School Director

About Educare Lincoln:

Educare of Lincoln is a collaborative partnership between the Lincoln Public Schools, University of Nebraska - Lincoln, and the Buffett Early Childhood Fund. The mission of Educare is to help young children (birth - age 5) thrive socially, emotionally, and academically through high-quality early childhood education, and in partnership with their families and the community.

What it's like to work here:

The strength of Educare is built on the expertise, dedication, and passion of the employees who work here. Educare hires teachers, family support specialists, administrative staff, and leaders who work together as a team to serve children and families in our community. We provide many professional development opportunities for our staff, from coaching and training to collaboration with peers across the country. We know that just like the children in our school, our employees are constantly learning and developing. That's why we support their growth as early childhood professionals.

About the job:

The School Director is responsible for the delivery and management of direct services to children and families enrolled at Educare. The School Director plans, implements, and supervises the operating procedures of Educare and assists in the ongoing program planning and monitoring of the organization. They are also responsible for the effective implementation of relationship-based, family-centered services, providing leadership to center staff and complying with required regulatory and Head Start/Early Head Start guidelines.

Duties include:

• Assure license renewal applications are prepared and processed in a timely manner.
• Revise and implement written policies, procedures, and program plans.
• Review program and child assessment data to utilize in program planning.
• Coordinate and facilitate interdisciplinary staff meetings for the purpose of program planning and development as well as service delivery and evaluation.
• Monitor the implementation and coordination of education, health, and family support services.
• Develop and coordinate regular and annual staff trainings.
• Create an environment of mutual support and teamwork amongst staff, and of respect and partnership between staff and parents.
• Run and review statistical reports.
• Interview and hire staff in collaboration with other members of leadership.
• Conduct performance reviews for assigned staff following organizational policies and timelines.
• Monitor staff performance and address issues as they arise.
• Follow organizational policies and guidelines regarding recruitment, compensation, employee relations, and discipline.
• Convene a body of parent and community representatives for Educare's Policy Council, and serve as a liaison to the Policy Council.
• Ensure that the facility is being properly maintained and repaired as necessary, in collaboration with the building custodian.
• Serve as an expert on state childcare licensing requirements and Head Start/Early Head Start compliance; train staff as appropriate.
• Conduct regular, reflective supervision with leadership team members to support their work with children and families.
• Approve staff expenditures as directed.
• Implement cost-saving strategies in overseeing building expenditures.
• Provide follow-up support for implementing fiscal policies and procedures.

About you:

We are looking for the following qualifications:

• Master's degree in Education required, preferably in Early Childhood Education.
• Five or more years of experience in Education, Public Administration, or Human Services required.
• Three or more years of experience working in a childcare center required, preferably in a director role.
• Two or more years of supervisory experience required.
• Prior Head Start/Early Head Start experience strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of principles and best practices or early childhood education and family engagement.
• Knowledge of state childcare licensing requirements.
• Knowledge of basic principles and practices of program management and staff supervision.
• Ability to lead an interdisciplinary team of professionals.
• Ability to utilize and provide reflective supervision.
• Ability to effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing, in a manner that demonstrates and fosters cooperation, respect, concern, and openness to change.
• Ability to establish supportive relationships with staff and families from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to take, or think about, the perspective of others and demonstrate self-awareness of one's own culture, beliefs, and values.
• Familiarity with the community culture of Lincoln and knowledge of community resources and services.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage time and multiple priorities.
• Ability to collaboratively and creatively solve problems.
• Ability to maintain boundaries and perform all duties in an ethical and professional manner.
• Ability to operate a computer with proficiency with Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and other forms of technology.
• Ability to lift, carry, and move center/classroom equipment and supplies weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Valid driver's license and automobile insurance required.

If you'd like to be part of something special, please apply!

Educare Lincoln provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discriminatory hiring practices. We are committed to the equal treatment of all employees and applicants and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity/expression, and sexual orientation), age, disability, veteran status, parental status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Equal Opportunity Employer