Department Summary
The Fisher Early Learning Center is one of the most distinctive early
childhood learning centers in Colorado. As a part of the Morgridge College of
Education (MCE) at the University of Denver (DU), we are uniquely
positioned to provide a high quality learning environment that is specifically
designed to deliver evidence-based programming for infants, toddlers, and
preschool-aged children and their families, as well as a model program that
supports the growth of early childhood professionals. Fisher is an inclusive
setting that values diversity, professional development and collaboration
across the early childhood ecosystem.
Position Summary
The Director of Fisher Early Learning Center will lead the implementation of
the mission and goals of the Center. The Director will create and maintain an
environment that supports the overall education and well-being of enrolled
children, supervise and support teachers and staff, and lead a variety of
constituent groups efficiently and effectively. The Center Director is
ultimately responsible for maintaining and advancing the Center's
integrity, success and effectiveness through appropriate and innovative
leadership, management and supervision with the support of MCE leadership.
Essential Functions:
Overall Program Leadership, Management and Supervision
Oversee all educational and administrative aspects of the program from daily
operational management to the Center's long term vision. Ensure adherence to
policies and procedures, coordinate educational and administrative
activities, understand business operations, directly execute or delegate
all necessary duties, and supervise and support all staff members.
Program Leadership
Provide a clear and well-rounded philosophy and vision for the Center that
articulates the current mission of the program and plans to maintain and
advance program goals in the best interest of children, families and staff.
- Demonstrate knowledge of best practices in early childhood general and
special education and integrate those practices in short and long term plans
for and goals of the Center.
- Establish a culture of respect, professionalism, collaboration and
inclusion.
- Lead administrative team on all special projects, including curriculum
development, accreditation and program development.
- Establish and advance Fisher's relationship with the Morgridge College of
Education (MCE) and the University of Denver (DU).
- Collaborate with Dean of MCE and Fisher's Associate Director to evaluate
significant programmatic needs and establish plans to address needs.
Develop strategy and communication around rate and financial aid
- Develop, guide and implement a strategic vision and direction for the
school in collaboration with key staff and stakeholders.
- Identify resources and efficiency opportunities to meet strategic plan and
vision.
- Develop and maintain relationships with stakeholders at various levels to
support the Center's mission.
- Collaborate with Center's Curriculum Specialist to develop program
pedagogy and curriculum, inclusive methodology, developmental best
practices, and professional development.
- Engage in reflective supervision to support individual staff members and
teaching teams in self-evaluation, teaming, collaboration and successful
educational and professional practices.
- Lend leadership assistance to mentor teachers in developing problem-solving
strategies for use with teaching teams and families.
- Coordinate and lead Center committees that include staff in addressing goals
and initiatives for the Center.
- Provide and promote Center's inclusive philosophy and oversee all aspects
of the Fisher Inclusion Team (FIT).
- Report directly to University leadership, starting with the Dean of MCE
and up to the Offices of the Provost and Chancellor
- Participate as a member of the Morgridge College of Education and
collaborate with Fisher's Fac lty Liaison from MCE to support the Center's
inclusive philosophy and strategic vision.
- Complete annual performance self-appraisal identifying areas of strength,
areas of growth/improvement and areas of need.
In collaboration with key stakeholders, develop a strategic plan that will
increase funding and support for Fisher priorities.
Program Management
Provide a consistent and stable management presence for the Center.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with all immediate
Fisher, MCE and DU administrative team members (Associate Director,
Enrollment Coordinator, Program Manager, Business Officer) to support
Center's operations and short and long term goals.
- Collaborate with Associate Director to ensure adherence to CO state
licensing regulations, in regards to health and safety policies and
procedures.
- Maintain national accreditation with the National Association for the
Education of Young Children (NAEYC) through annual reporting requirements
and reaccreditation every 5 years.
- Coordinate with various departments at DU to ensure program needs are met
and in alignment with University standards and requirements, including,
but not limited to Human Resources and Inclusive Community, University
Advancement, Athletics and Recreation, Ricks Center for Gifted Children.
- Provide budgetary oversight and identify budgetary needs in collaboration
with MCE's Business Officer. Evaluate and revise budget priorities and
policies.
- Develop and evaluate annual enrollment plan (including Summer Camp),
oversee admissions, financial aid and scholarship policies and procedures
with Center's Enrollment Coordinator.
- Collaborate to support daily and annual program operations, including,