Program Director

Little People's College•Fairhaven, MA

About The Position

The Program Director is responsible for the overall leadership, management, and daily operations of the early childhood education program. This role ensures the delivery of high-quality education and care for children, aged 1 month – 12 years, while maintaining compliance with licensing regulations, NAEYC accreditation standards, and program policies. The Program Director fosters a positive culture for children, families, and educators and leads continuous quality improvement efforts across the program. The ideal candidate is a strong instructional and operational leader who is passionate about early childhood education, staff development, family partnerships, and creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment.

Requirements

EEC Director I certification
Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development or related field, preferred
Associate’s degree and coursework/ experience acceptable if coupled with EEC Director I certification and demonstrated EEC leadership experience
5 years experience in licensed early childhood education
3 years supervisory or leadership experience: supervising staff, managing operations, engaging with families and ensuring high-quality practices
Demonstrated experience with licensing compliance and continuous quality improvement is highly desirable
Must be passionate about children and supporting their growth into becoming the best that they can be and equally as passionate about leading and supporting the educators who guide them

Nice To Haves

Strong leadership and team management skills
Excellent communication skills
Knowledge of child development and early childhood best practices
Experience with reflective practice and adult learning
Ability to build strong, positive relationships with educators and families
Strong organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism
Experience with coaching, mentoring, and staff development
Strong knowledge and understanding of licensing regulations and NAEYC standards
Proficiency with technology and administrative systems

Responsibilities

Provide overall leadership and direction for the early childhood program
Develop and maintain a positive and professional workplace culture, with a focus on collaboration and accountability
Create and facilitate continuous quality improvement initiatives and program goals
Manage daily operations, staffing, scheduling, ratios, classroom coverage, facilities and safety standards
Ensure program compliance with all company, state, federal and local regulations, policies and reporting requirements
Collaborate with leadership to develop and implement program policies and procedures
Hire, onboard, supervise, and evaluate educators and support team
Facilitate staff meetings
Support educator growth through reflective practice and performance feedback through monthly observations, 1:1s and evaluations
Promote staff engagement, collaboration, accountability, and retention
Ensure implementation of developmentally appropriate practices, curriculum, assessment tools, and individualized learning plans aligned with program philosophy and early learning standards and best practices
Ensure educators offer and maintain developmentally appropriate, high-quality learning environments
Reinforce active supervision practices and safe environments
Promote positive behavior support, social-emotional learning practices, inclusion and culturally responsive practices
Guide educators in maintaining high standards for teaching and learning through coaching, mentoring, and ongoing professional support to team members
Collaborate with leadership to identify professional development needs and to develop individual professional development plans for educators
Build positive relationships with children, families, and community partners
Communicate effectively with families regarding program information: enrollment, orientation, conferences, ongoing updates, child development, conflict resolution and satisfaction surveys
Address family concerns professionally, collaboratively and immediately
Support family engagement activities
Build and maintain partnerships with community agencies, local schools and stakeholders aligned with the program mission
Ensure adherence to all health, safety, and emergency procedures
Manage child enrollment, staffing needs, waitlist, and billing
Monitor and manage program labor and supplies expenses
Monitor facility needs and coordinate with maintenance as needed
Maintain and ensure accuracy of records, documentation, and reporting requirements
Model confidentiality, professionalism, ethical leadership, and effective communication
Participate in strategic planning and program initiatives
Other duties as assigned