Early Childhood Education Program Director

Pay 90K / Annually

Monday-Friday (Day hours)

People, Incorporated is a human service Agency serving the Southcoast community, including the Greater Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton areas. As a partnership of specialized, integrated programs, we provide unique opportunities to people with life challenges. Since our inception in 1968, we have been one of the largest providers of supports and services to people of all abilities in the community. Let People, Incorporated be Your Path to Opportunity!

SUMMARY: The Early Childhood Education Program Director is responsible for fostering an environment of collaboration and excellence that is centered around Agency core values, ensuring that children, families, and staff thrive. This role demands strong leadership and a commitment to the mission of providing high-quality early education and care for all children. The Program Director is ultimately accountable for the safe, compliant, effective, and financially responsible operation of the Early Childhood Education Programs.

The Early Childhood Education Program Director also serves as the primary leader and administrator, responsible for overseeing all aspects of the center's operations, including program quality, staff management, facilities maintenance, and family engagement. The Early Childhood Education Program Director ensures all children’s learning and developmental needs are met in a supportive, nurturing environment. The Early Childhood Education Program Director also leads with Positive Behavioral Supports (PBS), promotes a learning environment consistent with the Agency’s core values, and ensures alignment with state regulations, and the center’s mission and values.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Program Leadership and Management

• Maintain comprehensive knowledge of the center’s day-to-day operations and proactively identify operational, staffing, enrollment, educational, financial, and compliance concerns before they adversely impact children, families, staff, or the Agency
• Establish priorities, timelines, and accountability systems for the program leadership team and routinely verify that delegated responsibilities have been completed accurately and timely
• Maintain accurate and current enrollment, classroom, staffing, and capacity information and proactively make recommendations regarding classroom configuration, enrollment, transitions, and staffing based upon program needs and regulatory requirements
• Demonstrate timely, thoughtful, and solution-oriented decision-making and communication. Respond promptly to staff, families, Agency leadership, regulators, and other stakeholders and ensure concerns receive appropriate follow-through and resolution
• Immediately escalate significant safety, regulatory, staffing, financial, operational, or reputational concerns to the Vice President and other Agency leadership as appropriate
• Provide vision, leadership, and strategic planning to ensure the center delivers high-quality, Agency core value-centered early childhood education
• Develop, implement, and regularly review policies and procedures to meet program goals and maintain compliance with all licensing and accreditation standards
• Oversee enrollment and retention strategies, ensuring the program remains accessible to families in the community
• Manage tuition billing and collection processes, ensuring timely payments and maintaining accurate financial records
• Supervise and evaluate the overall quality of teaching and learning, ensuring the curriculum optimizes children’s learning and development
• Lead and promote Positive Behavioral Supports (PBS) to foster a positive, Agency core value-centered learning environment
• Delegate work to the program leadership team as appropriate to ensure that critical tasks and responsibilities are completed efficiently and on time
• Maintain all program and Agency required trainings
• Perform other duties as assigned by management

Staff Supervision and Development

• Recruit, hire, onboard, and retain a qualified and diverse team of educators and support staff
• Supervise and mentor the program leadership team, including Assistant Director, Education Coordinators, and Lead Teachers, to ensure effective oversight of classrooms and operations
• Provide ongoing coaching, mentorship, and professional development opportunities, ensuring staff are supported and empowered in their roles
• Conduct regular supervision and performance evaluations for staff, providing actionable feedback and recognizing accomplishments
• Ensure all staff members maintain appropriate certifications and professional development records
• Maintain an active and visible presence throughout the center, including routine classroom observations, to assess staff performance, supervision practices, classroom quality, ratios, child safety, and adherence to Agency policies and regulatory requirements
• Hold members of the program leadership team accountable for assigned responsibilities and address performance deficiencies promptly through coaching, corrective action, or escalation as appropriate
• Develop and maintain succession and coverage plans to ensure critical operational and compliance responsibilities continue during staff vacancies, leaves, call-outs, and other absences

Regulatory Compliance and Quality Assurance

• Maintain current working knowledge of all regulations, policies, guidance, and contractual requirements applicable to the program, including Massachusetts EEC requirements, CACFP/USDA requirements, health and safety standards, and applicable Agency policies
• Establish routine internal monitoring and auditing processes rather than relying upon regulatory visits or external audits to identify deficiencies
• Ensure regulatory findings, incidents, corrective actions, plans of correction, and other compliance matters are addressed completely and within required timeframes, with appropriate documentation demonstrating sustained compliance
• Immediately notify Agency leadership of serious incidents, potential regulatory violations, licensing concerns, or circumstances that may jeopardize the health or safety of children or the program's license or standing
• Regularly review program policies, procedures, and documentation to meet state and federal guidelines
• Oversee inspections, audits, and accreditation processes, implementing corrective actions as needed
• Ensure classroom coverage and staff-to-child ratios are consistently maintained
• Manage children’s records to ensure accuracy, confidentiality, and compliance with all applicable regulations

Facilities Management, Safety, and Security

• Oversee the maintenance and safety of program facilities, ensuring all spaces are clean, safe, and conducive to learning
• Develop and enforce security protocols to ensure the safety of the facility, children, families, and staff at all times
• Work with custodial and maintenance teams to ensure timely repairs, upgrades, and preventative maintenance of the program
• Provide oversight of the USDA-compliant food service program, ensuring meals and snacks meet nutritional guidelines and align with the needs of children and families

Family and Community Engagement

• Build strong relationships with families, serving as a primary point of communication and support
• Address and resolve parent concerns promptly and professionally, fostering trust and collaboration
• Facilitate opportunities for family involvement and engagement in their children’s education and the programs’ activities
• Serve as a representative of the program within the community, collaborating with local organizations to support children and families

Agency Core Value Centered Learning Environment

• Promote Agency core values throughout the program to ensure all children, families, and staff members feel valued and respected
• Implement strategies to support children’s individual learning and developmental needs, ensuring optimal outcomes for all
• Foster a culture where children’s social-emotional development, curiosity, and creativity are prioritized

Crisis Management and Conflict Resolution

• Lead in responding to emergencies and ensure the safety and well-being of children and staff.
• Develop and maintain emergency plans, ensuring all staff members are trained and prepared for various scenarios
• Mediate conflicts and implement resolutions in alignment with program policies, fostering a culture of respect and collaboration

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, child development, or a related field is preferred; master’s degree is preferred
• Certification as MA EEC Director II is required; Preschool and Infant/Toddler Lead Teacher certification is preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in early childhood education, including at least 3 years in a leadership role
• Demonstrated expertise in early childhood development, curriculum planning, and Agency core values practices
• Strong skills in communication, leadership, and organizational management
• Familiarity with Massachusetts EEC licensing regulations, NAEYC standards, and USDA food program guidelines
• Proficiency in ProCare and CCFA software platforms is preferred.
• Infant/Child CPR and First Aid certification is required.
• Ability to provide a current copy of all required health records
• A qualifying criminal background check, driving record, and valid driver’s license are required.

Why join our Team?

Come work in a rewarding and creative environment that encourages growth, collaboration and community involvement that is exploding with opportunities.

At People Incorporated you will find a path to endless opportunities and a rewarding career! We offer a supportive work environment, Employee Recognition Program, Professional Development, opportunities for growth as well as industry-leading wages and a comprehensive benefit package that includes:

**For employees working in benefit eligible positions only**

• 4 weeks accrued paid time off
• 11 paid holidays annually
• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• 403(b) savings plan
• Wellness Activities and initiatives
• Medical and Dependent Care Flexible Account
• FREE Life and Long-term Disability Insurance
• Short-term Disability Insurance
• Select discounts through LifeMart (i.e., Discount movie and theme park tickets, savings on T-Mobile)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Fitness Center on Site

• Professional Developmental:

• Tuition Assistance Program
• Monthly student loan payments
• Scholarship Opportunities

Join us! #peoplewithapurpose

People Incorporated is committed to fostering a respectful and supportive work environment. We are a proud equal opportunity employer that welcomes and strongly encourages all races, religions, nationalities, genders, the LGTBQIA+ community, and people with disabilities to apply. Our ability to attract and retain a talented and dedicated workforce are key to the success of our agency. We strive to create a workplace where employees feel supported, appreciated, and motivated to grow.

People Incorporated is committed to an inclusive and diverse work environment. We are a proud equal opportunity employer – that means all races, religions, nationalities, genders, the LGBTQ+ community and people with disabilities are welcome and encouraged to apply.

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