Director - Early Learning

Teaching and Learning

Leadership - Position - Other

Job Number : 4600236008

Start Date :

Open Date : 09/13/2021

Closing Date : 10/12/2021

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Director of Early Learning is responsible for overseeing the district's early learning work, from birth to 3 years of age, including leading the ongoing implementation of the Pre-K Program and the Georgia P-3 Alignment Initiative; building coherence with community-based early learning programs and the district's K-2 program; fostering collaboration with community providers; building support for sustainability; and helping to establish a consolidated early learning governance structure. The Director of Early Learning will report to the Chief Academic Officer.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

1. Communicate the vision of the Early Learning Program to all stakeholders.
2. Direct and oversee the implementation of a broad spectrum of early learning initiatives.
3. Establish a coherent, collaborative system for the programs and services that benefit children and families.
4. Develop and implement long and short-term strategic plans consistent with the district's vision and mission.
5. Work collaboratively with community partners to achieve the goal of increasing the opportunity for children to access high quality early learning opportunities.
6. Build support for sustainability of initiatives that will improve early learning opportunities.
7. Coordinate, plan, implement, and assess the capacity building of assigned personnel via professional learning based on current research.
8. Identify and provide support for parents to enhance and extend the school learning experiences of children at home; coordinate parent support sessions, including strategies, care and nurturing, and proper nutrition.
9. Build coordination of services and articulation between the early learning and elementary levels of the instructional program.
10. Support the transition of students entering Kindergarten from community-based early learning programs.
11. Create and implement an early learning program that encompasses the whole child cognitively (academic programs), socially, and emotionally.
12. Collect and analyze data regarding the performance and experiences of all students and other pertinent information affecting the design and implementation of services and programs, using the information to recommend new programs and modifications in existing programs.
13. Create and sustain a positive and collaborative environment for central and school-based personnel.
14. Develop and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including families, community providers, partners, teachers, leaders, and others.
15. Provide leadership for the development of the department's budget, ensuring that budget decisions provide optimal support to address the needs of our students.
16. Supervise assigned personnel, provide assistance, conduct performance appraisals, and make recommendations for appropriate employment actions.
17. Direct the preparation of statistical and narrative reports to ensure reporting requirements are met for state and federal agencies.
18. Keep abreast of current research, theory, and trends, and provide leadership in areas as appropriate to the district's needs.
19. Model and require the use of leadership practices that promote high-performance, ethical behavior, collegiality, collaboration, and fairness.
20. Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements :

EDUCATION:

• Master's degree in Education Administration required.

CERTIFICATION/LICENSE:

• Georgia PSC leadership certification preferred.

WORK EXPERIENCE:

• Five years of experience in an administrative capacity;
• Early Learning experience working in a large, urban PreK-12 environment preferred.
• Extensive background in PreK-12 education, its complexities and what drives positive outcomes, with a strong understanding of early childhood education.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:

• Experience with procedural guidelines related to early learning programs and state early learning requirements; knowledge and experience working with the Georgia State Frameworks, standards, and curriculum trends; knowledge of current applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Experience with budget preparation and control.
• Experience with urban school districts and diverse student populations.
• Technical aspects of field of specialty.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.
• Experience with school district organization, operations, policies, and procedures; the ability to read, interpret, apply, and explain rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge and experience with principles and practices of effective supervision and personnel management.
• Ability and skills in the operation of a computer and related software.
• Knowledge and ability supporting site-based administrators and staff; ability to liaison with other early learning providers, agencies, and organizations.
• Ability to prepare comprehensive narrative and statistical reports.
• Ability to work with diverse communities and school groups.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; prepare and deliver oral presentations.
• Ability to analyze situations accurately, and adopt an effective course of action.

Compensation :

Salary Grade: 137

Salary Range: FY'21 APS Salary Schedule (All Positions)

Work Year: Annual

FLSA Status : Exempt

Employment Category :
At-Will

Reports to: : Assistant Superintendent