Director of Education, Early Childhood Education/Preschool

The Goddard School of Parsippany, NJ

Director of Education, Early Childhood Education/Preschool

Parsippany, NJ
Full Time
Paid
  • Responsibilities

    Benefits:

    Competitive salary

    Employee discounts

    Flexible schedule

    Paid time off

    Wellness resources

    Overview and Compensation

    A Director at The Goddard School is responsible for managing the program and curriculum. Additionally, the Director may be responsible for certain business tasks as delegated by the franchisee.

    This is a salaried position. A Director’s salary is based on the School’s locale, tuition rates and the candidate’s education/experience.

    General Qualifications

    A Director must meet the qualifications of his/her state and those set forth in the National Standards for Hiring (see www.bls.gov), including the following:

    Ability to hear the conversational voice, with or without a hearing aid

    Ability to see and read newsprint, with or without corrective lenses

    Ability to speak and be understood under normal circumstances

    Ability to use arms, hands, legs, and feet, with or without corrective devices; this includes the ability to evacuate the building during emergencies

    Ability to handle crisis situations, especially where children are involved

    Ability to respond immediately to emergency situations

    Previous management experience in a licensed childcare facility or experience managing faculty/staff

    Educational Qualifications

    All candidates, including those who wish to be considered for the position of acting Director or Assistant Director, must meet one or more of the following criteria, in addition to any/all requirements that may be mandated by their state and/or local licensing authorities:

    A Bachelor’s degree or higher in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Child Development and management experience in a licensed childcare center or preschool.

    A Bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field1, including 18 semester hours of completed coursework, including 12 hours2 of completed coursework related to young children birth to age 8, and management experience in a licensed childcare center or preschool.

    An Associate’s degree or higher in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Child Development or a related field1 and 1 year of experience (1560 clock hours)2 working in a licensed childcare center or preschool and 1 year of management experience.

    An Associate’s degree or higher in a related field1, including 18 hours of completed coursework related to young children birth to age 8, and 2 years (3120 clock hours) 2 of experience in a licensed childcare center or preschool, and 1 year of management experience.

    A current CDA or Early Childhood Teaching Credential, and an additional 12 semester hours or continuing education units in courses related to young children birth to age 8[1], and 2 years (3120 clock hours)[2] of experience in a licensed childcare center or preschool, and 1 year of management experience.

    Director of Education Responsibilities

    Director’s responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

    · Curriculum Development: Plan, develop, and continuously improve the school's curriculum, ensuring that it meets state standards and is designed to best prepare students, particularly in early education programs like kindergarten. Oversee the Wonder of Learning Hallway setup and provide guidance on curriculum implementation. Manage literature resources for classrooms and ensure daily care report using Kaymbu are performed. Lead family engagement initiatives through Kaymbu, including photo and content approval.

    · Lesson Planning & Instructional Support: Collaborate with teachers to create lesson plans and instructional materials that align with curriculum goals and ensure that students are meeting learning benchmarks.

    · Teacher Training & Professional Development Organize and ensure that all required trainings are current and up to date. Organize meetings to ensure teachers receive ongoing support and development. Develop plans for continued professional development and mentor new teachers to enhance their teaching practices.

    · Book & Resource Selection/ Organization: Evaluate and recommend books, digital resources, and instructional materials, ensuring they align with curriculum objectives and standards.

    · Assessment & Evaluation Programs: Develop and implement assessment programs to evaluate the effectiveness of the curriculum, including student progress and overall program success.

    · Classroom Observation & Teacher Support: Conduct classroom observations and provide actionable feedback to teachers to help improve instructional practices.

    · Family Experience & Engagement: Oversee initiatives to create a positive and inclusive family experience, including managing family communications through social media posts, Kaymbu, constant contact and other channels. Manage new family tours and lead faculty orientation, ensuring smooth transitions for both staff and families.

    · Website & Social Media: Manage the school's website, updating the calendar, staff photos, bios, and curriculum information regularly to keep the community informed.

    · Classroom & Faculty Support: Ensure that classrooms are properly stocked with necessary supplies, including paper products and cleaning materials. Manage the supply re-order list and support teachers with classroom coverage when necessary.

    · Special Events & Faculty Meetings: Plan and organize special events, including faculty meetings, professional development days, and parent-teacher conferences.

    · Child Assessments & Parent-Teacher Conferences: Coordinate child assessments and ensure the smooth operation of parent-teacher conferences twice a year to discuss student progress.

    · Health & Safety Compliance: Conduct monthly self-reviews and prepare a Quality Assurance (QA) Report to evaluate health and safety compliance within the school. This includes monitoring protocols, classroom sanitization procedures, and overall safety practices to ensure a safe learning environment for both students and staff. Provide training and support to faculty and staff to adhere to all health and safety regulations.

    ADMINISTRATIVE

    Plan and schedule administrative duties

    Maintain accurate record-keeping, both state and GSI requirements (eg, children’s files, faculty files)

    Prepare reports

    Manage classroom scheduling/schedule faculty

    Review Employee Handbook annually

    Implement a health program including communication with a healthcare consultant

    Maintain a list of local agencies able to help children with special needs

    Maintain a list of local pediatricians, dentists, etc.

    Conduct disaster drills (eg, fire, tornado) in accordance with GSI QA Standards and state licensing requirements

    Maintain compliance with GSI QA Standards

    Maintain a school inventory (eg, snacks, supplies)

    Contribute to the Directors’ Corner on Connect

    Plan and implement a program for professional growth

    Prepare periodic reports on the state of the School

    FISCAL

    Operate the School within budget

    Define a maintenance system for faculty (eg, classroom repairs)

    Arrange for maintenance and repairs

    Manage payroll budget

    Manage petty cash

    Manage registration budget

    Purchase classroom equipment and supplies (indoor and outdoor)

    Maintain budget and/or purchase school supplies and snack

    LICENSING

    Initiate and maintain a positive relationship with licensing agent/agency

    Maintain current licensing documentation

    Maintain licensing regulations

    PERSONNEL

    Recruit, interview, hire and manage faculty

    Manage faculty schedule

    Conduct faculty orientation

    Complete faculty reviews: 90-day and annual

    Conduct monthly faculty meetings

    Develop and maintain a substitute teacher list

    Maintain accurate faculty files

    Plan/implement bi-annual in-service meetings for faculty

    Plan first aid, CPR and any other required training

    Plan emergency preparedness training

    PROGRAM, PROGRAM SUPPORT, and PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

    Conduct monthly classroom observations

    Keep abreast of research and development in the field of early childhood development

    Maintain a resource library at the School

    Plan/implement professional development programs

    Promote active participation in GSU

    Actively participate in professional organizations, conferences and lectures

    Program/Curriculum Development

    Conduct classroom ratio checks

    Implement a developmentally appropriate curriculum within the context of the local school district

    Implement monthly themes

    Incorporate GSI curriculum resources

    Plan and implement a year-round calendar

    Schedule shared classroom and outdoor space and equipment

    Plan and implement procedures for maintaining accurate classroom records

    Provide faculty assistance with lesson plan preparation and theme development

    Review lesson plan books weekly

    Review posted lesson plans monthly

    Review Daily Activity Reports periodically

    Review children’s portfolios regularly

    Ensure that each classroom has an effective management system in place

    Plan and implement visitors/activities

    Develop and implement a nutritious snack program

    Develop and implement a transition system

    Implement a playground safety program

    Conduct curriculum meetings three times per year

    SALES AND MARKETING

    Welcome all visitors to the School

    Answer the telephone and use the GSI telephone script

    Conduct tours according to the GSI tour guidelines

    Follow through with all prospective customers

    Enroll new families

    Develop and maintain customer relations

    Implement an orientation program for new families

    Maintain a system of home-school communication (eg, Daily Activity Reports, school newsletter)

    Conduct meetings with parent(s)/legal guardian(s) when necessary

    Develop and maintain community relations

    Conduct a minimum of four community outreach programs

    Organize a student teaching program

    About Goddard Schools

    As part of a larger franchise system, in operation for 35 years, we are the premiere spot for early childhood learning for children from six weeks to six years old. We have over 600 franchised Schools with more than 75,000 students in 37 states and Washington D.C. The Goddard School uses the most current, academically endorsed methods to ensure that children have fun while learning the skills they need for long-term success in school and in life. All Goddard Schools are held to high standards of education, care, and safety. We are proudly accredited by Cognia and Partnership for 21st Century Learning: A Network of Battelle for Kids.

    Each Goddard School location is privately owned and operated by Goddard Franchisor LLC franchisees. The Goddard School franchise owner(s) are the employers at each school, and the franchise owner(s) set their own wage and benefit programs, which vary by location.