Center Dir 1

Easterseals Southern California transforms lives every day. For over a century, Easterseals has championed inclusion and independence—delivering essential services like early childhood programs, autism services, employment and independent living support to more than 29,000 people each year. Through advocacy and education, we break barriers and create opportunities for the one-in-four Americans with disabilities. 

OVERVIEW OF POSITION: Provides a unique opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children, families and communities by providing high-quality child development services. Plays a leadership role in providing services that support children in developing the cognitive, social and emotional skills they need in order to be successful when they transition to kindergarten. Oversees services that support families in accessing the resources they need to help their child develop and thrive.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTION:

• Leads a team of educators as they deliver innovative, high-quality instruction in indoor and outdoor environments with the goal of having all children ready for their transition to kindergarten.
• Provides all staff with the motivation to exceed regulatory standards and provide recognition for their accomplishments. Assures teachers and staff have the training, tools and support to do their jobs well and have a strong sense of job satisfaction. Supports their continued growth and development through observation, hands on coaching and performance feedback.
• Assures families have the opportunity for engagement and easy access to all center resources including but not limited to family events, surveys, Parent Advisory meetings and family gatherings.
• Leads an expansion of a “continuous quality Improvement culture”; building on compliance and data analysis as tools for understanding what is working and where we may need to focus on improvements. Reviews and interprets relevant data to assess program outcomes, completion of contract requirements and to drive strategic planning for the center and associated programs.
• Provides written documentation pertaining to required compliance by Community Care licensing, Head Start Performance Standards and California Department of Education within required timelines.
• Provides ongoing updates and training for all staff in relevant policy and procedures, safety standards and program emergency and health issues.
• Be the face of the ESSC child development services in the community; building relationships that foster partnerships and position Easterseals as a leader of child development services and the center of choice in the community.
• Participates as appropriate in the development of refunding applications; integrate strategic planning initiatives into budget requests as a participant in the ESSC annual budget process. Develop creative recruitment activities to drive enrollment and assure contract commitments are realized.
• Assures facilities are high quality, exceedingly safe and provide an engaging environment for children indoors and outdoors; all environments meet Community Care Licensing requirements and are consistently maintained to assure continued demonstration of licensing requirements.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood or related field.
• Possession of a Site Supervisor permit.
• Minimum of 3 Infant Toddler units.

EXPERIENCE:

• At least 1 year experience in supervising staff in a licensed childcare center or comparable group childcare program.
• 1 year of teaching experience in a licensed childcare center or comparable group childcare program.
• Demonstrated experience in supervision of staff, fiscal management and administration.
• Experience working in a Title 22 center.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

• Understanding of cultural impact on families and staff.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated leadership skills including the ability to motivate staff and develop a positive work environment for all staff.
• Ability to problem solve unanticipated problems and crises.
• Demonstrated conflict resolution skills.
• Establish and maintain and meet all timelines relative to multiple reporting requirements.
• Demonstrated proficiency with MS Office applications (e.g. Outlook, Excel, Skype).
• Ability to communicate effectively, through verbal and written skills, and work cooperatively with a variety of individuals and groups. Must relate well to children and their families. Must maintain positive affect.
• Ability to pass a post-offer physical examination and a TB test.
• Ability to provide any/all current immunizations as required by the State of California for child development centers and staff.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a criminal record/fingerprint clearance from the Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation per Easterseals Southern California and/or program requirements. Must have sex offender index clearance.
• Ability to travel locally, maintain driving record in compliance with Transportation Safety Standards, maintain proper auto insurance and vehicle registration.

Carrying/Lifting: Occasional / Up to 30 lbs.
Standing: Occasional / Up to 3 hours per day.
Sitting: Constant / Up to 8 hours per day.
Walking: Occasional / Up to 3 hours per day.
Repetitive Motion/Activity: Keyboard activity, telephone use, writing.
Visual Acuity: Ability to view computer monitor and read newsprint.
Travel: This position requires up to10% local travel.
Environmental Exposure: None.