JOB SUMMARY
The core role of the Assistant Director/Curriculum Specialist is to ensure that every aspect of the Amazing Explorers Academy curriculum and all related educational programs are implemented in accordance with AEA corporate standards, for every age group and every classroom, including in our unique STEAM experience area. He or she will supervise the teachers assigned to each classroom and together with the Director help to select, supervise, train and develop teachers for their programs.
This position also assumes full Director duties in their absence and broadly assists the Director with all day-to-day management duties as needed. Therefore, candidates must have, or be willing to develop, a solid knowledge of childcare facility management, early education theory, general business operation skills and financial planning competence. He or she will be responsible for opening and closing of the school at least 50% of the time and may be required at any moment to step into a classroom and take on the teacher role when necessary to maintain appropriate child-teacher ratios. All required training is paid and there is ample room for personal growth and development within the organization.
JOB DUTIES, TASKS, AND KEY RESPONSIBILITIES (GENERAL)
- Demonstrates strong ability to multitask, responding to emails in a timely manner and helping to keep systems and AEA APP up to date while performing other duties
- Shows accountability in all aspects of the operation in absence of the Director
- Works with Director to ensure school compliance with all state-mandated teacher-child ratios; state and municipal statutes and regulations relating to the operation of childcare Schools; state and federal wage and hour laws; and Company policies and procedures.
- Shows evidence of emotional intelligence, always demonstrating good judgment in handling crisis situations
- Shows clear ability to direct, teach, and encourage staff and demonstrates good “people skills” when working with staff, parents or corporate-level management
- Manages day to day operations of the center and maintains supervisory responsibility of all school staff in the absence of the Director
- Supervises staff members, monitoring quality control metrics of all AEA initiatives
- Coaches employees to improve performance
- Promotes a culture of innovation, empowerment and accountability through innovation awards
- Orders all necessary school and classroom supplies on a weekly and/or monthly basis
- Assists in scheduling the staff and ensuring lunch breaks are covered
- Conducts school tours in accordance with AEA guidelines, enters tour information into AEA APP and helps keep family information up to date
- Works with the Director to establish and maintain a safe and healthy learning environment by a) adhering to all Company procedures related to injuries and accidents, b) verbally communicating to students and staff regarding potential hazards or injuries and c) and routinely performing safety audits
- Reports suspected child abuse or neglect to local child protective agencies or child abuse hotlines as required by law
- Documents all incident/accidents reports and advises parents and Directors of situation
- Fosters a positive work environment by modeling appropriate and professional behavior to all team members
- Works directly with children in classrooms, when needed, as part of state-mandated ratios
- Monitors cleanliness of the school which may include cleaning the classroom by sweeping, mopping, and disposing of trash.
- Ensures daily cleaning checklists are conducted and that Academy is always “tour ready”
- May, on occasion, prepare, cook and/or serve meals when necessary
- May, on occasion, be responsible for transporting children as a “van/bus driver”
- Other duties as assigned by the Director and/or owner
CURRICULUM SPECIALIST ROLE
- Spends the majority of their working hours (up to 80% of the time) in the back of the building working, assisting, monitoring, mentoring, and training the teachers
- Analyzes and reviews all all student work including projects, presentations, and performances; assessment results; teacher observation records and checklists
- Assures that teachers are following schedules, lesson plans and utilizing age-appropriate materials and products.
- Prepares and participates in monthly curriculum planning meetings and sessions
- Develops new teaching strategies by analyzing videotaped teacher instruction sessions and using peer observations, reviewing all strategies with the Director
- Identifies domains in which teachers need additional coaching
- Meets on a weekly and monthly basis to review and discuss program philosophy, ensuring correct implementation of the curriculum, framework and guidelines
- Enhances instructional effectiveness and promotes student learning
- Prepares training for new hires on program implementation and proper curriculum instruction along with input from Director and corporate staff
- Oversees the mentoring program as designated by AEA guidelines
- Ensures teachers are consistently arranging classrooms in a manner that is consistent with the children’s development, physical, and emotional levels.
- Ensures child assessments occur on a regular basis in Infant through School Age programs and classrooms
- Ensures parent teacher conferences are held at least twice a year in all classrooms and assessment reports are provided to parents in a timely manner
- Clearly establishes and models suitable child guidance techniques and standards
- Monitors parent and teacher interaction to ensure communication and proactive problem resolution
- Responsible for all aspects of Book Fair
- Assists with all school events including promotion and coordination
- Responsible for summer camp/school holiday activities
CUSTOMER SERVICE & SALES AND MARKETING ROLE
- Builds relationship with the parents
- Updates social media and APP content as outlined by AEA guidelines
- Demonstrates cultural sensitivity in communications with students and families
- Connects directly to community resources for additional support of children and families
- Works with the Director to send parents a monthly newsletter with information about the curriculum, events and information.
- Enters tour and visitor data into the AEA APP
- Conducts and participates in engaging tours with prospective families when Director or administrative assistant is unavailable; conducting follow-up emails and phone calls
- Participates proactively in all community and professional events
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT ROLE
- Understands the financial performance of the school including tuition goals, payroll percentages and other financial KPIs
- Post weekly tuition charges in the absence of the Director
- Responsible for collecting payments
- Reconciles payroll hours/timecards in the absence of the Director
MINIMUM JOB QUALIFICATIONS
- Must meet state licensing requirements for this position
- Must meet all standards and requirements relating to background checks, fingerprinting, education and experience as set by the state and accreditation agent
- Florida Staff Credential (CDA) or state equivalent required
- Director’s Credential preferred or willingness to obtain during employment, in order to be considered for promotions
- High school diploma required
- Preferred: Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development or Curriculum Development or related field
- Must have at least two years of experience in a licensed childcare school with at least one year in a management or supervisory position
- Must be able to communicate, both verbally and in writing, in the English language
- Must meet Company driving standards where applicable.
- Travel approximately 5-20% of the time
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $39,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Monday to Friday
Education:
Work Location: In person