POSITION TITLE | DIRECTOR |
WORKING TITLE | Director-Preschool/Pre-K Programs |
SCHOOL/DEPARTMENT | Office of Early Learning |
LOCATION | Crossroads II, Cary, NC |
PAY GRADE | Director Band 2 |
FLSA STATUS | Exempt |
REPORTS TO | Senior Director-Office of Early Learning |
SUPERVISES | 5 Senior Administrators; 1 Lead Speech Language Pathologist; 1 Social Emotional Foundations of Early Learning (SEFEL) Coordinator; 1 Receptionist-Central Office |
WORK WEEK SCHEDULE | Monday-Friday (occasional evenings and weekends) |
WORK HOURS | Regular business hours |
NUMBER OF MONTHS PER YEAR | 12 |
POSITION PURPOSE:
Develops, administers, and coordinates Title I and Special Education preschool programs in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations including the development of guidelines and procedures for preschool services. Collaborates with the Senior Director to establish and implement a comprehensive plan and goals for all preschool services based on an analysis of program and student performance data.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- Comprehensive knowledge of theory and practice of early childhood;
- Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of state and federal guidelines applicable to Title I, Special Education and NC Pre-K programs;
- Comprehensive knowledge of policies, procedures, programs, plans, and organizational relationships of the entire school system;
- Considerable knowledge of Microsoft Office, specifically, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; Google Apps;
- Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both in oral and written form using a variety of communication techniques and tools to ensure the appropriate flow of information, collaborative efforts, and feedback;
- Ability to independently resolve problems and to perform effectively in complex work situations;
- Ability to develop and implement strategic objectives that improve educational outcomes and align with school system mission and goals;
- Ability to collaborate with and influence others, build trusting relationships and deliver projects on time and within budget;
- Ability to coach and mentor employees;
- Ability to handle highly confidential material;
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with school officials, school administrators, teachers, support staff, outside advocacy groups, community members, parents, and vendors, with an expertise in consensus building.
EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE
- Master’s degree in education, administration, or related area;
- Four years of demonstrated successful teaching experience;
- Two years of administrative experience, including budget planning or management and supervision;
- Experience in preschool education or compliance.
CERTIFICATION AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
- Hold or be eligible for North Carolina Professional Educator's License in a special education teaching area;
- Hold or be eligible to hold a North Carolina Professional Educator’s License for School Administrator-Principal or Curriculum Instructional Specialist;
- Must hold and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator’s license according to the State of NC requirements.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Hold or be eligible for North Carolina Professional Educator's License in administrative license area of Exceptional Children Program Administrator.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Coordinates, supervises, and monitors Pre-K and preschool program development and implementation.
- Develops visions for short and long-term goals for preschool programs.
- Supports the recruitment of students with the greatest need, at risk, or with disabilities who require services.
- Ensures curriculum, assessment, and evidence-based instructional practices in preschool programs aligned with NC Foundations of Early Learning.
- Assists the senior director with the preparation of quarterly budget reports and summary reports, as requested.
- Ensures that special education services and Title I meet legal mandates.
- Collaborates with Wake County Smart Start to comply with NC Pre-K requirements.
- Coordinates and facilitates Pre-K and preschool professional development for departmental staff and school-based staff.
- Participates in the completion of Special Education and Title I required reports and documents for NC Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI).
- Manages and secures resources necessary for successful implementation of preschool programs.
- Collaborates with principals in determining program locations in conjunction with senior administrators.
- Ensures family engagement and family friendly practices in preschool programs.
- Promotes positive school and community relations with agencies, individuals, and groups within the community regarding early education issues.
- Assists central office and school staff in problem solving around individual students.
- Represents the school system on local, state, and national levels.
- Facilitates transportation for children who receive Special Education Services.
- Coordinates the annual assignment of Special Education and Title I Pre-K students.
- Provides assistance to administrators, teachers, and parents regarding implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
- Collaborates with facility planning staff to ensure design and availability of appropriate space/facilities for preschool classrooms.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
Must be able to use a variety of office equipment such as computers, scanners, and copiers. Must be able to communicate effectively. At times requires the ability to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects up to ten pounds. The work requires driving automotive equipment. Due to the amount of time spent standing and/or walking, physical requirements are consistent with those for sedentary work.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The position is required to work in indoor and outdoor environments and come into direct contact with WCPSS staff, students, and the public. Travel is required to schools, central services offices, and other locations within Wake County.
EFFECTIVE DATE: 4/2022
DISCLAIMER: The above statements are intended to describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this position. They are not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and skills that may be required of the employees assigned to this position. This description may be revised by the supervisor, with HR review and approval, at any time.