Childcare Director

The Hotchkiss School•Lakeville, CT

23h•Onsite

About The Position

The Childcare Director for the Cynthia White Children’s Center (CWCC) leads a team of early childhood educators to create and implement high-quality programming while managing the center’s daily operations. The Childcare Director builds strong partnerships with families to nurture each child’s healthy development. They are committed to creating an inclusive environment where each child can have a sense of belonging and the opportunity to thrive in meaningful ways. The Children’s Center operates on the campus of The Hotchkiss School and was originally established to primarily serve the faculty and staff of the School, with a portion of the enrollment offered to the public. The Director is responsible for the development and management of the center’s annual operating budget in consultation with the Chief Financial and Operations Officer (CFOO), ensuring that expenditures and resourcing are fiscally appropriate and support the best interests of The Hotchkiss School and the Center’s enrolled children. The Childcare Director successfully balances a variety of responsibilities, from daily operations and staff supervision, to program planning and development, while cultivating positive relationships with children and their families. The School is eager to accept applications from individuals who are excited to support an inclusive and warm working and learning environment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Development required
Minimum of 3-5 years as a director or leadership role (such as assistant director) in a licensed daycare or preschool setting.
State of CT certified Day Care Director or willingness to complete course certification prior to employment.
Certification in First Aid and CPR required, renewed annually.
Working knowledge of early childhood development programs, methods, materials, and practices used in early child care educational settings, required.
Computer skills with the ability to use Excel and Word and Google Suite applications.

Nice To Haves

Master’s Degree preferred.
Experience at the director level is preferred.
Experience with implementing safety practices and procedures in a daycare setting is preferred.
Experience with CT state licensure requirements preferred.

Responsibilities

Attract, develop and retain a team of “best in class” educators to be passionate and committed professionals.
Work cooperatively with staff to establish effective and healthy team dynamics.
Ensure all staff participate in ongoing professional development to implement early childhood programming that inspires the healthy development of the children.
Ensure that the curriculum and activities align with the Hotchkiss mission, promoting values of diversity and inclusion.
Oversee Lead Teachers’ planning and implementation of curriculum and themes displayed.
Oversee Assistant Teachers’ coordination of enrichment activities, ensuring that themes and skills taught align with the curriculum.
Supervise and participate in outdoor and indoor play and activities.
Coordinate child assessments and parent conferences at least twice per year.
Oversee student observation guidelines and processes to ensure staff appropriately report ongoing development.
Communicating about the general well-being and progress of each child to their parent/guardian.
Be aware of and appropriately communicate about possible illness, maintaining staff, child, & parent/guardian confidentiality.
Effectively communicate with both the CFOO and Associate Head of School when deliberating enrollment strategies and supporting internal Hotchkiss community needs.
Work closely with the CFOO on the development and management of the center’s annual operating budget, ensuring that expenditures and resourcing are fiscally appropriate.
Partner with Human Resources to develop and implement a staffing strategy that supports the approved budget and enrollment.
Conduct OEC-specific background checks on new hires.
Manage enrollment, processing of applications and accounting related to tuition payments.
Ensure classrooms are equipped with the materials that children need to learn, to explore their interests, and to express their creativity.
Oversee the Center’s purchasing needs of all supplies and equipment while maintaining an inventory of the same.
Evaluate and develop CWCC procedures and policies, guided by both Hotchkiss policies and procedures as well as those mandated under State of CT licensure, including local and state health and safety codes.
Maintain all applicable documentation required for State of CT licensure and inspection.
Accurately and confidentially manage required record keeping of medical, informational, emergency contact, and consent-for-treatment forms on each attending child while complying with state guidelines.
Be cognizant of insurance policies and liabilities as they relate to the Center.
Ensure proper supervision and delegation of responsibilities, ensuring the care and safety of children at all times during any approved absence.
Perform other related duties as assigned or needed to maintain a safe learning environment.