Cub House Director

Job Description:

Blake is seeking an experienced early childhood teacher/childcare provider skilled at leading a team and in creating an environment where children feel known. The director will bring expertise in developing and implementing policies and procedures associated with a well run child care center. They will also bring a passion for developing and implementing a progressive emergent curriculum designed for children ages three months to four years old (Reggio-inspired experience preferred). 

The director works side by side with their team each day providing direct care and early childhood development for the children in a cozy, nurturing and responsive setting. The Cub House is well staffed, which enables the director to step away for some time most afternoons to do administrative or curricular work in their office. The director will have a demonstrated strength in hiring and developing teachers and building a team people want to be on. They will be an excellent listener and possess strong oral and written communication skills. The Director will excel at developing and sustaining processes, ensuring compliance with licensing requirements and keeping current with best practices in early childhood education.  For more details about the role, please click here.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

Curriculum and Childhood Development:

• Develop and implement a progressive Reggio-inspired emergent curriculum designed for children ages three months to four years old
• Monitor and support the physical, cognitive, social and emotional well-being of the children
• Use observation, anecdotal record keeping and documentation to assess the children’s growth and understanding
• Design and modify curriculum in response to the children’s interests and needs
• Use a broad range of materials in designing the children’s learning experiences and creating and maintaining an organized, aesthetically pleasing environment

Safety and Compliance:

• Identify and resolve any safety concerns
• Maintain licensing requirements for the center

Leadership:

• Oversee the daily childcare operation including assigning teacher roles and responsibilities, building schedules and developing routines
• Communicate effectively and frequently with families
• Hire, supervise and provide professional development for Cub House teachers
• Hire and arrange for substitute teachers as needed
• Work collaboratively with the director of business and finance on application process, enrollment decisions and payment arrangements
• Manage the childcare program budget

Experience and Skills:

Minimum Qualifications Required

• Associate degree with significant experience or bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in child development, elementary or early childhood education
• Experience working with children aged three months to four years
• Ability to work with children, families and colleagues from diverse backgrounds
• Commitment to equity, pluralism and professional development
• Collaborative working style, flexibility, confidence and a sense of humor
• Experience with progressive, constructivist early childhood models
• Effective management, oral and written communication skills
• Proven ability to effectively monitor and adjust to ever-changing priorities in order to meet children’s needs
• Flexible schedule to accommodate administrative tasks outside the hours providing care to children

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience operating a childcare program and supervising others
• Child Development Associate credential

Working Conditions and Essential Physical Requirements

Work environment will frequently be busy and occasionally noisy with a number of activities and situations happening at once, requiring the attention and supervision of the children at all times. A portion of each day may be spent outside.

Position involves much lifting, bending, squatting, reaching and pushing. Must be able to lift and carry 50 pounds. Must be able to get up from and down to the floor numerous times throughout the day. Will need to be able to react quickly to certain situations.

Compensation

The expected salary for this role is in the $65,000 - $75,000 range, commensurate with experience and qualifications. 

The Blake School is a pre-kindergarten through grade 12, co-educational, nonsectarian, independent day school enrolling 1,331 bright, talented students from nearly 56 Twin Cities-area communities. Founded in 1900, The Blake School has the advantage of facilities and campuses designed for specific developmental ages. Blake’s mission is to engage students with a dynamic, academically challenging education in a diverse and supportive community committed to pluralism and a common set of values. Students pursue an integrated program of academic, artistic and athletic activities, preparing for college, lifelong learning and purposeful lives as community and global citizens. The school community is also guided by its Commitment to Pluralism and core values.

The Blake School believes that a diverse society enriches all individuals and communities. Diversity of race, ethnicity, national origin, geography, religion, gender, affectional or sexual orientation, age, physical ability, and marital, parental or economic status forms the fabric of our society. As a result of these beliefs, The Blake School actively seeks students, families and employees who value and contribute to the fullness of a diverse community within the context of its mission. In doing so, we recognize our responsibility to help make each person's experience a success. EOE