Head of School

Job Summary:

The Daycare Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the daycare center, ensuring that the facility is operating in compliance with New York State regulations and providing a safe, nurturing environment for children. This role involves managing staff, ensuring quality care and education, maintaining administrative records, and liaising with parents and regulatory bodies.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership and Staff Management:

• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate daycare teachers, aides, and support staff to ensure a high level of performance and professionalism.
• Recruit, hire, and train new staff, ensuring all employees meet New York State certification and licensing requirements.
• Develop staff schedules and manage daily staffing needs to ensure appropriate child-to-staff ratios.
• Foster a positive, collaborative work environment and address any personnel issues in a timely and constructive manner.

Program Development:

• Oversee the creation and implementation of developmentally appropriate curricula and activities that promote the intellectual, physical, and emotional development of children.
• Ensure lesson plans and activities align with New York State early childhood education standards and best practices.
• Monitor and assess program effectiveness, making improvements as necessary.

Regulatory Compliance and Safety:

• Ensure compliance with all New York State licensing regulations, health and safety standards, and childcare laws.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records, including child enrollment, staff certifications, attendance logs, and incident reports.
• Conduct regular safety drills and inspections to ensure the environment is safe and well-maintained.
• Stay informed about changes to state and local regulations affecting childcare centers and implement changes as needed.

Parent and Community Relations:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for parents, addressing concerns, answering questions, and providing updates on their child’s progress.
• Organize and facilitate parent-teacher conferences, open houses, and other parent engagement activities.
• Handle billing, payments, and financial matters related to the daycare’s operations.
• Promote the daycare within the community to attract new families and maintain enrollment levels.

Financial and Administrative Duties:

• Manage the daycare center’s budget, ensuring the facility operates within financial constraints while maintaining high standards of care and education.
• Order supplies, materials, and equipment as needed to support daily activities and programs.
• Track expenses and revenues, and prepare financial reports for owners or stakeholders.
• Ensure timely billing and payments, and manage payroll for daycare staff.

Problem-Solving and Conflict Resolution:

• Address issues related to staff, parents, or children, and resolve conflicts in a professional and timely manner.
• Step in to provide direct care or instruction if necessary during staffing shortages or emergencies.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
• Experience:
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in early childhood education or daycare management.
• Experience managing staff and overseeing educational programs.

Skills:

• Strong leadership and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for interacting with staff, parents, children, and regulatory bodies.
• Ability to handle administrative tasks, including budgeting, scheduling, and record-keeping.
• Knowledge of New York State childcare regulations and licensing requirements.
• Certification: Must meet New York State requirements for daycare center directors, including CPR/First Aid certification and any other mandated credentials.