Director of Children's Programs
20 days ago
Atlanta
Job Description Job Description Position Summary The Director of Child Development Programs (CDP) provides strategic and compassionate leadership to ensure the delivery of high-quality, inclusive early childhood education at the Frazer Center. This role champions the rights of all children, including those with disabilities to learn, grow, and thrive in an environment of dignity, belonging, and respect. The Director oversees all operations, staff, and compliance for the CDP, ensuring excellence in teaching, regulatory adherence of Quality Rated Child Development Center, and family engagement while fostering an inclusive culture that reflects the mission and values of the Frazer Center. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: • Demonstrate an unwavering commitment to Frazer's mission, values, and philosophy of inclusion and person-centered practices., • Provide visionary leadership to ensure that the CDP is structured, staffed, and equipped to prepare every child of all abilities for school success., • Oversee daily operations, maintaining a nurturing and developmentally appropriate environment and curricula that support the individual needs of each child., • Collaborate with the Early Intervention (EI) team in the development, implementation, and evaluation of inclusive education strategies., • Along the EI team, coordinate with therapists, special educators, and service providers to ensure smooth transitions and continuity of care, including Pre-K and special education transitions., • Ensure ongoing compliance with Bright from the Start: Georgia DECAL licensing, Quality Rated status, and all local, state, and federal requirements., • Maintain working knowledge of IDEA, inclusive early education practices, and Pre-K transition procedures., • Oversee the accreditation and licensing renewal process in collaboration with the CDP administrative team., • Regularly review and update CDP policies, procedures, and documentation to ensure compliance, clarity, and consistency., • Partner with the CEO and HR to ensure all staff meet DECAL training, background check, and credentialing requirements., • Supervise and support the CDP administrative team and teaching staff with a focus on empowerment, accountability, and professional growth., • Manage weekly staff coverage, approve time off requests, and coordinate substitutes as needed., • Approve timesheets in accordance with the payroll schedule., • Collaborate with HR to recruit, interview, and hire qualified early childhood professionals., • Conduct orientation and ongoing training for all new CDP staff, ensuring alignment with DECAL and Frazer's Onboarding and Training Guides., • Conduct regular staff meetings, providing clear agendas, meeting minutes, and action plans., • Oversee evaluations, reviews, and annual performance reviews in collaboration with the CDP admin team., • Develop and implement individualized Staff Development Plans that promote reflective practice, continuous improvement, and inclusive teaching strategies., • Foster strong, compassionate, and collaborative relationships among CDP staff, families, and community partners., • Serve as a liaison to the Parent-Teacher Advisory Council (PTAC), supporting effective communication and inclusive engagement., • Collaborate with the CEO and Vice President of Finance to develop and manage the CDP annual budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility and alignment with program goals., • Contribute to strategic planning and program expansion efforts in partnership with the CEO and leadership team., • Support fundraising and community outreach initiatives that promote and sustain the CDP's mission. PHYSICAL FUNCTIONS: • Must be able to lift, push, and pull a minimum of 50 pounds., • Ability to reach, bend, kneel, and stand for extended periods of time., • Ability to sit on the floor or in child-sized chairs as required in classroom settings ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS: Reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer and collaborates closely with the CDP administrative team, Frazer's leadership team, and external partners to ensure program excellence and alignment with organizational goals. EXPERIENCE AND/OR EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS: • Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field required; Master's degree preferred., • Minimum three years of early childhood classroom teaching experience., • Minimum three years of management or administrative experience in an early learning or inclusive education setting., • Knowledge of DECAL licensing, Quality Rated requirements, Georgia Pre-K requirements, and NAEYC accreditation standards., • Demonstrated expertise in inclusive practices, special education, early intervention, and family-centered programming is preferred., • Experience in fiscal management, grant oversight, and program planning preferred., • Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills that foster collaboration and inclusion., • Current CPR and First Aid Certification.