Program Director

Summary

Reports to: Executive Director (ED)

Salary commensurate with experience

The Program Director will lead staff and manage the opening of a second Peake center in a newly constructed building in Newport News, VA. 

Duties

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

(These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.)

• Interpret and implement policies and procedures for all school programs.
• Recruit, interview, select, and onboard teaching staff in coordination with the Director of Curriculum and Learning (DCL)
• Supervise and evaluate teaching staff, including assistant teachers, with input from the DCL.
• Observe teaching staff during the school year as a local CLASS Observer.
• Ensure the daily work schedule for staff supports the operation of the Center.
• Manage substitutes and staff leave requests as part of the scheduling process.
• Facilitate required safety drills and the implementation of the Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan.
• Resolve conflicts and manage children, staff, and parents/guardians crises.
• Foster a positive school climate that promotes student learning, including addressing challenging behavioral issues.
• Develop and implement Behavior Intervention Plans for children in partnership with staff and parents.
• Manage referrals of children and families to partner agencies and schools.
• Conduct family orientation meetings and tours with support from staff.
• Identify content and support needed for the Parent Partnership sessions with the DCL and Family Engagement and Licensing Specialist (FELS) support.
• Interpret data available from child assessments, childcare management software, and other sources, including wait lists.
• With support from the FELS, ensure licensing standards are met, including daily ratios, personnel qualifications, and health and safety measures.
• Manage personnel matters, including accurately collecting and recording employee work hours.
• Conduct staff meetings and include the DCL when needed.
• Approve the purchase of equipment, materials, and supplies needed for program operations.
• Responsible for maintenance and safety of facilities, equipment, and playgrounds.
• Assist with the NAEYC accreditation process and ensure standards are followed.
• Manage subsidy programs from the Virginia Department of Social Service and the MCCYN Program.
• Interpret the school's instructional and social-emotional programs to parents/guardians and the community during tours, meetings, and events.
• Assist in creating and facilitating volunteer activities.
• Participate in planning Development events and support them as needed.
• Work collaboratively with Program Directors at other Peake sites.
• Attend Board and Board Committee meetings as needed.
• Work with the ED to ensure the Strategic Plan goals are met.
• Participate in professional development activities to enhance leadership skills and early childhood education knowledge.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the ED.

Requirements

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or related field
• A minimum of three years of teaching experience in early childhood education and care or three years of related programmatic experience.
• Administrative experience in early childhood education and care is preferred.
• Must meet Virginia Licensing Regulations for Program Directors.
• Strong communication skills, both oral and written, and strong interpersonal skills.
•  Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and time-management skills.
• Always demonstrate appropriate professional appearance, attitude, and work ethic.
• CLASS Observer Certification is required within six months from the date of hire.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including but not limited to Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and proficiency in Microsoft Outlook email and calendar components.
• The Virginia Department of Education requires a tuberculosis test and background check compliance.

About Us

Our mission is to "nurture young children by providing affordable, quality preschool programs that develop the 'whole child' and foster school readiness."