Onsite Director, ELLI (Early Language and Literacy Initiative)

Overview

Description
Position Title: Onsite Director, ELLI (Early Language and Literacy Initiative)
Reports To: Vice President, Teaching and Learning

Position Summary
The Onsite Director of ELLI is responsible for the overall management and daily operations of a high-quality early childhood program serving children ages 3 months to 5 years and their families. This role ensures the delivery of developmentally appropriate, inclusive, and engaging learning experiences while maintaining full compliance with Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC) licensing regulations and NAEYC accreditation standards.
The Onsite Director works closely with the Vice President of Teaching and Learning and collaborates with the ELLI administrative team, to ensure program consistency, operational excellence, and continuous quality improvement across all aspects of the program.

Key Responsibilities

• Program Leadership, Compliance & Policy Development
• Ensure full compliance with Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC) licensing regulations and NAEYC accreditation standards.
• Maintain and support NAEYC accreditation, including documentation, self-study, and continuous quality improvement processes.
• Develop, implement, and uphold program policies, procedures, and systems to ensure consistency, compliance, and high-quality program delivery.
• Ensure all program documentation (children’s records, staff files, health and safety logs) is accurate, complete, and audit-ready.
• Oversee compliance and documentation related to grants and Care4Kids requirements, ensuring accurate tracking and reporting.

• Staff Management & Professional Development
• Supervise, schedule, and manage teaching staff to ensure compliance with ratios, qualifications, and program standards.
• Provide ongoing coaching, mentoring, and performance feedback to support high-quality teaching practices.
• Conduct staff observations, evaluations, and goal-setting aligned with program expectations.
• Support the coordination and implementation of required trainings, including health and safety, curriculum, and family engagement practices.
• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and positive team environment.

• Curriculum & Classroom Oversight
• Ensure consistent implementation of curriculum aligned with CT Early Learning and Development Standards (CT ELDS) and ELLI’s language and literacy framework.
• Support staff in planning and delivering engaging learning experiences.
• Monitor assessment practices and use of data to inform instruction and individualized support.
• Maintain high-quality classroom environments that reflect developmentally appropriate practices.

• Family Engagement & Communication
• Develop and support strong family engagement practices aligned with NAEYC standards.
• Ensure clear, respectful, and consistent communication with families.
• Support family conferences, workshops, and engagement opportunities that promote children’s development.
• Address family concerns in a timely, professional, and solutions-oriented manner.
• Build inclusive partnerships that respect and reflect diverse family backgrounds.

• Operations & Program Management
• Oversee daily operations of the site, including staffing, scheduling, and classroom coverage.
• Support enrollment processes, including maintaining waitlists, onboarding families, and ensuring completion of all required documentation.
• Collaborate with the ELLI administrative team to ensure alignment across sites and consistency in program implementation.
• Assist with program planning, reporting, and implementation of organizational initiatives.
• Contribute to budget awareness and resource management in collaboration with leadership.

• Health, Safety & Risk Management
• Ensure adherence to all health and safety protocols, including supervision, sanitation, and emergency procedures.
• Monitor compliance with medication administration policies and required staff certifications.
• Oversee documentation and response to incidents, accidents, and licensing-related matters.
• Maintain a safe, healthy, and supportive environment for children, staff, and families.

• Community & Partnership Engagement
• Build and maintain relationships with community partners and local organizations.
• Represent the program in community initiatives and outreach efforts.
• Support connections between families and community resources.

Requirements

Qualifications

Education & Credentials

• Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, Human Development, or a related field (required; must include birth–5).
• Master’s Degree preferred.
• Must meet NAEYC requirements for Pedagogical Administrator and operational qualifications.
• Connecticut Director Credential preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of 3–5 years of classroom experience in an early childhood setting (birth–5).
• Minimum of 2–4 years of leadership experience in early childhood education.
• At least 2 years of supervisory and administrative experience.
• Experience working with diverse populations of children and families.
• Experience supervising teams of 10 or more staff.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership, organizational, and strategic planning skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of Connecticut licensing and regulatory requirements.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within a team-based structure.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and high-quality early learning.

Additional Requirements

• Ability to travel between program locations as needed.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing program needs and schedules.
• Enthusiastic, proactive, and solution-oriented approach to leadership.