JOB DESCRIPTION:

Responsible for ensuring the implementation of high quality preschool programs and compliance of the Great Start Readiness Program across Ionia County Intermediate School District (ICISD) programs through regular, ongoing classroom support to GSRP classroom staff and oversee services to the community for evidence-based practices in early childhood.

Qualifications:

·  Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, social work, or child development.

·  Administrative certification

·  At least five years of successful experience operating early childhood programs; including work facilitating the great start collaborative network.

·  Positive, proactive, collaborative, and energetic management style. Exceptional organizational, leadership and interpersonal skills.

·  Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

·  Previous extensive and successful grant writing experience.

·  Ability to work on multiple projects and maintain proactive communication with stakeholders.

·  Knowledge of early childhood programs, related services (i.e. health, dental/oral health, mental health, human services, etc.) and financing.

·  Experience in strategic planning, data integration & analysis, community needs assessment, grant writing, contract management, resource & fund development, community outreach, marketing, philanthropy, and other community-wide initiatives is preferred.

·  Experience in media relations and communication preferred. Demonstration of technological proficiencies with Microsoft Word, Excel, Google mail, social media.

·  The ability to deal with issues in a fair manner, treat diverse populations and personalities with dignity and respect; act in a highly ethical manner.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

·  Help create, facilitate, and improve the ICISD’s vision for early childhood education (GSRP).

·  Provide leadership for all general education preschool services managed, coordinated and supported by ICISD including Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP).

·  Provide ongoing support and leadership related to best practices and current research for early childhood instruction, programs, and parenting education. This includes working with general education and special education staff to develop, organize, implement, and monitor quality research-based instructional support for increased student success.

·  Possess a solid knowledge of state and federal laws, statutes, regulations, and policies affecting students, teachers, parents, and partnering agencies and stakeholders.

·  Manage all contractual and administrative requirements of the preschool programs by ICISD. Including: program quality, grant management, data collection and assessment, completion of all state and federal reports, and quality improvement and assurance.

·  Develop and manage budgets for the department and grants. Prepare periodic and/or yearly reports including for federal, state, and ICISD audits.

·  Act as a liaison between ICISD and constituent agencies.

·  Facilitate standard based learning opportunities for preschool staff.

·  As the Early Childhood Contact, serve as the ICISD representative on the Early Childhood Administrator Network.

·  Recruit community-based partners to increase investment in early childhood initiatives.

·  Organize, provide, and evaluate professional learning opportunities for the early childhood community.

·  Evaluates performance and effectiveness of programs and staff in relationship to system needs and vision.

·  Supervise all ICISD employees and contractors directly assigned to supporting GSRP and other preschool programs administered by the district.

·  Works with staff to create effective learning environments.

·  Willingness to work outside of regular work hours as needed for special events, professional development sessions, open houses, etc.

·  Coordinate fundraising opportunities.

·  Participate and function as a member of the ICISD administrative team.

·  Manage Great Start Readiness Program grant responsibilities and requirements. Prepare and submit all plans, applications, reports, needs assessment and evaluation data required by funding sources. Maintain appropriate records.

·  Demonstrate knowledge of the Early Childhood Standards of Quality for Pre-Kindergarten.

·  Demonstrate knowledge and expertise of child development, preschool curricula, child assessment and screening tools, adult learning styles, cultural diversity, county-wide early childhood programs and quality improvement.

·  Assist with curriculum and assessment planning and implementation which includes written and verbal feedback to program staff throughout the year to promote program improvement.

·  Plan and deliver early childhood professional development and training experiences for teachers and teacher assistants working in GSRP programs.

·  Serve as liaison between the ICISD, local school districts and early childhood community stakeholders.

·  Collaborate with Great Start to Quality Resource Center staff as it relates to the work of supporting GSRP classroom staff to comply with State guidelines.

·  Participate in coordinated Joint Recruitment effort to recruit and enroll children in preschool.

·  Collaborate with supervisor of Birth to Five and Early Intervention.

SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Responsible for supervision and evaluation of parent liaisons, monitoring classroom teachers and teacher assistants. Will carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with ICISD’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include recruiting, interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; evaluating performance; rewarding and disciplining employees addressing complaints and resolving problems.

PHYSICAL DEMAND AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

While performing the duties of this job, the contractor is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, talk, see, and hear. The contractor is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and reach with hands and arms. The contractor may occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Frequent travel and/or driving to various off-site locations is required. Noise levels are typically low to moderate.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

Year round

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

Approved By: ______Date: ______

Received and Agreed By:

______Date:______

Employee