Job Summary: The Director is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the SEARK Childcare Center located on the SEARK College campus in Pine Bluff, AR. These responsibilities include scheduling staff to ensure adequate coverage for the Center throughout the operational hours, creating and maintaining a safe environment that promotes learning, and ensuring the Center and Center staff are in compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations. The Director will manage all financial and administrative responsibilities of the Center and will maintain high quality childcare standards based on developmentally appropriate practices.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Schedule, manage, and support all teaching staff with quality practice components of curriculum development, child and classroom environment assessments, teacher training, and professional development.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for community members and clients, develop and maintain quality relationships with all Center families and team members.
• Coordinate Center activities, implement policy & procedures, and ensure adherence to all state & federal childcare guidelines and licensing requirements.
• Manage the financial, business development, and administrative responsibilities of the Center.
• Hire, train, and manage all team members in accordance with College policies.
• Maintain high quality childcare standards based on developmentally appropriate practices.
• Interact with children, teachers, and parents on the playground, in the office, or in the classroom.
• Maintain a professional appearance, attitude, and work ethic at all times.

Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills:

• Thorough knowledge and understanding of childcare center operations, including safety considerations, curriculum, and behavior management.
• Ability to implement policy and procedures.
• Ability to build appropriate rapport with team members, parents, and students.
• Strong organizational, communication, public relations, computer, and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of state and federal childcare guidelines and licensing requirements.
• Financial management skills and the ability to manage a budget.
• Understanding of developmental processes and disabilities.
• Ability to maintain emotional control under stress and work with frequent interruptions.
• Ability to work with a diverse population.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Child Development Associate (CDA)
• One year experience working full time in a childcare setting.
• Must be able to be certified as a director of a childcare center per the state and federal governing agencies.

OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate degree or higher in Child and Family Development, Early Childhood Education, or a related program of study from and accredited college or university.

Salary: Commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Applicant Deadline: Position to start as soon as possible. Interviews are to begin immediately. Incomplete applications may not be considered.

Application Procedure:

All candidates must apply online at https://www.seark.edu/careers. Click 'Start Application' to complete the online applications. Interested individuals should submit a completed Southeast Arkansas College Employment Application. Please note: All transcripts, certifications, and other credentials should be uploaded with your Resume and Cover Letter. Paper documents will not be accepted.

Required Applicant Documents:

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• College Transcripts (Please note: Official transcripts are required upon offer of employment.)
• Certifications, licensures, or other credentials (Please note: Official copies will be required upon offer of employment.)