Early Learning Center Program Director (Bilingual Spanish/English)

Job Description

Job Description

Cornwell Early Learning Center  Program Director (Bilingual Spanish/English)

About Urban Ventures

Urban Ventures is a faith-based nonprofit with the mission to educate children, strengthen their families, and build a healthy community. The organization primarily serves the Central and Phillips neighborhoods of South Minneapolis—an area rich in culture and diversity—with the overarching goal to prepare and send every child in the neighborhood to college or some form of postsecondary education. 

About the Program

The Cornwell Early Learning Center is a program of Urban Ventures that provides and supports children ages 6 weeks to pre-kindergarten with early learning to develop their cognitive functions: how they think, explore, and figure things out. With an emphasis on social and emotional development, they help children develop the interests and skills that they need as they continue to grow. 

Working Hours

Regular working hours Monday through Friday – a variable 8-hour schedule between the hours of 7 am to 6 pm, with flexibility for a handful (3-4) later evenings and/or weekend work each year. This position shares responsibility for opening and closing the Center; a minimum of 3 openings or closing per week is required.

Primary Responsibility and Position Summary 

Under the supervision of the Sr. Director – Early Childhood and Family Programs, the Program Director is responsible for the day-to-day administrative coordination of the CELC and direct supervision of our teachers. In addition to providing general support to the Center’s Sr. Director, the Program Director will manage operational, administrative, and financial functions that ensure the center runs smoothly, meeting or exceeding all state licensing procedures and requirements, while promoting a culture of continual improvement that strengthens program quality, staff effectiveness, and family experience.

Specific Responsibilities

• Staff management and supervision of teachers and aides, ensuring adherence to licensing, including appropriate staff-to-child ratios  
• Facilitate regular staff check-ins, providing feedback and coaching, based on needs
• Manage scheduling, timekeeping, and payroll approval systems and processes
• Work with the Sr. Director Early Childhood Family Programs in handling employee relations issues and concerns
• Collaborate with other UV departments (HR, IT, Finance, Facilities) to ensure the CELC and its staff are properly utilizing UV systems and processes

Family Engagement & Enrollment

• Build relationships with families, respond promptly to their needs, and encourage family involvement in the Center and other Urban Ventures programs
• Assist the Sr. Director and Family Coordinator in recruiting new students
• Assist new families through the enrollment process, ensuring an excellent welcome and smooth transition

Center Operations & Administration

• Create and maintain daily work schedules to ensure sufficient staffing
• Manage the purchasing of supplies and materials needed for the smooth daily operation of the center
• Provide front desk and classroom coverage during staffing shortages, including fulfilling absent teacher responsibilities as needed
• Ensure daily operations meet standards required by applicable certifications
• Work in collaboration with the Family Coordinator to maintain all documentation related to children’s files and other licensing requirements 

Licensing Compliance Administration

• Demonstrate knowledge of licensing regulations to ensure compliance in all classrooms and situations
• Work with the Family Coordinator to manage the scholarship program, including helping families apply for CCAP and other scholarships, maintaining appropriate records, and preparing necessary documentation
• Maintain accurate enrollment records and student and staff files 

Center Staffing & Professional Development Administration

• In conjunction with the CELC Sr. Director, organize staff development sessions and training courses to complete all necessary continuing education requirements for state licensure and further develop the skills of the staff
• Assist the Sr. Director in recruiting, hiring, and onboarding Center staff
• Plan and organize CELC-specific staff appreciation events and activities
• Reinforce and drive accountability for following center policies and procedures, including safety practices and licensing requirements in classrooms
• Monitor and support staff, promoting a positive workplace environment

Team & Organizational Involvement

• Participate in all Urban Ventures staff meetings and training programs, as invited or required
• Demonstrate alignment with Urban Ventures’ values, policies, and procedures
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the mission and sustainability of Urban Ventures

Required Qualifications:

• Fully bilingual in Spanish and English, written and verbal
• A combination of post-secondary education in early childhood education or a related field and relevant experience, ideally including leadership or supervisory roles in licensed child care settings
• Meets or exceeds childcare center director requirements for licensed early learning centers, as outlined by the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF)
• Prior experience directly managing staff within educational or youth programming
• Two or more years of early childhood education administrative experience or five years working in a licensed early childhood education center (MN experience preferred)
• Must be a minimum of 21 years of age

Additional competencies necessary to be successful in this role

• A demonstrated history of personal fulfillment in supporting growth and development while providing a loving and nurturing environment
• Strong organizational skills and high attention to detail
• Action-oriented and self-starter; able to maintain high level of efficiency with minimal direct supervision
• Excellent communication skills, including in-person communications with parents, staff, and children
• Commitment to diversity and ability to work effectively across diverse groups of people
• High level of technological proficiency (experience with Procare, Develop, MEC2, and/or Teaching Strategies a plus)
• Ability to pass required state and company background checks
• An understanding of and commitment to the faith-based mission and values of Urban Ventures

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to meet physical demands of the job (frequently lifting, carrying, and holding infants and children 10 to 40 pounds)
• Routine use of office equipment, use of stairs (if elevator not functioning), bending, crouching, reaching to place supplies and classroom materials.

This job description summarizes the general nature and level of work performed in this role. It is not a complete list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications required for the position.

This job description does not make these requirements the position’s only standards . Employees must follow any other instructions and perform related duties as required by their supervisor.