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  • Early Learning Center Director

    Posted: 01/16/2025

    The Sauk Prairie School District is pleased to announce an extraordinary opportunity for an energetic, organized, experienced, and inspiring leader of early childhood education, as the Sauk Prairie Early Learning Center Director.  The Sauk Prairie Early Learning Center is a year-round program providing early care and education to children ages birth - 5 with an enrollment capacity of 168. (Enrollment capacity impacts the education requirements for this position). The ideal candidate is responsible for the overall management and administration of the childcare center. This role includes overseeing daily operations, and enrollment, ensuring compliance with Wisconsin group child care rules and regulations, obtaining and sustaining a high-quality YoungStar rating,  fostering a safe and nurturing environment, managing staff, and creating developmentally appropriate educational programs. The Director acts as the face of the center, building strong relationships with families, staff, and the community. The Early Learning Center Director reports to the Community Education Director and Superintendent. The Childcare Center is currently being constructed in Culver Community Park in Prairie du Sac.  The Director will have approximately six months to prepare for opening.

    Learn more about the new childcare center and view renderings of the building here: https://www.saukprairieschools.org/o/spsd/page/childcare-center

     

    Key Responsibilities:

    • Ensure compliance with all state and local licensing regulations, and YoungStar requirements.
    • Develop, implement, and oversee written family and staff policies, procedures, and operational practices.
    • Manage center budgets, including tuition collection, payroll, and expense management in partnership with the Business Office of the Sauk Prairie School District.
    • Recruit, hire, train, and retain highly qualified childcare staff.
    • Schedule and supervise staff to ensure proper child-to-staff ratios are maintained.
    • Conduct regular staff evaluations and provide ongoing professional development opportunities.
    • Foster a positive work environment that supports teamwork and staff well-being.
    • Enroll, provide family tours, market the program
    • Oversee the implementation of a DAP curriculum and assessment aligned with Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards  and the use of practices that meet the individual needs of children and families. 
    • Monitor and assess program effectiveness, making adjustments to meet the developmental needs of children.
    • Promote a culture of inclusivity, fostering an environment that embraces diversity and equity.
    • Partner with the District’s school-based afterschool care manager to ensure consistency of programming.
    • Coordinate with teachers and staff involved in the District’s school-based 4K wrap-around child care program.
    • Build strong, trusting relationships with families, serving as the primary point of contact for questions, concerns, and feedback.
    • Represent the center in the community, participating in outreach activities
    • Develop and implement emergency preparedness plans and procedures.
    • Address and resolve conflicts or incidents promptly and effectively.

    Qualifications:

    • Meet education and training requirements as listed in Wisconsin Group Child Care Rules and Regulations to be the program director of a program for more than 51 children. 
    • Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
    • Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in early childhood education, including at least one year in a supervisory role.
    • Registry Certificate of education qualifications
    • Knowledge of Wisconsin state childcare licensing regulations, and YoungStar processes.
    • Current certification in CPR and First Aid,, Abusive Head Trauma, SIDS Prevention, and in Mandated Reporting of Child Abuse are required (or willing to receive training to be certified).
    • A yearly Criminal Background Check and Caregiver Background Check and one-time fingerprinting will be performed. A TB test and health examination is required not more than 12 months prior to or 30 days after the first day of employment. 

    Salary & Benefits:

    • Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.
    • Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement, paid time off, and professional development support.

    How to Apply:

    Submit your resume, cover letter, and three references to John Lehan via Wecan or Indeed.  Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.