ELLI Site Director

STEPPING STONES MUSEUM FOR CHILDREN•Fairfield, CT

5h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Early Language and Literacy Initiative (ELLI) is a proven, evidence-based approach to early childhood education that embeds language and literacy and 21st century skill building activities within an interdisciplinary mix of science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) content to close the achievement gap for young children. ELLI sites are fun, play filled and language-rich environments that immerse and physically engage students in interconnected concepts, or BIG IDEAS, that enhance their understanding of the world. ELLI is teacher-led and child-powered. Position Overview: The ELLI Director, in collaboration with ELLI Director and Vice President, Teaching and Learning, provides leadership for multiple ELLI locations. The director has extensive knowledge and experience in education, community engagement and program administration. Enjoys collaboratively working to create something new, embraces feedback and is comfortable with changing priorities that come with new opportunities. Under the Supervision of the Vice President, Teaching and Learning, the ELLI Director is responsible for overall operations of the ELLI Program, its licensing, funding streams, grants, and accreditation status. The ELLI Director will participate as part of the Senior Management Team representing their program with the primary focus on creating a safe, healthy learning environment for young children, building collaborative relationships across all stakeholders, developing and supervising the education staff, and represent ELLI as an innovator in early childhood outcomes.

Requirements

Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood or Human Development (degree must be inclusive of ages zero to five. Master Degree in Early Childhood or Human Development preferred.
Must meet all School Readiness and NAEYC requirements and requirements and maintain credentials for the position
Must meet NAEYC qualifications for Pedagogical Administrator and operational Qualifications and or a Connecticut Director's Credential preferred.
Minimum of three to five years of classroom experience and at least three to five years' experience in a leadership role specific to children zero through 5 years of age.
Two (2) years direct experience working with diverse populations in early childhood setting with children ages Birth-Five and their families
Two (2) years direct supervisory and administrative experience in an early childhood setting, preferably NAEYC and School Readiness.
Minimum of three to five years of classroom experience and at least three to five years' experience in a leadership role specific to children zero through 5 years of age.
Early childhood directors credential or related coursework preferred
Professional experience related to child development, early childhood education, inclusion, early intervention, community networking and management/leadership.
Must possess excellent leadership, organizational, strategic, and collaboration skills.
Experience supervising teams of 10 or more
Experience working in school readiness funded and NAEYC accredited programs required.
Knowledgeable about state licensing requirements is required
Ability to travel to multiple locations within one day as needed (mileage to be reimbursed as appropriate)
Enthusiastic attitude about working in an ever-evolving environment.
Ability to adapt to quickly changing activity levels, work in busy classrooms, attend community events, and perform administrative duties
Ability to connect broad initiative goals to daily tasks and activities.
Experience creating or presenting professional development experiences a plus
Strong leadership, supervisory, and customer service skills and ability to develop/maintain strong relationships with staff, families, stakeholders and community partners.
Strong computer skills including Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, and Outlook; Procare preferred; proven ability to learn new systems and software
Sensitive to diversity including individuals with physical challenges or special needs
Knowledge of various resources/tools used for organizing, planning, scheduling, and coordinating day-to-day program actives.
Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced, ever-changing, and sometimes ambiguous environment.

Nice To Haves

Master Degree in Early Childhood or Human Development preferred.
Connecticut Director's Credential preferred.
Early childhood directors credential or related coursework preferred
Experience creating or presenting professional development experiences a plus
Procare preferred

Responsibilities

Recruit, and retain a talented team through intentional hiring, orientation, on-going training, and supervising
Manage a team of part and full time teachers, administrative and support staff
Oversee staff meetings to ensure timely, relevant and open communication among team members
Prepare and monitor the staffing schedules, ensure proper supervision and coverage at opening and closing of the day, time off requests and document attendance as well as ensure planning and preparation time for teachers.
Schedule staff for each classroom to ensure ratios and certification requirements are met
Coordinate with other site leaders as needed to facilitate coverage
Manage time sheets and communicate payroll related information in a timely and accurate manner to human resources/payroll for processing
Schedule and/or facilitate professional development experiences to meet and exceed state, NAEYC, School Readiness and funding requirements
Conducts ongoing performance management for team including goal setting, conferences and time completion of midyear and annual performance reviews. Provides ongoing performance feedback.
Serve as director of record for state and other documentation and reporting
Maintain working knowledge of ELLI admissions processes at each location
Develop and implement enrollment systems that are compliant with local, state and federal regulations and funding requirements
Promote classroom open enrollment and advanced registration; register and enroll families as space allows with support of administrative teams, manage wait list
Coordinate enrollment efforts with marketing team to schedule marketing campaigns and Open House Events
Conduct tours and lead Open House events for prospective families, manage program inquiries,
Ability to guide staff on the implementation of developmentally appropriate practice using evidence based strategies.
Work collaboratively with teaching teams in each classroom to ensure ELLI approach is consistently being implemented with fidelity
Develop and evaluate classroom systems and routines
Support the implementation of the research agenda though assessments, observations and other tools and metrics
Observe and document classroom activities to support changing environments and teacher professional development
Provide staffing support as an in-ratio teacher as needed
Participate in regular planning and operations meetings with ELLI partners
Represent ELLI in community meetings in Norwalk and beyond
Plan and attend parent workshops and events
Create an open exchange of information and resources between museum departments and ELLI teams
Provide information needed to development teams to engage stakeholders and funders in ELLI
Build strong relationships with children, families, staff and partners
Work with finance team to ensure monthly reporting is accurate and complete
Maintain program records as required by licensing agencies and funders
Update master calendars with location specific events
Coordinate program visits and observations
Maintain confidential staff and student files
Manage program budget and identify cost and purchasing efficiencies
Use technology to create effective administrative processes for routine record keeping, growth projections and on-going communications.
Accelerate business practices that promote data informed decisions, fiscal responsibility, and efficient processes that will require partnering with other departments.
All administrative, planning, development and visionary aspects of a large, full day, full year program serving children 3 months to 5 years of age and their families.
Develops and implements plans, policies, and procedures that are in compliance with all Connecticut Office of Early Childhood Center Based Regulations, state and federal funding streams, and National Association of the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) accreditation standards.
Collaborates with staff and families in creating a positive school experience that is focused on child directed learning and developmentally appropriate practice that encourages growth and self-confidence.
Develops and administers the program budget in consultation with Vice President, Teaching and Learning and Director of Finance.
Utilizes proven observation and evaluation tools to ensure ELLI remains a leader in providing high quality early care and education.