Christopher House is a catalyst for strengthening and empowering low-income children and their families. Our integrated web of support services helps build thriving families by equipping them with the tools they need to become self-sufficient and progress in their social, emotional, educational and economic development. We place a high value on program excellence. Our programs are dynamic and innovative and we lead the field in having measurable outcomes that we reach and exceed. Each employee plays an important role in creating an environment where children and families feel safe, valued and respected. Our culture encourages personal growth. This helps children and families become happy and healthy, and communities to become stronger.

Responsibilities: Manage the operations of a child care center with programs for At Risk, Low Income children (State Pre-K, Head Start, Pre-School, Infants and Toddlers, etc.), and is accountable for all areas of Early Childhood Development Services programs, and support services such as food, maintenance and administrative services, at the site. Participate in budget development, implementation and balance. Manage the Teaching and Support Staff.

Implement, integrate and manage all program components offered at the site, including those in Enrollment, Medical, Disabilities, Parent Involvement, Social Service, Nutrition and Education, etc. Recommend program changes to the Director, ECDS and Associate Director of ECDS. Meet the needs of children enrolled in the respective programs, (exp. State Pre-K, Head Start, etc.) and ensure implementation of either City or Federal regulations that apply to programs, following the appropriate guidelines. Full implementation of COPA system for tracking of Head Start children in place at site. Prepare reports accurately and in a timely manner for the ECDS Management Team, CH Fiscal Department and all regulating and funding sources. Supervise the maintenance of the facility and program equipment, in order to meet licensing requirements.

Develop and recommend an annual budget to the Director of ECDS, including all expenses and fundraising. Ensure that full payments are received from funding sources and timely follow up occurs to ensure this. Collect and keep accurate track of family co-payments through the internal Pro-Care system. Develop an effective recruitment plan based on the community assessment at site level. Fully implement recruitment plan in order to achieve full enrollment and develop an extensive waiting list in order to ensure compliance with budget.

Recommend procedural and policy changes to the Director, ECDS and Associate Director of Operations. Ensure compliance with all licensing and funding source standards. Maintain effective working relationships with the Chicago Department of Children and Youth Services (Head Start) and the Community Partnership Program (State Pre-Kindergarten Program) representatives and other delegates of principle funding agencies. Ensure achievement of certifications for the site, N.A.E.Y.C. Accreditation, City and State Licenses.

Lead needed recruitment, interviewing and hiring in collaboration with the Manager of HR, Associate Director of ECDS and Associate Director of Parent Involvement. Complete and track the annual performance management process for staff at the site. Identify opportunities for skills and knowledge enhancement for staff to the appropriate ECDS Management Team. Create individualized development plans for staff. Manage volunteer activities at the site. Assist in planning and implementation of the semi-annual ECDS In-service training. Evaluate classroom programs, with the Associate Director of Education and Curriculum and the Associate Director of Training and Development. Coordinate the staff schedule to ensure proactive coverage of classroom and other staffing needs. Conduct monthly staff and parent meetings. Participate in monthly ECDS Department meetings and Site Director meetings. Participate in meetings and trainings provided by funders, such as CDCYS and Pre-K (sub-contract) as offered.

Assist in agency fundraising, donor relations, special events and public relations activities in coordination with the agency’s development office. Act as a liaison between Christopher House and licensing representatives, community agencies and community members. Maintain an effective outreach to the community and maximize enrollments.

Assists Program Director, ECDS in the ongoing process of assuring the highest quality programming and best practices as well as NAEYC Accreditation and reaccreditation processes occurs at each appropriate site.

Ensures completion of the NAEYC components on relationships, curriculum, teaching, assessment of child progress, health, teachers, families, community relationships, physical environment, and leadership and management. Ensure that all findings in each component area are addressed and resolved in a timely manner.

Christopher House is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

A minimum of three years of supervisory experience related to a childhood education center or school. Excellent knowledge of computers is required including Microsoft Word and Excel programs. Experience in preparing and implementing budgets is required. Food and Sanitation Certificate, First Aid and CPR certifications required. Type 04 Certification is preferred. All licensing requirements for Child Care Directors are required. Prior experience working with government funding agencies preferred.

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field is required with at least 21 semester hours in Early Childhood Education and 9 semester hours in leadership, management or administration. If a candidate does not have 21 semester hours in Early Childhood Education, the employee must have 18 semester hours and be enrolled in school to reach the additional 3 semester hours. The employee must sign a contract to obtain this requirement within one semester from hire date. In addition, if a candidate does not have 9 semester hours in leadership, management or administration, the employee must sign contract to obtain this requirement within 1 year of employment via continuous enrollment in school. A Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, or a related discipline is preferred. Illinois Director Credential is a plus.

Send cover letter & resume to:
Christopher House
Jennifer Kushto
4701 N Winthrop
Chicago, IL 60640
Fax: 773-769-6362
Email: Jkushto@christopherhouse.org