Program Manager

Position Summary:

The Early Care and Education Program Manager performs professional services work of a managerial nature in planning, coordinating, directing, and evaluating the early care and education programs and supervising/monitoring program services in assigned program options. Serve as the education content area expert for assigned sites/programs. Responsibilities include but are not limited to implementing Agency programs, policies and systems; assessing services and operations; and ensuring compliance with established performance standards and other federal, state, and Agency rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Plan, organize, coordinate, oversee, and evaluate program operations to ensure consistent implementation of program and services.
2. Review and analyze Agency programs, policies, and procedures and recommends changes to correct identified problem areas and continually improve effectiveness and efficiency of program operations.
3. Assign, coordinate, direct, review, evaluate, and/or monitor the work of assigned program staff/partners and volunteers to ensure established program goals and objectives are attained.
4. Review and assess service delivery, enhancement of partnerships with families, home visit and parent conference scheduling, and case management to ensure compliance with federal and state licensing requirements and Agency procedures.
5. Work with content area experts to ensure the delivery of all services defined within the Operations/Disabilities Service Plans and in partnership with parents, and to support regular communication that ensures quality service delivery within required timeframes.
6. Facilitate the development and implementation of inter-Agency agreements with community partners to ensure meeting agreement requirements.
7. Promote the positive growth of staff, parents and volunteers by offering opportunities for new learning and supporting professional development.
8. Act as Chairperson of Employee Selection Committees to ensure compliance with Agency personnel policies in the screening, interviewing, and hiring of new program staff.
9. Represent the Agency at and/or facilitates community boards, meetings, and committees to gather and share information, coordinate services, and enhance partnerships.
10. Provide leadership in the development, implementation, and fostering of transition plans/activities for children and families within the Agency and in collaboration with public school personnel to ensure smooth transition.
11. Ensure cleanliness and sanitation of facilities and safety of personnel, partners and visitors to meet licensing requirements and Agency policies.
12. Support full implementation of the Agency?s designated research based classroom curriculum and other adopted models that support curriculum implementation.

Non-Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Perform all other related tasks as necessary and appropriate.

To maintain a commitment to professionalism:

1. Join the Maine Roads to Quality Registry.
2. Possess or apply for an Education Technician Certification from the Maine Department of Education within 30 days of employment, as applicable.
3. Attend meetings, staff pre and in service trainings, and other trainings, as required.
4. Provide leadership and maintain effective working relationships with staff, families, consultants and the general public.
5. Practice reliability and dependability and maintain a professional attitude in all aspects of employment, as outlined in the Agency?s Operation Plan and the Code of Conduct.
6. Maintain accurate organized paperwork as defined by policy and procedure.
7. Engage in ongoing staff development to improve personal and professional skills.
8. Maintain current Classroom Assessment Scoring System certification.

General Expectations:

1. Promote and commit to the philosophy and mission of SKCDC.
2. Adhere to attendance requirements.
3. Work in harmonious relationships with all employees, applicants, co-workers, management, clients, community partners and visitors.
4. Maintain confidentiality and protect the Agency by keeping information concerning clients, employees and the Agency itself confidential.
5. Client-Centered Focus: Conduct that demonstrates commitment to providing excellent service to recipients of SKCDC services.
6. Personal and Professional Conduct: Actions characterize high ethical and moral standards and behavior towards others at work and that portray the organization in a positive and professional manner.
7. Teamwork: Conduct through which working relationships are effectively established and continuously improved.
8. Initiative/Creativity: Conduct demonstrating originality and imagination to identify new, efficient, useful methods or improvements to implement SKCDC philosophy.
9. Technology: Use technology effectively, as appropriate to the position.
10. Comply with human resource laws, policies, procedures, and practices.

Physical Requirements:

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by the Incumbent to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; repetitively use hands to finger, handle, or feel, including operation of a standard computer keyboard; reach with hands and arms and talk, see and hear; and lift and carry up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those the incumbent encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work is performed primarily in office settings, including visits to SKCDC locations. Noise level is moderate. Frequent in state travel by car, and occasional out of state travel.

Qualifications Needed for Position:

Experience and Skill Requirements: The following experience and skills are considered essential:

1. Minimum of two (2) years paid experience in early care and education.
2. Minimum of three (3) years of supervisory experience that includes an increase in responsibility and number of direct reports over time.
3. Cross-training in human/family services preferred.
4. Ability to direct, oversee, monitor and evaluate the work of others.
5. Ability to collect and analyze information, reach logical conclusions and make sound decisions and recommendations.
6. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
7. Ability to participate fully in the planning, development, oversight, monitoring and evaluation of Agency programs.
8. Ability to implement program policies, goals and objectives at the program option level.
9. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
10. Possesses or applies for an Education Technician Certification from the Maine Department of Education within 30 days of employment, as applicable.
11. Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws, rules, regulations and licensing requirements.
12. Knowledge of Agency programs, policies, procedures, and guidelines.
13. Knowledge of child development theory and principles; and family dynamics.
14. Knowledge of staff development theories and principles.
15. Knowledge of modern management theory, principles, and practices.
16. Must have knowledge of computer applications relative to the software utilized by the Agency and a general knowledge of computer functions.
17. Must possess a valid Maine driver?s license with a good driving record and must have an adequately insured vehicle, if conducting Agency business.

Minimum Education Requirements: The following education requirements are considered essential:

1. Bachelor?s degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or related degree including college credits and/or experience in special education.