Lead Center Director at Encompass Early Education and Care Inc. – Oconto Falls, Wisconsin

The Lead Center Director ensures effective and efficient management of the childcare center, both programmatically and operationally. All responsibilities are carried out in alignment with the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct, with a focus on ethical decision-making, professional integrity, and respect for children, families, and colleagues. Following Encompass, Department of Children and Families (DCF), and the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) guidelines and Code of Ethics, plan and implement onboarding, as well as ongoing supervision, training, and professional development of teaching staff. Ensure High Scope curriculum, COR Advantage Assessment program, and Conscious Discipline strategies are embedded in teaching practices. Oversee financial aspects of center budget, including parent accounts. Model and maintain expected levels of customer service to parents, children, staff, and community. Ensure facility & equipment (indoor and outdoor) meet Encompass’ standards for safety, cleanliness, and functionality.

The Lead Center Director has responsibilities above and beyond those of the Associate Center Director position. This role demonstrates ethical leadership by thoughtfully balancing the needs of children, families, staff, and the organization, and by navigating complex situations with transparency, reflection, and professionalism. The Lead Center Director will have demonstrated a high level of independence regarding decision making and day to day management of the center. Expectations will include involvement in agency and community initiatives, mentoring/coaching staff in specific areas or for specific reasons, and a willingness to assist or transfer to other locations during times of transition. This position is responsible for the leadership and oversight of the childcare center, ensuring both Programming and Operations related Performance Objectives are accomplished professionally, ethically and efficiently.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or a combination of a Bachelor’s Degree in another field with 24 credits in early childhood education, child development, elementary education or early childhood special education, 9 credits in administration, leadership and management, or documents meeting an appropriate combination of relevant education and experience as defined by NAEYC.
• Three to five years of experience as a Center Director or a related management position, with demonstrated competence of both operational and programming aspects of Center Leadership
• Prior experience with High Scope or other play-based curriculum strongly desired
• Prior leadership experience in a NAEYC accredited environment preferred
• Demonstrated knowledge of, and ability to apply, the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct to leadership and program decision-making
• Critical thinking and problem solving ability
• Effective time management and organizational skills
• Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills
• General knowledge of the financial management aspects of a child care center
• Solid working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Strong Leadership Skills: Demonstrate strong, dynamic leadership that results in development and mentorship of team members, utilizing agency resources effectively and efficiently, and modeling ethical leadership consistent with the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct.
• Programming Experience in a Licensed Childcare Center(s): Oversee the programming function of the center, ensuring expectations regarding High Scope curriculum, COR Advantage and Conscious Discipline are met in ways that honor children’s dignity, promote equity, and reflect ethical responsibilities to children and families.
• Operations-focused for growth and development: Oversee the operations function of the center including, but not limited to, family enrollment, staffing patterns, managing parent accounts and processing staff payroll
• Center Budget Responsibilities: Manage the center’s budget
• Align with DCF Guidelines: Compliance with DCF licensing regulations and reporting requirements
• Follow NAEYC Standards: Compliance with NAEYC accreditation standards and reporting requirements
• Mentor and Coach Subordinates: Coach and supervise Associate Center Director as well as an appropriate percentage of teaching and support (kitchen and transportation) staff, supporting reflective practices and ethical decision-making in alignment with the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct.
• Support and Market to All Partners: Collaborate with staff and community partners to ensure appropriate level of customer service is provided to children, parents and staff, while maintaining confidentiality, professionalism, and ethical boundaries.
• Summer Program Guidance: Oversee summer program planning and implementation
• Support Center Coverage: Backup in the absence of the Associate Center Director
• Classroom Teaching: Perform the duties and responsibilities of a classroom teacher as needed
• Cultivate and Mentor the Encompass Way: Support the Encompass mission, demonstrating professionalism and confidentiality in all encounters, and consistently modeling ethical conduct as outlined in the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct, including responsibilities to children, families, colleagues, and the profession.

NON-ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Provides back-up to team as needed.
• Other duties as assigned

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Mobility and Stamina
• Ability to stand, walk, kneel, and bend for extended periods.
• Must be able to move quickly in response to emergencies or child needs
• Lifting and Carrying
• Must be able to lift and carry children, supplies, and equipment—typically up to 30 pounds .
• Visual and Auditory Acuity
• Must be able to observe children closely for safety and developmental monitoring.
• Ability to hear and respond to children's needs and environmental cues (e.g., alarms, crying) .
• Manual Dexterity
• Required for tasks such as writing, typing, handling small objects, and assisting with classroom activities.
• Health and Safety Certifications
• Must maintain current CPR and First Aid certifications, including pediatric-specific training.
• Environmental Tolerance
• Must be comfortable working in both indoor and outdoor settings, including playground supervision.

Additional Functional Requirements

• Ability to manage stress and multitask in a dynamic environment.
• Must be physically and mentally capable of handling crisis situations calmly and effectively

SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Leadership & Management Skills
• Team Leadership: Ability to inspire, guide, and manage staff effectively.
• Conflict Resolution: Skilled in handling disputes among staff, parents, or children.
• Decision-Making: Capable of making sound judgments quickly and confidently.
• Delegation: Knowing how to assign tasks appropriately to staff.
• Administrative & Organizational Skills
• Budgeting & Financial Oversight: Managing center finances, including payroll, supplies, and tuition.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring the center meets all licensing and safety regulations.
• Scheduling & Planning: Coordinating staff schedules, activities, and curriculum planning.
• Record-Keeping: Maintaining accurate records for children, staff, and operations.
• Communication & Interpersonal Skills
• Parent Communication: Building trust and rapport with families.
• Staff Collaboration: Fostering a positive and cooperative work environment.
• Public Relations: Representing the center in the community and during outreach efforts.
• Child Development & Educational Expertise
• Curriculum Development: Designing age-appropriate learning programs.
• Understanding of Early Childhood Development: Knowledge of developmental milestones and needs.
• Behavior Management: Implementing strategies to support positive behavior in children.
• Safety & Crisis Management
• Emergency Preparedness: Creating and executing safety protocols.
• Health & Hygiene Oversight: Ensuring a clean and healthy environment for children and staff.
• Technology Proficiency
• Childcare Management Software: Familiarity with tools for enrollment, billing, and communication.
• Basic Office Software: Proficiency in tools like Excel, Word, and email platforms.