The University of Delaware Early Learning Center (ELC) is a collaborative learning environment where the ELC, university and community work together to provide early learning experiences to support children, professional educators, and future educators. Each classroom varies to reflect the ages of the children, their unique interests and early learning practices supported through research and practice. The ELC is a nationally accredited program supporting approximately 230 children and their families. The mission is to provide evidence-based and research-based early learning opportunities to the community; train new professionals to serve young children and families and to serve as a model of research-based practices for the field of Early Childhood Education.

Under general supervision of Co-Director, this position directly manages the operations of the school age program and coordinates curriculum initiatives center wide. Position provides ongoing complex administrative and scheduling duties interfacing with the ELC leadership team and staff.

 

• Has primary responsibility for the design and implementation of the School Age Program. The ELC School Age program is a comprehensive, year-round before and after care program for children in kindergarten through grade 2, as well as full days as needed (7am – 6pm) and camp during the summer.
• Plan and implement high quality inclusive school age program that supports the cognitive, physical, and social emotional development of children and are aligned with the goals and philosophy of the Inclusive Early Childhood Program in HDFS. Ensures that program is following health and safety policies of the ELC and DE licensing requirements.
• Plan for and implement high quality curriculum activities related to the 10 standards and objectives present in the NAEYC Accreditation guide. Be ready to support this vision across the center program.
• Develop and manage budget for program to include special trips, transportation, and visitors for school year program and summer camp.
• Direct supervision of school age teacher and miscellaneous wage employees who support school age program.
• Maintain ongoing documentation and assessment (observation and developmentally appropriate tools) of School age children's development and program effectiveness. Use observation, meetings and data to inform instructional practice.
• Participate in IEP meetings and consultations with community therapists to support the unique needs of school age children with diagnosed serviceable disabilities in an inclusive classroom setting.
• Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with campus and community partners
• Serve as a liaison between teachers, parents, elementary schools and the University community.
• Provide technical support for curriculum development and child assessment across all ages utilizing Creative Curriculum, The Heggerty Phonemic Awareness curriculum, Conscious Discipline, Anti-Bias curriculum, Teaching Strategies Gold and other curricular materials.
• Support staff in creating curriculum materials.
• Plan and organize special events/trips/programs center-wide, including logistics, communications and curriculum elements.
• Participate in the recruitment, training and supervision of miscellaneous wage, UD undergraduate hourly staff, interns, and volunteers.
• Perform initial interviews for all miscellaneous wage employees seeking to support classrooms.
• Coordinate orientation and training for all employees supporting children.
• Assist daily in maintenance of ELC schedule, including communicating with staff as needed. Manage daily ELC center schedule when Schedule Coordinator out.
• Maintain parent communication tools and ELC social media presence via wordpress, constant contact and Procare.
• Practice confidentiality in all matters related to staff and families as well as proprietary information regarding the operation of the ELC.
• Maintain communication with Co-Directors to keep her/him informed about overall classroom operations.
• Support classrooms as needed.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

 

• Bachelor's degree in early childhood education or other related discipline, plus three years of experience working with children in a group setting.
• Experience in a University environment and working with families is preferred.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficient or Expert in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.
• Effective time management and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
• Ability to develop and maintain confidential files and records.
• Skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities.
• Demonstrated understanding and consideration of the differing needs and concerns of individuals with varying identities, cultures, and backgrounds.
• Committed to fostering a workplace culture of belonging, where diversity is celebrated, and equity is a core value.

Special Requirements:
• Must comply with State licensing requirements for childcare centers by submitting to a criminal background check and obtaining a current health appraisal, including a negative tuberculosis test.
• Work is in person, 9 am – 6pm, Monday – Friday.