Director, Little Eagles Learning Center (Fort Myers)/ Director, Early Learning Child Development Center (Naples)

Job Description

Typical duties may include but are not limited to:

• Oversees the daily operations of the child development center, including managing operating budget, hiring and supervising staff, maintaining license and accreditation status, and identifying and pursuing fundraising efforts.
• Responsible for directing the Center and providing programmatic and instructional leadership to obtain and maintain National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) accreditation as outlined in the mission and vision of the center.
• Serves as a Teaching Director, teaching infants, toddlers, and/or preschool children on a limited basis as needed for ratio and/or coverage.
• Serves as liaison for the Center, University, parents, and the surrounding community to ensure that childcare routines are consistent with good child development principles.
• Ensures the health, safety, welfare, and accountability of children through constant supervision; and that parents receive adequate information about their child's experiences.
• Maintains written records monitoring child's progress in all areas of development.
• Provides supervision to staff and includes staff in planning and assignments.

Other Duties:

• Coordinates and oversees special projects.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Additional Job Description

Required Qualifications:

• This position requires either ten years of directly related full-time experience or, as an alternative, a Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or other directly related field and six years of full-time experience directly related to the job functions.
• Experience with children in a full-time licensed child care facility or public/private school program.
• Two years of experience as a supervisor.
• Three years of experience as an early childhood education teacher.
• Current Florida Child Care Director Credential with VPK endorsement, or be eligible to obtain the VPK endorsement within 30 days of employment
• Current First-Aid and CPR certification or ability to obtain within 30 days of employment.
• Experience operating a personal computer and proficient with Microsoft Office (Work, Excel, and Outlook).
• Any appropriate combination of relevant education, experience, and/or certifications may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's Degree from an accredited institution in Early Childhood Education or a closely related field.
• Successful administrative experience in a relevant field.
• Demonstrated experience successfully securing grants for innovative initiatives.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Proven ability to think strategically and approach challenges with creativity
• Demonstrated track record of reliability, meeting goals, and holding oneself accountable
• Strong interpersonal skills and experience working effectively across teams
• Knowledge of state and local rules and regulations, which govern childcare, NAEYC accreditation standards, and Florida Sunshine State Standards; childcare standards in the areas of health, safety and nutrition; and state regulations governing the identification and reporting of child abuse and neglect.
• Knowledge of child development including typical and atypical language, cognitive, motor, social, and self-help skills development.
• Knowledge of educational program development and the ability to design and deliver high quality interpretive programs to infants, toddlers, and/or preschool children.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to multi-task.
• Demonstrated ability to teach undergraduate university students in early childhood content and methods courses.
• Ability to apply sound judgment and discretion in confidential matters.
• Ability to provide services to all children and families with respect and dignity.
• Ability and skill in public speaking, group facilitation, and partnership building.
• Ability to work with students and colleagues from differing cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and written.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Ability to manage overall budget including salary, expense, operating capital, auxiliary, and other personal services funds.
• Ability to work in an environment that includes young children and numerous interruptions and function under pressure.

Institutional Values & Behavioral Expectation

In this role, the successful candidate will be expected to:

• Seek out new approaches to improve outcomes; remain open for feedback and new ideas.
• Lead with integrity; consistently produce high-quality work; persevere to overcome obstacles to meet deadlines and achieve deliverables.
• Share information and insights thoughtfully; build partnerships across departments; communicate respectfully; support colleagues to achieve common goals.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Please include your updated resume and cover letter indicating which position and location you prefer as apart of your application.

Pay Grade 18

FGCU is a State University System of Florida member and an Equal Opportunity and Equal Access employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.