NOTES/SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Specific physical and sensory requirements are listed on the attachment.  Regular attendance is required.  Individuals must be able to handle sensitive information with a high degree of confidentiality. The essential functions listed in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities and standards required of personnel assigned to this position.

Resumes to rgovan@firstplaceschool.org