Manager, Early Childhood Center

Wayne State University•Detroit, MI

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Manager, Early Childhood Center at its Detroit campus location. Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society. Position Purpose: Direct, supervise, and coordinate the implementation of the preschool, parent education, and staff professional development programs for the Merrill Palmer Skillman Institute Early Childhood Center (MPSI-ECC). Implement a developmentally appropriate early childhood curriculum and mentor teaching staff in its implementation. Lead staff in implementing authentic assessment of young children’s growth and development. Oversee business operations for the Merrill Palmer Skillman Institute Early Childhood Center.

Requirements

Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in Early Childhood Education or related field.
A minimum of two (2) years of experience supervising early childhood programs and/or curriculum, and a minimum of four (4) years of experience as a lead teacher in a preschool program is preferred.
Two (2) to three (3) years of experience administering a NAEYC-accredited early childhood program is preferred.
Experience implementing the Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) is preferred.
Demonstrated knowledge and experience implementing the Project Approach curriculum is required.
Demonstrated knowledge and experience applying conflict resolution methods to guide and support children’s behavior is required.
Proven ability to translate early childhood theory into practice.
Ability to develop appropriate early childhood curriculum using the Project Approach and oversee its implementation.
Ability to develop and implement a parent education program.
Ability to design and implement programs that are respectful of individual learning styles and cultural backgrounds.
Ability to delegate work, set clear direction and manage workflow.
Strong mentoring and coaching skills.
Ability to train staff and develop employees’ skills.
Ability to foster teamwork among staff members.
Ability to develop and implement a professional development program for teaching staff.
Ability to mentor teaching staff in all aspects of implementing a quality early childhood program.
Ability to promote positive, supportive work environment, foster an atmosphere of collaboration and provide constructive feedback to staff.
Good interpersonal skills in order to effectively communicate with staff and parents.
Ability to communicate clearly both orally and in written form.
Knowledge of Microsoft word, Microsoft PowerPoint, and Microsoft Excel programs.
Knowledge of and experience with the ProCare, Michigan Student Information System (MISTAR) and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Billing System, Teaching Strategies GOLD child assessment tool, Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ-3) child screening tool
Ability to complete the processing of all paperwork related to the operation of the preschool program and various grant programs.
Ability to monitor expenditures.
Consistent attendance.
Punctual.
Adapts to new situations.
Respectful of and welcoming to staff, parents, and children.
Good listener and aware of how actions by self-impact others.
Resolve conflicts respectfully and constructively.

Nice To Haves

A minimum of two (2) years of experience supervising early childhood programs and/or curriculum, and a minimum of four (4) years of experience as a lead teacher in a preschool program is preferred.
Two (2) to three (3) years of experience administering a NAEYC-accredited early childhood program is preferred.
Experience implementing the Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) is preferred.

Responsibilities

Implement a developmentally appropriate early childhood curriculum (The Project Approach) and mentor teaching staff in its implementation.
Implement all required components of the Michigan Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP).
Oversee & maintain quality of all program components as defined by NAEYC Accreditation Standards.
Conduct review of the preschool program using the Classroom Coach program assessment tool.
Work closely with the Executive Director in implementing all aspects of the program at the Merrill Palmer Skillman Institute Early Childhood Center.
Participate in weekly Leadership Team Meetings with the Executive Director of MPSI-ECC and COE-ECC (College of Education – Early Childhood Center) and the Center Director of COE-ECC.
Oversee and supervise staff, recruit, hire, train, direct daily activities, evaluate and develop the staff to ensure accurate and timely customer service and service delivery.
Coach and mentor instructional staff in curriculum implementation, parent involvement, and child outcomes for the GSRP and tuition-based preschool programs and NAEYC Accreditation Standards (National Association for the Education of Young Children).
Observe and provide informal feedback to instructional staff and support staff on a regular basis.
Conduct weekly staff meetings.
Partner with the Executive Director to provide in-service training sessions for staff.
Conduct an annual performance evaluation with instructional staff and also provide formal feedback mid-year.
Ensure transactions for all academic and non-academic personnel within the assigned units are performed in compliance with university policy and procedure.
Supervise all business aspects related to center operations, licensing requirements, implementation of the GSRP program, and tuition-based preschool program.
Process all paperwork related to the operation and implementation of the GSRP and tuition-based preschool programs.
Supervise recruitment and enrollment of children/families for the GSRP and tuition-based preschool programs.
Approve employee time sheets and requests for time off.
Process DHHS billing for day care subsidy assistance.
Process all paperwork for CACFP (Child and Adult Care Food Program.
Oversee and process tuition billing and payments using the ProCare system.
Work with the Executive Director and MPSI Business Operations Coordinator to oversee budgets (GSRP grant account and Tuition account).
Participate in budget reviews.
Order needed supplies and equipment for MPSI-ECC.
Maintain records of expenditures.
Partner with families to build a strong home-school connection.
Partner with families to set goals for their children. Collaborate with the Executive Director and the COE-ECC Center Director to conduct at least 3 parent meetings per year.
Provide resources to parents as needed.
Facilitate referrals for families whose children need additional support services.
Organize school-wide events such as fieldtrips, “Family Celebration Party”, “End-of-the-Year Party”, etc.
Publish a monthly newsletter for parents.
Coordinate and supervise field site visits of university students from various disciplines (e.g. speech and language students, physical therapy students, etc.).
Coach and mentor Early Childhood Education students placed at MPSI-ECC for clinical experiences.
Participate in committees and represent the Early Childhood Center at meetings.
Attend and present at local, state, and national conferences.
Other duties as assigned.