Early Childhood Career Opportunities

The role of an early childhood center lead is essential in ensuring the smooth functioning of early childhood education programs. This position requires providing administrative support to the early childhood education team, maintaining accurate records, and facilitating effective communication and coordination. The early childhood center lead must possess strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a genuine interest in promoting the development and well-being of young children. The duties of this position include day-to-day operational tasks, record-keeping, communication with parents and staff, and adherence to relevant regulations and policies.

Essential Duties:

Essential job duties for this position include the following items. Other duties must be performed as assigned or required.

Management of the Program:

• Collaborate with the team to create engaging and informative newsletters that keep parents informed about center activities and updates.
• Ensure accurate records are kept of children and staff arrival and departure times for safety and accountability.
• Communicate effectively with students, parents, and staff, fostering positive relationships and ensuring information is conveyed clearly and promptly.
• Create a professional atmosphere in the childcare office, emphasizing confidentiality and exceptional customer service.
• Keep track of children's attendance, noting any patterns or concerns that may need to be addressed.
• Update schedules as needed to reflect changes in attendance or activities.
• Develop and maintain the weekly schedule for staff, ensuring adequate coverage and adherence to regulations.
• Keep all files organized and up to date, following DHS regulations for record-keeping.
• Collaborate with the leadership team on center registration, enrollment, and other administrative tasks.
• Handle multiple projects simultaneously, prioritizing effectively to meet deadlines and maintain efficiency.
• Process weekly billing, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Handle all payments made to the early childhood center, including deposits, and entering transactions into the system.
• Record all meals and snacks provided to children, ensuring compliance with nutritional guidelines, and reporting to the food service director.
• Keep all records updated and accurate in the Procare system, ensuring easy access and organization.
• Prepare and distribute weekly food menus and sign-in/out sheets for accurate record-keeping.
• Manage inventory and order necessary supplies, processing purchase orders as needed.
• Collaborate with staff from other departments in a spirit of cooperation to support the overall mission of Holy Family.
• Support the director and coordinator in managing the daily operations of the center and Holy Family early childhood programs.
• Uphold strict confidentiality regarding all education and professional activities, ensuring privacy for students, families, and staff.
• Adhere to and promote the policies and procedures of Holy Family, ensuring compliance and consistency across the organization.

Care of Children:

• Above all, each child is treated with respect, dignity, and as a gift from God.
• Assist in the design and oversee the development of age-appropriate educational programs and curricula that foster holistic growth and development in young children.
• Support teachers and directors in aligning curriculum with children's needs and interests to promote engagement and meaningful learning experiences.
• Collaborate with the director and assistant director to indirectly supervise employees through observations, check-ins, and routine conversations to maintain a proactive approach to risk management and ensure the safety and well-being of all children in the classroom.
• Maintain accurate records for children with allergies and special health needs, making necessary accommodations and ensuring the entire team is informed and prepared to provide appropriate care. Collaborate with families to create care plans and update information regularly.
• Uphold cleanliness standards for classrooms by implementing systematic practices that are easy to follow and complete, creating a hygienic and organized learning environment.
• Remain attentive to health, sanitation, nutrition, and safety at all times, proactively addressing any concerns or hazards to promote a healthy and safe learning environment.
• Ability to substitute in the classroom as needed.

Professionalism and Leadership:

• Dress professionally and conduct oneself in a professional manner
• Ensure parents and employees' questions are addressed and provide regular feedback to the director and assistant director to improve the program.
• Serve as a role model for colleagues and children by demonstrating professionalism, ethics, and a commitment to supporting quality early childhood education.
• Attend all staff meetings and professional development workshops
• Support and carry out the mission of Holy Family Early Childhood
• Adhere to established policies, procedures, rules, and regulations of the Archdiocese of Dubuque, Holy Family Catholic Schools, and Holy Family Early Childhood.
• Practice ethical conduct including confidentiality, honesty, trustworthiness, and truthfulness
• Be reliable by arriving on time as per the assigned schedule, limiting absences, and providing sufficient notice when unable to report to work.
• Communicate and build relationships with co-workers, supervisors, and families.
• Follow the cell phone/personal electronics policy and remain focused on the activity in the classroom.
• Understand and comply with the Rules and Regulations of Childcare Centers by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services.
• Be an active member of the team by supporting new employees and training best practices.

Personal Development:

• Consistently strives for excellence and demonstrates a strong commitment to the success of the program.
• Proactively seeks out feedback and implements suggestions to continuously improve performance.
• Maintains high personal standards for the quality of work produced and consistently meets or exceeds expectations.
• Ensures accurate and timely completion of all required documentation and training.
• Stay current with training, professional development, and personnel file requirements to maintain up-to-date knowledge and skills.
• Embodies and upholds the core values of Holy Family Early Childhood in all interactions and actions.

Benefits include:

• 20% discount on childcare, 40% discount on before/after school program
• Holy Family K-12 tuition remission
• 401(k) match - 3% match on 6% employee contribution
• Generous paid time off
• Health and dental benefits
• Employer paid life insurance and long-term disability
• Employee Assistance Program
• Training provided and fully paid
• Nights and weekends off!
• Stable and supportive leadership