Accreditation Standards, Best Practices, Budget Management, Budgeting, Child Development, Child Support, Childcare, Coaching, Communication Skills, Continuous Improvement, Driver's License, Early Childhood Education, Financial Management, Funding, Grant Administration/Management, Information Technology & Information Systems, Kindergarten, Leadership, Licensing, Multitasking, Organizational Skills, People Management, Performance Analysis, Performance Reviews, Primary School, Procurement Management, Program Planning, Project/Program Coordination, Regulations, Regulatory Compliance, Regulatory Requirements, Safety Training, Safety/Work Safety, Special Education, Staff Training, State Laws and Regulations, Strategic Planning, Team Player, Training/Teaching, Vendor/Supplier Management, Vendor/Supplier Relations, Willing to Travel
Description
Position Title: Assistant Director of Early Childhood
Funding Source: GSRP
Reports to: Principal
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Elementary Education, or a related field required; Master's degree preferred.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in early childhood education (ages 6 weeks through pre-kindergarten), including experience in licensed childcare or early learning program settings.
- Experience working in K–5 elementary school environments, with an understanding of early elementary instructional practices and developmental continuity from birth through grade 5.
- Minimum of 3 years of leadership, coaching, or supervisory experience in an early childhood or elementary education setting.
- Knowledge of infant/toddler and preschool development, evidence-based early childhood curricula, and best practices in developmentally appropriate instruction.
- Familiarity with childcare licensing regulations, Head Start/Early Head Start performance standards, and GSRP/state pre-kindergarten guidelines.
- Understanding of IDEA Part C and Part B (ages 3–5) and early childhood special education requirements.
- Familiarity with budget development, grant management, and fiscal oversight within early childhood programs.
- Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
- Proficiency with student information systems, data tools, and digital platforms used in early childhood settings.
- Valid driver's license and ability to travel between district sites as required.
Position Description:
The Assistant Director of Early Childhood provides strategic leadership, programmatic oversight, and instructional guidance for the district's early childhood programs, serving children from six weeks through pre-kindergarten, as well as supporting the continuity of high-quality education into K–5 settings. This position is responsible for planning, implementing, and managing all aspects of the district's early learning programs, including licensed childcare, infant/toddler care, preschool, and pre-kindergarten, while ensuring alignment with elementary school instructional priorities. The Assistant Director of Early Childhood ensures that all programs meet regulatory requirements, reflect evidence-based practices, and operate within approved budgets. Working collaboratively with district administrators, building principals, community agencies, and families, the Assistant Director develops program vision and policy, provides instructional coaching, and fosters seamless transitions for children and families from early childhood into the elementary years. The ideal candidate is deeply knowledgeable about child development from birth through early elementary, demonstrates strong leadership and communication skills, and is committed to providing every child with a safe, nurturing, and high-quality educational foundation.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership and programmatic oversight for all early childhood programs, including licensed childcare (ages 6 weeks through preschool) and pre-kindergarten.
- Ensure all early childhood programs comply with state childcare licensing regulations, NAEYC accreditation standards (if applicable), Early Head Start/Head Start performance standards, GSRP guidelines and district policies.
- Develop, implement, and monitor evidence-based early childhood curricula and instructional frameworks across all program levels.
- Conduct regular classroom observations, provide instructional coaching, and support continuous improvement for early childhood teachers and staff.
- Collaborate with K–5 building principals and instructional coaches to align early childhood programming with elementary curriculum, assessment, and transition practices.
- Support the development and implementation of vertical alignment tools, transition plans, and shared professional development for early childhood and elementary staff.
- Collaborate with the principal to develop program budgets for early childhood operations, including childcare, grant-funded programs, and pre-kindergarten.
- Support procurement, contract management, and vendor relationships related to early childhood programming.
- Coach and support early childhood program coordinators, site directors, lead teachers, and other early childhood support staff.
- Implement training, performance evaluations, and professional development plans for early childhood staff in alignment with district goals.
- Oversee enrollment, scheduling, and program capacity for all early childhood sites.
- Communicate regularly and effectively with families regarding program expectations, child progress, and available supports.
- Coordinate family engagement activities and community partnerships that strengthen early childhood program quality.
- Lead the development of long-range plans for early childhood program expansion, facility needs, and workforce development.
- Participate in districtwide planning, ensuring early childhood programs are integrated into the district's broader educational mission.
- Serve as the district liaison for childcare licensing agencies, state early childhood offices, and relevant community organizations.
- Foster a program culture defined by high expectations, professional collaboration, and a commitment to each child's wellbeing and growth.
- Other duties as assigned by the building principal.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- Deep knowledge of infant, toddler, preschool, and early elementary child development and learning.
- Ability to lead, coach, and supervise diverse early childhood and instructional staff across multiple program types.
- Strong decision-making and critical-thinking skills, including the ability to respond effectively to regulatory and compliance requirements.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and programs simultaneously, including childcare, preschool, and K–5 alignment efforts.
- Effective collaboration with families, community partners, and district leadership to support whole-child outcomes.
- Commitment to creating safe, nurturing, and high-quality learning environments for children from birth through grade 5.
- Knowledge of school safety, emergency preparedness, and licensing health and safety requirements for early childhood settings.
- Cultural competency and a commitment to equity in early childhood programming and access.
Work Schedule & Duration:
Full-time, salary position.
Physical Requirements:
On-site, early childhood and K–12 school environment. Frequent standing, walking, bending, and lifting (may be required to assist students/staff physically, including young children).
Terms of Employment:
Salary and benefits shall be paid consistent with the District's approved compensation plan. Length of the work year and hours of employment shall be those established by the District.
Evaluation:
Performance of this job will be evaluated by the Principal in accordance with provisions of the Board's policy on evaluation of personnel.
D
Detroit Academy of Arts & Sciences