Assistant School Director

About This Role Friends Center is an early childhood education center providing year‑round, full‑time care for children ages 3 months to 5 years. We offer a child‑centered, hands‑on learning experience in a safe and nurturing environment. Children learn through creative play and a wide range of developmentally‑appropriate activities. Friends Center is a non‑sectarian organization guided by Quaker principles of community, equity, peace, simplicity, truth, and stewardship. As a cooperative organization, parents and teachers work together to create a diverse and supportive community. Our mission is to educate children, empower families, inspire teachers, engage the community, embrace diversity, and embody equity. Position Summary The Assistant School Director supports the School Director with the daily operations of the Infant‑Toddler and Preschool Programs at East Grand Avenue. Duties include supervision, management, and event coordination, and participation in the culture and professionalism of Friends Center. What You’ll Do Program Administration Assume responsibility for all aspects of running the site in the absence of the School Director. Act as lead and take responsibility of a classroom in the absence of a head teacher on an as‑needed basis. Prepare materials for the weekly administrative meeting. Host weekly team meetings. Oversee and edit classroom newsletters and blogs. Review and edit conference notes. Participate and conduct interviews for new staff. Manage and oversee orientation and schedules for staff. Conduct classroom observations. Interview education interns. Schedule meetings with parents and staff. Manage parent interactions, phone calls, and emails. Supervise the program to ensure compliance with all accreditation and licensing requirements. Maintain coverage through scheduling staff work shifts and absences and arrange for substitute coverage as needed. Plan and facilitate staff in‑services and training on all topics for all NAEYC and licensing requirements, in collaboration with the Management Team. Manage program‑related concerns (families, staff, community). Provide program‑wide communications with the community when necessary, in conjunction with the School Director and/or Chief Operating Officer. Plan, organize, and facilitate FCfC open houses and events. Orients children, staff members, interns, volunteers, and parents to the Center. Represent Friends Center for Children in the community. Other duties as requested. Customer Service Serve as the face of the school, providing excellent front‑facing customer service in person and via phone and email. Arrive on time and ready to receive staff, children, and families. Assist a wide variety of customers—including parents, children, teachers, staff, interns, and volunteers—with a range of needs. Communication Communicate with all administrative and teaching staff daily. Share conversations and interactions with families with the administrative staff and teachers in a confidential and sensitive manner. Seek guidance and refer families to the Chief Operating Officer, School Director, Business Manager, and Admissions Director as appropriate. Personnel With support from Human Resources, screen, interview, assess, and select staff. Recruit and train staff, including teachers, interns, and substitutes. Oversee and follow up on staff performance according to FCfC policies and procedures. Maintain the OEC Professional Registry on a monthly basis for all staff members. Work collaboratively with Human Resources to manage staff performance and accountability. Financial Act as program liaison for, and compile all child attendance reports for: Early Start CT and Early Head Start funding programs, and assist the Admissions department with Care4kidding follow‑up. Professional Development Attend all staff meetings and program events as scheduled. Maintain required continuing education hours and provide documentation of such. Maintain knowledge of current theory and best practices. Participate in all required early childhood meetings, conferences, and/or events. Qualifications Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Development and/or Education or higher. CPR certified or have the ability to complete training. Excellent organizational skills. Computer literacy. Ability to communicate fluently in written and spoken English. At least three years of Early Childhood Education Teaching experience. Experience in play‑based and outdoor learning environments preferred. Experience with child‑led, emergent curriculum development preferred. Experience using Connecticut ELDS and DOTS preferred. At least two years of supervisory experience. Cultural sensitivity and proven ability to work with a diverse population. Experience working in a cooperative model is a plus. Experience in developing professional development content and facilitating training sessions. Experience with public speaking or willingness to develop the skills necessary. Fluency in Spanish or other languages is preferred. Physical Requirements Vision and hearing within normal range so as to be able to provide sight and sound supervision. Ability to lift and carry 40 lbs. Travel up/down a flight of stairs, stand and sit for long durations, type for continuous hours on a computer keyboard, and read information on a computer. Nice‑to‑Haves Fluency in Spanish or other languages is preferred. Benefits Paid Time Off: Over 25 days of paid time off, which include 11 federal holidays, April Recess, Winter Recess and 10 paid personal days. Employee Child Tuition Discount: Up to $22,000 for children enrolled at FCfC (based on income). Health Insurance: 80% of total cost; FCfC will contribute 80% of the equivalent of a standard HMO individual coverage cost through our provider for our group health insurance program. Paid Professional Development: Up to $500 per year. Tuition Reimbursement for ECE coursework: Up to $4,000 per year, amount dependent on years of service at FC. #J-18808-Ljbffr