Child Care Manager

Navajo Technical University•Crownpoint, NM

12h

About The Position

The Child Care Manager plans, organizes, and supervises the functions needed to operate and maintain the Child Care Center in accordance with applicable statutes, regulations, policies, and procedures. The position provides professional child care and instruction, plans and implements day care and child development programs, and directs the Center’s child care workers. The Manager oversees program operations, curriculum, finances, facilities, eligibility and enrollment processes, food program activities, parent engagement, and coordination with other providers and departments. The position also supervises personnel, maintains program and financial records, and keeps Administration informed through meetings and reports. Work is typically performed in an office and childcare or nursery setting, with moderate to loud noise, and may involve exposure to unpleasant odors, hazardous materials, and infectious disease. Evening or weekend work, extended hours, and irregular shifts may be required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood or a related field.
Three years of experience administering child care programs, including one year in a supervisory capacity.
Child Development Associate certificate.
Current Food Handlers Permit.
First Aid and CPR certificate.
Valid and clean state driver’s license.
Must pass a background check, with no prior felony convictions and no history of child abuse or neglect.
Knowledge of applicable federal, state, county, and local laws, regulations, and requirements.
Knowledge of department organization, functions, objectives, policies, and procedures.
Knowledge of early childhood development and diet and nutrition guidelines.
Knowledge of budget preparation and State Child Care Certification Regulations.
Skill operating word-processing, spreadsheet, and database software in a Windows environment.
Skill preparing, reviewing, and analyzing operational and financial reports.
Skill supervising, training, and evaluating assigned staff.
Ability to exercise independent judgment, analyze and solve problems, work independently, and meet strict timelines.
Ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare reports.
Ability to make administrative and procedural decisions and judgments.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and prepare grants and contracts.
Ability to communicate effectively in Navajo and English.
Ability to interact and maintain good working relationships with people from varying social and cultural backgrounds.
Ability to be persuasive and tactful in controversial situations.
Frequently stand, walk, bend, stoop, and squat; use hands for dexterity and repetitive movement; and have normal auditory and visual acuity and verbal communication skills.
Occasionally lift and carry up to 50 pounds.

Responsibilities

Oversee operation of the Child Care Program and Center.
Ensure development and implementation of a curriculum supporting children’s physical, emotional, developmental, nutritional, and cultural needs.
Establish, implement, and communicate program goals, objectives, policies, and procedures in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
Assist with the annual budget and proposals, operational plans, staffing recommendations, and expenditures.
Prepare grants and secure additional funding for continuation or expansion of program services.
Coordinate activities, services, and needs with local, governmental, and private providers.
Bill and collect child care fees; verify payments and deposits and forward them to accounting.
Maintain supply inventory and purchase materials and equipment as needed.
Ensure facilities and playgrounds are safe and meet sanitation standards.
Facilitate required certification and continuing-education training for the Center.
Keep provider information, parent authorizations, and attendance reports accurate and current.
Determine parent and family eligibility based on income, family size, and funding-source criteria.
Conduct initial interviews with prospective providers, parents, and program applicants.
Oversee the Child Care Food Program at the Center.
Meet with parents to explain rights and responsibilities, review child progress reports, provide child-development counseling and training, address concerns, and implement corrective actions as needed.
Respond to crisis situations and refer matters to appropriate departments when necessary.
Identify short- and long-term departmental issues and goals, provide relevant information, recommend courses of action, and implement directives.
Keep Administration and other departments informed by attending meetings and submitting reports.
Maintain professional and technical knowledge through research, training, professional publications, networking, and participation in professional organizations.
Host regular staff meetings to support communication about departmental activities.
Oversee staff work allocation, scheduling, training, and problem resolution.
Recruit, hire, select, orient, train, coach, counsel, evaluate, discipline, and terminate personnel as appropriate.
Perform other duties as assigned.