AsstDirFamilyDevelopmentCenter

University of Colorado • Colorado Springs, CO

28d • Onsite

About The Position

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) is a premier educational institution that prides itself on academic excellence, research, and community engagement and is actively seeking an Assistant Director of the Family Development Center to join our team! UCCS is committed to academic excellence, professional development, and fostering an environment that supports innovation and student success.
At the base of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs is captivated by its stunning landscapes, making it a paradise for nature lovers. This city is more than its scenery—a mosaic of history, arts, and a vibrant tech scene. We invite you to join a community that cherishes outdoor adventure as much as forward-thinking growth, an exceptional setting for both career and lifestyle.
The Family Development Center (FDC) is a childcare center and an observation, practicum, and study site for university students. The FDC exists to provide quality, professional care and education for children, ages 1- 5 during the school year and 1- 10 during the summer, of UCCS students, staff, faculty, alumni, and the community at large.
The Assistant Director supports the Director of the Family Development Center by providing leadership and supervision in several areas of the childcare operations. Major areas of responsibility include classroom staffing schedules, staff training, CACFP Food Program management, program promotion, parent communication, and supervision of teachers to ensure that developmentally appropriate early childhood practices and assessment are implemented in the classrooms (defined by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, or NAEYC). The Assistant Director oversees the total operations of the FDC in the absence of the Director.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education preferably in Early Childhood Education, but with a minimum of 24 credit hours in early childhood education.
• Proven track record of directing a large childcare center or preschool operations including enrollment, marketing, event organizing, family communication, supervision and evaluation of staff.
• Proven track record of working directly with children up to age six, including responsibility for planning and implementing a developmentally appropriate curriculum in the classroom.
• Must meet State of Colorado requirements for the Director of a large childcare center (see Colorado Child Care Regulations).

Responsibilities

• Oversee the total operation of the FDC in the absence of the Director.
• Responsible for closing the center each night.
• In conjunction with the Director, handle the resolution of day-to-day situations and problems that arise within classrooms, center operations, staffing challenges and parent interactions.
• Develops weekly classroom staffing schedule for all staff. Manages the day-to-day scheduling concerns, by ensuring coverage for teachers’ breaks and finding substitutes when staff are absent.
• Supports the Director in the Accreditation process.
• Manages the center’s child development assessment system, Teaching Strategies Gold, by ensuring teachers have access to children’s accounts, meet classroom assessment goals, and perform all assessment duties for each child.
• Ensure annually required training is completed for all university and student staff according to childcare licensing and accreditation training schedule.
• Reviews and approves lesson plans, observations, developmental assessments and family conference forms all classrooms.
• Guarantees professional and community growth by attending and facilitating staff meetings and training courses, attending professional conferences, and participating in FDC parent/school activities. Completes the training hours and college credits required for directors by State Child Care Regulations and maintains Director-qualified status.
• Administers the Center’s participation in campus and community events.
• Inventory, purchase, and maintain office, food, janitorial, facility, and classroom supplies for the department. Maintain all copier and laundry rental contracts and order supplies and maintenance as necessary
• Manages day-to-day parent communications as needed throughout the Center.
• Calls parents, or facilitate parent-teacher meetings, when teachers request assistance with communications.
• Disseminates information to parents and determines the content of the central parent bulletin boards.
• Coordinates teachers’ monthly distribution of classroom newsletters.
• Promotes the FDC’s image as a high-quality early childhood education center. Oversee the maintenance and image of the FDC’s public areas, including hallways, observation rooms, library, bulletin boards, and reception displays.
• Oversee children’s health issues, including acting as a liaison with the school nurse and communicating any health issues to parents.
• Assesses the health status of children and determines when a parent should be called to pick up or take child for medical attention.
• Manages the coordination of care for children with allergies and other special medical needs.
• Develops and maintains effective working relationships with parents, children, staff, and community by communicating and collaborating with others, demonstrating willingness to give and receive constructive feedback, resolving issues and problems as they arise, and contributing to positive morale and motivation.
• Works to build a collaborative and constructive team environment within the school, focused on achieving the Center’s goals and mission.
• Maintains professional conduct in all interactions with parents, staff, children, university departments, and the community.
• Maintains confidentiality regarding children, families and employee information.
• Verbal information provided by staff and parents is shared with other staff members only when relevant and necessary to effective job performance.
• Demonstrated commitment to and ability to work within a collaborative, multi-cultural University environment.
• Reports all child abuse or suspected abuse or neglect to the Colorado Department of Human Services.
• Uphold the Family Development Center and the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs policy of equal opportunity in education and employment. In pursuance of this policy, no campus department, unit, discipline or employee shall discriminate against an individual or group based on race, ethnicity, religion, sex, age, national origin, ability or veteran status.
• Supervises university staff lead teachers (6 Lead Teachers positions) in the implementation of developmentally appropriate care and education.
• Monitors, evaluates, advises, and counsels teachers.
• Ensures that all licensing and regulatory requirements and standards for quality early childhood programs are met (quality standards defined in accreditation criteria).
• Completes and signs performance evaluations as supervisor.
• Provides oversight and support of the practicum students in the Nursing Program.
• Work with student employees to help them understand the responsibilities of their positions.
• Assists with classroom coverage as needed to ensure compliance with required child-to-staff ratios.
• Provides support to teaching staff in implementing effective classroom management and behavior guidance practices.
• Sound understanding of developmentally appropriate practice as defined by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), including broad understanding of children’s social-emotional and brain development.
• Knowledge of Colorado Child Care Regulations and national accreditation standards (NAEYC, NECPA).

Benefits

• Generous Time Off: Enjoy 22 vacation days, 10 sick days, paid parental leave, 13 recognized holidays, and provisions for bereavement, jury duty, and FAMLI Leave.
• Robust Health Coverage: Our comprehensive medical plans cover preventative care at no cost, including a yearly mental health visit. Plus, benefit from affordable dental, vision plans, and competitive prescription drug prices.
• Financial & Retirement Benefits: Take advantage of our health savings, flexible spending accounts, and life and disability insurance. Plan for your future with our retirement options.
• Further Your Education: Avail twelve (12) waived credits per academic year for courses at any CU campus. We invest in your educational and professional growth.
• Wellness & More: From wellness programs aimed at achieving your best self to various additional benefits through CU Advantage, we prioritize well-being and holistic development.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager