Executive Director of the Pratt Childcare Foundation

The Center Director is responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and quality of education for all children within the center's care. The Center Director is directly accountable for overall operational management in accordance with well-established guidelines, including curriculum development, staff and facilities management, legal and budgetary considerations, and long-range planning. The Center Director ensures that the needs of the students and the goals of the center are met appropriately. The Center Director reports to the Pratt Childcare Foundation Board of Directors. The Center Director duties include but are not limited to:

Short term

• Manage remodeling process by working closely with the general contractor and the Board of Directors.
• Assist with fundraising.

Long term

• Establish quality vision for the center. Manage adherence to quality standards in accordance with the vision and with state and local requirements.
• Develop general educational curriculum; collaborate with staff to develop positive learning activities; manage adherence to state and local regulations.

• Maintain student records in accordance with established enrollment procedures and guidelines.
• Maintain communications with parents of current and prospective students through direct conversation, newsletters, and parent handbook; implement community outreach activities to maintain and promote positive community relationships.
• Approve menus and food purchases.
• Maintain positive relationships with regulatory agencies; ensure legal and financial compliance.
• Oversee all office functions including payroll, accounts payable and receivable, tuition billing and payment, human resources, and personnel management (staff supervision) and purchasing.
• Resolve conflicts (including corrective action when necessary) to ensure a positive experience for everyone.
• Manage budget planning and review.
• Establish illness and emergency procedures; ensure staff is trained appropriately.
• Implement strategic plan and goals in keeping with mission of program.
• Maintain personal professional development plan to ensure continuous quality improvement.
• Manage facilities.
• Meet with parents and teachers to keep parents up to date on their child's development and progress, including discussing ways to address any learning or behavioral issues.
• Crisis management.

Basic qualifications

• Strong oral and written communications skills; basic computer skills.
• Ability to work well with others (staff, children, and parents) and to foster a team environment.
• A strong understanding of child development.
• Strong finance and budgeting skills.
• Excellent leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Infant/child CPR and First Aid certification.
• Must clear full background check.
• Meet KDHE requirements for a center director with more than 100 children:

One year of experience as a program director in a center licensed for more than 24 children, OR one year of experience as an assistant program director in a center licensed for more than 100. AND one of the education and experience options:

Option One

Twelve semester hours of academic study or equivalent training in child development, early childhood education, curriculum resources, nutrition, child guidance, parent education, supervised practicum, and administration of early childhood programs; AND

(B) Six months teaching experience in licensed centers or preschools.

Option Two

A child development associate credential (CDA) AND

One year of teaching experience in licensed centers or preschools, or supervised practicum in licensed centers or preschools.

Option Three

An associate of arts degree or a two-year certificate in child development; AND

(B) One year of teaching experience in licensed centers or preschools, or a supervised practicum in licensed centers or preschools.

Option Four

An B.A. or B.S. degree in child development or early childhood education, including a supervised practicum; AND

(B) Three months teaching experience in licensed centers or preschools

Option Five

An A.B. or B.S. degree in related academic discipline, and 12 hours of academic study or equivalent training in child development, early childhood education, curriculum resources, nutrition, child guidance, parent education, supervised practicum, and administration of early childhood programs; AND

(B) Six months teaching experience in licensed centers or preschools