Job Information
Opportunity House Learning Center Assistant Director (New Center) Patton Avenue Learning Center in READING, Pennsylvania
The Learning Center Assistant Director will play a vital role in supporting the overall operations of our childcare center. This position will assist the Learning Center Director in creating a nurturing, safe, and stimulating environment for children, while also overseeing staff and ensuring compliance with all regulations.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESinclude, but not limited to, the
the following fundamental duties:
Program Management:
- Assist in developing and implementing curriculum plans to meet the developmental needs of children.
- Oversee daily classroom operations, including lesson planning, activity supervision, and behavior management.
- Collaborate with the Director to ensure adherence to state licensing regulations, food program requirements (CACFP) and Keystone Stars standards.
- Represents the Learning Center when the Center Director is unavailable.
Curriculum and Education:
- Assist in the development and implementation of age-appropriate curriculum plans aligned with early learning standards.
- Create a stimulating learning environment that promotes children's cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development.
- Collaborate with teachers to ensure effective lesson planning and implementation.
- Monitor children's progress and provide regular feedback to parents.
Staff Supervision:
- Assist in the recruit, hiring, and training of qualified childcare staff.
- Conduct regular performance evaluations and provide ongoing feedback and professional development opportunities.
- Address staff concerns and conflicts in a timely and professional manner in collaboration with the Learning Center Director.
Parent Communication:
- Build positive relationships with parents through effective communication.
- Address parent concerns and questions promptly and professionally.
- Participate in parent-teacher conferences and other family engagement activities.
Administrative Tasks:
- Assist with administrative duties, such as enrollment, attendance, and incident reporting.
- Maintain accurate records and documentation.
- Prepare reports and other required paperwork.
Health and Safety:
- Ensure the health, safety, and well-being of all children and staff.
- Implement emergency procedures and conduct regular safety drills.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Must possess exceptional interpersonal skills with children and adults alike
- Must demonstrate excellent verbal and written communications skills in order to communicate with parents, staff, and children
- Must demonstrate the ability to complete administrative paperwork as it related to all aspects of managing a childcare facility
- Must have strong leadership skills to inspire respect from young children
- Must be organized
- Knowledgeable about the latest trends and techniques in education and child-rearing, including discipline, encouragement, and communication
- Familiarity with theories and practices of behavioral therapy, child development, and parent-child relationships
- Must have an appropriate code of ethics for working with young children
- Must be flexible and able to react appropriately to changing circumstances
- Must have strong crisis management abilities and be able to maintain a cool composure in times of crisis
- Must have strong administrative and time management skills
- Must possess excellent customer service
- Shows an attitude of cooperation and support as a member of the team
- Must be professional and provide a public face for the childcare facility
Education/Experience
- Certification and B. S. Degree in Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education, or Human Services.
- A minimum of 2 years' experience in Child Care and/or education fields.
- Proven track record of successful leadership and team building.
- Knowledge of state regulations and best practices in Early Childhood Education.
- Excellent interpersonal skills.
- Planning and organizational skills.
- Excellent listening and communications skills.
- Ability to problem solve, exercise sound judgment and work under pressure.
- Proficiency in computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite.
MUST PROVIDE UPON HIRE:
- PA child Abuse History Clearance
- PA State Police Criminal History Clearance
- FBI Criminal History Clearance
- NSOR- National Sex Offenders Registry Clearance
- Complete TB skin test and be free of contagious diseases
PHYSICAL DEMANDSThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
- Time spent in the childcare facility is divided between desk work, supervision of staff and executive teamwork.
- Must be able to take on classroom duties, as needed.
- Must be willing to spend long hours standing, walking, kneeling, and lifting no more than 30 pounds.
- Ability to hear within normal ranges and see within normal ranges.
- Must be able to work some evenings and weekends as needed.
Opportunity House is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, military or veteran status, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by local, state or federal law.