Local Field Director

Bright Horizons•Pittsburgh, PA

17h•Onsite

About The Position

The Field Director is responsible for fostering an environment that allows children, their families and the staff to develop to their full potential while a permanent Director is not in place at the location. The Field Director is accountable for program operation that exceeds National Association for the Education of Young Criteria (NAEYC) criteria and incorporates Bright Horizons mission, organizational goals, values (HEART Principles,) philosophies, and policies and development of an inclusive environment and positive relationships with children, families and clients. Field Directors will review important decisions with the Regional Manager of the assigned center. Field Director will perform all major functions/responsibilities of the Director.

Requirements

Candidates must pass required state and company background checks.
Meet state and company minimum education and experience requirements.
Associate or higher degree in early childhood education, education, or child development related field is required.
At least four years of leadership experience in high-quality child care, daycare, or preschool settings is required.
Experience in both teaching (infant, toddler, or preschool) and administration of a child care center is required.
Strong understanding of center quality, compliance, health, safety and licensing standards is required.
Proven experience as a Child Care Center Director or Assistant Director.
Must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
Strong leadership and supervisory skills.
Sensitivity and responsiveness to needs of families, staff and clients.
Personal/professional characteristics: flexible, outgoing, level-headed, confident, motivational and independent.
Takes initiative.
Is a team builder.
Must be proficient in proper way to carry out all company procedures and policies related to computer, payroll, benefits, parent/guardian policies, We Care, etc.
Must be willing to commute at least 1 ½ hours each way to a center for their temporary assignment.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, education, or child development related field is preferred

Responsibilities

Assume management of a center on a temporary basis.
Serve as a positive representative of the organization for centers in transitional situations: acquisitions, new center openings, Director changes, maternity leaves, etc.
Establish positive working relationships with staff, families and client.
Strive to know all the children in the program.
Evaluate each situation, problem solve and individualize goals within established time frame, while keeping the Regional Manager updated of the situation.
Provide clarification and guidance to new center Director, staff and parents/guardians on Bright Horizons policies, procedures and philosophies.
Become familiar with licensing regulations for the state assigned to, as well as other local agencies, such as the Department of Social Services and Board of Health.
Ensure health & safety and licensing guidelines are upheld.
Confirm all inspections are current including: health, building and licensing.
Verify the location has the Bright Horizons resources needed to operate: For example, computer, financial and payroll systems, manuals, employee and parent/guardian handbooks.
Train or arrange training for new staff in payroll system, computer, New Employee Orientation and Regional Employee Orientation, program initiatives, i.e. The World At Their Fingertips, Bloodborne Pathogens, First Aid and CPR.
Meet regularly with Regional Manager to be debriefed on center issues.
Spend first weeks getting to know children, staff, parents/guardians and client.
Project positive image/feeling toward Bright Horizons.
Provide a reassuring presence for staff, parents/guardians and client.
Provide regular communication through memos, newsletters, individual and group meetings, e-mail and voicemail.
Conduct individual meetings with client, Assistant Director, Education Coordinators, Lead Teachers and Parent/Guardian Advisory Board President to gain information for planning and goal setting.
Listen to and resolve concerns; clarify misconceptions.
Develop action plan.
Set and evaluate goals.
Introduce, gradually, Bright Horizons philosophies and policies at acquired centers.
Fulfill all Director responsibilities as outlined in the Director Job Description for ongoing center management.
Continue with staff recruitment and enrollment as appropriate.
Address, immediately, any issues regarding staff performance, parent concerns, health & safety, licensing or facility issues.
Inform Regional Manager of all issues and involve them in the decision making process.
Provide training and support in all areas of job responsibility.
Regularly attend local Director meetings and trainings to keep up to date on company policies and procedures, when possible.