POSITION SUMMARY:

The Early Learning Academy Director is responsible to plan, organize, implement, coordinate, and control services of the early learning program, exercising independent judgment and decision-making authority as delegated, including budget, policies, procedures, and staff supervision. Under the direction of the Executive Director of Early Learning, the Director operates the program in conformance with institutional regulations and state licensing provisions. Responsibilities include the overall management of the Academy’s early learning program and its operation, facilitating, planning, and coordinating of the children's educational programs and activities in alignment with the organization’s strategic objectives for Youth Development.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Ensures the appropriate application of curriculum in all classrooms and  collaborates with ED of Early Learning to identify industry trends.
• Oversees social, academic, emotional development of the student
• Expends budgeted funds according to association guidelines; responsible for ensuring that program operates within budgetary parameters established; if circumstances cause the budget to exceed or create the potential for the budget to be exceeded, plans, and implement cost reduction strategies.
• Identifies, plans, develops, schedules, and provides in-service training and evaluation of Early Learning Academy staff.
• Ensures that the academy location and staff conform to federal, state, and local rules, regulations, and licensing requirements and fosters positive relationships with appropriate agents.
• Recruits      and schedules children for the academy location; maintains accurate records on children enrolled in the program to include their development, attendance, immunization, and general health; conducts program registration, and maintains appropriate files and waiting lists.
• Prepares reports to all required agencies to ensure the safety and well-being of all children cared for at the location.
• Along with staff, confers with parents on a regular basis to discuss the development of their enrolled children.
• Conducts marketing campaigns, maintains public relations with parents and prospective clients.
• Prepares and maintains administrative and business reports and records of the location; records all fee payments and prepares billing late payments and follow-up actions when necessary; reviews income and expense, statistical, and budget status reports to develop and maintain sound financial status of program; analyzes problems in these areas and makes recommendations to      resolve them or take corrective action; prepares billing reports on child care center use.
• Implements contracts with funding agencies.
• Assists staff in preparing for and presenting early childhood programs and activities; directs the organization and follow-up of special activities such as off-campus field trips; assists as necessary with duties of instructional assistants.
• Ensures that problems encountered by staff are resolved; to ensure a smooth operation of program.
• Collaborates with other association Early Learning Academy Directors and Assistant Directors to foster a culture of sharing and open communication.
• Conducts team meetings to provide an opportunity for sharing of knowledge, feedback, and learning.
• Responsible for upholding all staff safety requirements including cleaning protocols throughout the day, as required.
• Orders and maintains program supplies and equipment.
• And any other duties needed to help drive to our Vision, fulfill our Mission, and abide by our organization’s Values. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use a computer for extended periods of time and be able to communicate using a computer and phone/smart device. The employee frequently is required to sit and reach and must be able to move around the work environment. 
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move 15 pounds or more.  
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. 

The YMCA of Southwest Florida has reviewed this job description to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included. It is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee's ability to perform the position described. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This document does not represent a contract of employment, and the YMCA of Southwest Florida reserves the right to change this job description and/or assign tasks for the employee to perform, as the YMCA of Southwest Florida may deem appropriate.

QUALIFICATIONS:

· Three or more years of Early Childhood Education experience.

· Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or closely related field of study preferred.

· Bilingual preferred but not required 

· Ability to direct all operations through volunteer development, supervision of staff, development and monitoring of branch budget, marketing and public relations, and program development.

· Experience in management and development of staff teams & volunteer involvement; ability to recruit top community leaders.

· Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.

· Proven track record of developing authentic relationships with others.

· Ability to establish and maintain collaborations with community organizations.

· Successfully complete DCF background screening requirements as well as meet the association policies on background screening.

CERTIFICATIONS AND TRAINING REQUIREMENTS:

· Florida Childcare Director credential

· Infant/child CPR & First Aid

· Annual completion of YMCA Blood Borne Pathogens training

· Annual completion of YMCA Child Sexual Abuse Prevention class

· Staff Safety Requirements/Cleaning Protocols

· Additional training classes as recommended.