Director of Childcare

Director of Childcare

Work Location:  Clear Creek Metropolitan Recreation District Facilities

Work Days: Varies, Monday-Friday

Work Hours: Varies

Classification: Professional Salaried-Exempt Status

Wage Range: $47,000 – $61,000 (DOE)

The Director of Childcare plays an essential role in overseeing the seamless functioning of the CCMRD Childcare program. This includes supervising and supporting all childcare staff members, maintaining compliance with all licensing requirements, facilitating program planning and development, and upholding the highest standards of care and safety for the children in our program. The Director of Childcare is a key point of contact between parents, guardians, the childcare team, and the broader CCMRD staff, ensuring clear and timely communication. The Director of Childcare guides curriculum and field trip development and implementation  in an effort to inspire a love of the outdoors and a sense of adventure among all program participants and enrollees.  Administratively, the Director of Childcare is also responsible for managing the annual budget, striving for 100% cost recovery of any/all childcare programs, all while supporting effective business operations and team dynamics.  In this essential role, the Director of Childcare plays a vital part in shaping the nurturing environment that CCMRD Childcare offers to families.

GENERAL DUTIES

• Develops and manages a comprehensive program of care for school-age children in structured and unstructured settings, including but not limited to: summer camp, school break camps, toddler time, and before/after school care.
• Plans and implements field trips and other recreational activities for the before/after school program and the annual summer camp that meets the needs of preschool and elementary aged children.
• Ensures compliance with all state licensing requirements and regulations.
• Works in the classroom during summer camp, school holiday camps, toddler time, and before/after school care as needed.
• Stays current with industry knowledge and practices for childcare operations.
• Upholds quality standards for a childcare program that meets the emotional, social, physical, and cognitive needs of each child.
• Maintains daily communication with parents.
• Handles the hiring, onboarding, training, supervision, and evaluation of part-time/full-time childcare staff.
• Develops an outdoors-focused schedule for summer camp, before/after school care, and toddler time, so as to provide ample advance notice for families and staff alike.
• Develops and implements a cost-effective staff schedule, ensuring compliance with all labor laws and childcare regulations/ratios.
• Creates and implements a staff development plan for all childcare staff that includes a minimum of fifteen (15) hours of training each year.
• Maintains fifteen (15) hours of training each year as required by licensing.
• Plans and implements an engaging, educational, safe, inclusive, and fun childcare program by preparing monthly calendars and curriculum.
• Develops, manages, and monitors the annual childcare budget.
• Manages the marketing efforts for childcare programs and offerings, providing timely information for the newsletter, social media, and other promotional materials.
• Manages all enrollment and registration activities, including the promotion and utilization of the Colorado Childcare Assistance Program.
• Contributes to organizational visioning, problem solving, and continuous improvement.
• Represents CCMRD and promotes CCMRD Childcare and other offerings by attending community events.
• Ensures that all required and appropriate records such as attendance, time sheets, and children’s personal records are kept secure and that confidentiality is maintained.
• Maintains confidentiality of childcare participants and their families.
• Reports any suspected abuse to Human Services.
• Works in partnership with the Assistant Director of Childcare to operate a successful, cost effective/profitable childcare program.
• Contributes to manager on duty (MOD) shifts if able.
• Other duties as assigned.

SPAN OF SUPERVISION

Reports to the General Manager
Supervises Childcare Staff (Assistant Director of Childcare, leads, aides, and camp counselors)

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

• The Childcare Director must have verifiable education and/or training in childcare, specifically with school aged children.
• The Childcare Director must have completed at least one of the following:
• A 4-year college degree with a major such as recreation, education with a specialty in art, elementary or early childhood education, or a subject in the human service field.
• Two years of college training and six months of satisfactory and verifiable full-time or equivalent part-time, paid or volunteer experience, since attaining the age of 18, in the care and supervision of 4 or more children.
• Three years of satisfactory and verifiable full-time or equivalent part-time, paid or volunteer experience since attaining the age of 18, in the care and supervision of 4 or more children. Must have completed 6 semester hours, 9 quarter hours, or 40 clock hours in training in course work applicable to school-age children within the first 9 months of employment.
• Must possess and keep current a Colorado State Director’s Certificate.
• Must have a passion and concern for children, their proper care and well-being and experience working with them.
• Must be competent and current in state childcare regulations, procedures, policies and best practices.
• Must possess knowledge and aptitude with computers and computer software.
• A valid Colorado Driver’s License is required.
• Must receive clearance from the Central Registry of Child Protection.
• Must receive clearance from the Colorado Bureau of Investigations.
• Must receive clearance from the TRAILS Child Abuse & Neglect Department.
• Current CPR/First Aid certifications.
• Appreciation for the natural world and desire to share that love with children.
• Enthusiasm for outdoor play, exploration, and learning in all weather conditions.
• Ability to design and implement engaging outdoor activities that foster children’s curiosity, creativity, and connection to nature/place (Clear Creek County and the surrounding area).

PHYSICAL & MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must have the ability to maintain precision, alertness, judgment, reasoning, patience, and imagination.
• Position requires attention to detail, often in a busy, office environment where noise and interruptions prevail.
• May be required to occasionally assist in stacking and lifting to a maximum of 50 pounds.
• Must be able to work as a team member in a diverse work environment.