Director of Early Childhood

Position Type: Administration/ Director of Early Childhood The Eastern Upper Peninsula Intermediate School District (EUPISD) is one of 56 intermediate school districts (ISD) in Michigan. Every one of the state's 500+ local school districts is part of an ISD. The EUPISD is a regional education service agency with the primary function to provide or assist our local districts to provide special programs and services. Within our ISD, there are 19 districts covering 4,000 square miles in three counties and part of another in the eastern end of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The total number of PK-12 students is 6,500. The EUPISD serves local districts by providing educational services and support in special education, curriculum, early childhood, career and technical education, professional development, business services and technology. The EUPISD also pursues business, community, and interagency collaboration. The EUPISD has a long history of collaboration with our local districts that has resulted in the creation of a strong infrastructure in support of all aspects of teaching, learning, compliance, and fiscal management. The EUPISD is funded with a combination of local, state, and federal funds. The voters of EUPISD have approved a 1.75 mill levy for special education, a .2 mill levy for general operations, and 1.0 mill levy for vocational education. State aid received is based on annual authorizations from the state legislature. Our current budget is $42 million. The EUPISD currently has 235 employees/contractors providing services to our local districts and students. Purpose of Position Provide overall education leadership for the Eastern Upper Peninsula ISD and constituent districts, including the supervision of staff, development and maintenance of annual budgets and long‑range early childhood planning for the success of the region. Period of Employment 12-month position, 7 hours per day, 245 days per year Minimum Qualifications Master's Degree in Early Childhood or related field In accordance with provisions of P.A. 163 of 1986, the Director of Early Childhood shall possess verification of maintaining the requirements of a Michigan School Administrator Certificate and/or the documented equivalent Ability to communicate and effectively work with administrative team, board members, professional support staff, municipal agencies, community members, and others as required Strong leadership, team‑building skills, and proven effectiveness in involving and working with people at all levels. Professional tact, diplomacy and presentation with administrators, staff, teachers, students, parents, and the community Proficient with technology and data systems Strong organizational and time management skills, written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills, diligent work habits, and the ability to apply common sense to routine decision‑making Ability to maintain self‑control and complete tasks with frequent interruptions Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast‑paced environment Must have regular and reliable attendance Ability to carry and move heavy objects and lift 40 lbs Possess a valid driver’s license Demonstrated experience, skills and knowledge in systems thinking and the design, implementation and continuous improvement of regional and state systems that promote positive outcomes for young children and families. Demonstrated ability to develop, implement, and monitor, as well as proactively plan for change in, large, ongoing, complex grants and their budgets. Demonstrated understanding of the early childhood landscape and the roles of public agencies, educational institutions, health care providers, community-based organizations, tribal partners, families, and other stakeholders in supporting young children and families throughout the EUP. Knowledge in multiple areas of early childhood including child development; curriculum, assessment and instruction; research/evidence-based practices; family centered practice; systems theory; professional learning; legislation, rules and regulation; and all components of Michigan's Early Childhood System. Flexible, data-based and a strategic person with a highly collaborative, strengths‑based work style. Excellent interpersonal skills including effectiveness in motivating commitment, collaboration and consensus among individuals and groups. Strength in listening, verbal and written communication, organization and presentation skills Capability to contribute to the creation of a diverse and equitable work force. Duties and Responsibilities Lead all early childhood department activities and staff, including administering that segment of the EUPISD budgets. Develop, implement, and monitor programs, initiatives, and services that strengthen early childhood systems, promote healthy development and early learning, and improve equitable access to high‑quality services. Identify, pursue, develop, and manage grants, contracts, partnerships, and other funding opportunities that advance early childhood priorities and sustain regional services. Maintain and apply up‑to‑date knowledge of current theory, research and methodology in appropriate fields including child growth and development: early childhood classroom curriculum, instruction and assessment early childhood systems development; and adult learning. Maintain current knowledge of applicable federal and state laws, regulations, policies, funding requirements, and contractual obligations affecting early childhood development, education, care, health, and family support services. Support cross-program and departmental projects and collaborative work teams Develop and maintain effective systems for early identification, referral, evaluation, and coordination of services for young children with suspected developmental delays, disabilities, or other identified needs, consistent with applicable requirements and responsibilities. Facilitate coordinated recruitment, outreach, enrollment, and access strategies across the region in collaboration with public and private early childhood providers, community organizations, tribal partners, and other stakeholders. Establish and monitor appropriate procedures and supports to promote staff safety during home visits and other community‑based service delivery. Ensure staff understand and follow applicable child protection, mandated reporting, confidentiality, and related legal and organizational requirements. Lead regional contact in coordinating interagency efforts on behalf of early childhood. Promote the use of evidence‑informed practices in early intervention, developmental support, and other early childhood services to improve outcomes for children and families. Facilitate effective transitions and continuity of services across early childhood programs, early intervention, preschool, special education, and the K‑12 education system, in collaboration with constituent districts and other relevant partners. Coordinate and supervise grants and projects related to early childhood. Ensure accurate and timely collection, maintenance, analysis, and submission of required early childhood data and records in accordance with applicable requirements. Implement and comply with state and federal mandates for early childhood programs and services. Develop professional development opportunities based on local needs, assessments and state/federal data requirements. Represent EUPISD on all issues related to Early Childhood at local, regional and state venues. Maintain high degree of confidentiality in program operation and with student/staff information Attend meetings outside of normal working hours as needed for completion of duties and travel within ISD and state. Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Superintendent Remain free of substance abuse and/or illegal drug use at all times Wages and Fringes Up to $115,000/year dependent upon education, experience, and certifications. Benefits for Full Time employees include: Up to full family medical insurance with an employer contribution up to $21,660, or $370 per month cash in lieu of medical insurance No cost to you: life, LTD, dental, and vision insurance State retirement system through State of Michigan Office of Retirement Services - Defined Benefit or Defined Contribution Options Advanced degree and tuition reimbursement program Longevity pay based on years of district service Accrued sick and personal time, with additional time off during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Spring Break. #J-18808-Ljbffr