Center Director (Childcare)

When you are part of our team, you do work that matters! Joining the Luthercare for Kids team can be a rewarding career choice for individuals who are passionate about building a strong foundation for children and guiding them socially, emotionally, and academically.

We’re currently seeking a Center Director to work alongside our Luthercare for Kids — Annville Early Learning Center. This is a dayshift, exempt, full-time position with occasional evenings and weekends as needed.

We believe that a happy and fulfilled team is key to providing the best possible care, which is why we offer a variety of benefits that promote work-life balance. As a team member, you receive competitive pay and a fantastic benefits package that includes health/dental/vision insurance, a 403(b) retirement plan with a 4% company contribution, a virtual health system benefit , and a daily pay option to ensure that you have access to your hard-earned wages when you need them. We also offer generous paid time off; discounts to our Luthercare for Kids childcare centers; access to the Fitness Center/indoor pool at Luther Acres, a Luthercare senior living community in Lititz community; and opportunities for career growth, advancement, and continuing education.

WHAT YOU DO:

As the Center Director with Luthercare for Kids, you’re an integral part of nurturing children and providing a firm foundation for their academic and social growth. You’ll do this in several ways, which include:

1. Operate and manage the program in compliance with Department of Human Services (DHS) regulations, including but not limited to, health and safety standards, staffing, enrollment, record-keeping, and annual inspections. Ensure the program meets quality standards established by Luthercare for Kids, providing a safe and supportive environment for learning and development at all times.
2. Operate the center within budgetary guidelines and assist with the formation of an annual budget.
3. Supervise team members, schedule staff in accordance with regulatory requirements, and hire and discipline staff as necessary.
4. Establish and maintain positive, professional relationships with children, adult clients, team members, volunteers and community partners.
5. Oversee the maintenance of the building and grounds, including janitorial services. Ensure proper sanitation throughout the site, with a focus on food preparation and food service areas.
6. Use a variety of computer-based programs and reporting functions as part of the daily operations of the center including, but not limited to, billing, accounting, financial reports, payroll, marketing, children’s programming and assessment, children’s records, staff records, and web-based learning.
7. Handle essential marketing activities both internally and externally to build and maintain program enrollment, including activities in the evenings and weekends. Ensure the center is maintained for marketing activities. Manage enrollment procedures for new families and children.
8. Supporting staff development through team meetings, regular observation and feedback, training, and annual performance reviews. Ensuring proper orientation for new team members and anyone in direct contact with children.
9. Maintain the standards set forth by grant initiatives being implemented by the center.

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:

1. Current PA Driver's License.
2. Center Directors must meet one (1) of the following criteria:
3. An associate’s degree from an accredited college or university in early childhood education, child development, special education, elementary education or the human services field and three (3) years of experience with children.
4. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college in early childhood education, child development, special education, elementary education, or human services and one (1) year experience with children; or a bachelor’s degree with thirty (30) credit hours in the aforementioned areas of study and two (2) years' experience with children is required for this position.
5. A bachelor’s degree in early childhood education with completed PA Director’s Credential or (9) credit hours in administration/leadership training is preferred for this position.

ESSENTIAL JOB-RELATED EXPERIENCE/ABILITIES:

1. Ability to lift/push and pull up to thirty (30) lbs. frequently
2. Ability to communicate effectively in English in both written and spoken means to clients.
3. Two (2) years' experience providing for the care and development of children.
4. Demonstrated knowledge of physical, social, and emotional needs of children and of learning experiences which promote social integration, socialization, and learning readiness.
5. Two (2) years' experience working with the rules, regulations, and established practices of day care for children.
6. Demonstrated knowledge of using Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, web-based learning platforms and other forms of electronic communication, record management, and documentation.
7. Ability to work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner.

EXPOSURE TO HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS:

1. Exposure to blood/body fluids is occasional.
2. Exposure to hazardous gas/chemical fumes is seldom.

PREFERRED JOB-RELATED EXPERIENCE:

1. Demonstrated knowledge of basic principles of nutrition, food preparation, and sanitation.
2. Demonstrated knowledge of EZCare, ProCare, or other compatible billing software.
3. Experience with implementing the Creative Curriculum and GOLD assessment system.
4. Experience with the National Association for the Education of Young Children accreditation process and the Keystone Stars Quality Initiative.
5. Experience mentoring, coaching or teaching adult learners.

ABOUT LUTHERCARE FOR KIDS: 

Luthercare for Kids is part of Luthercare, a Lutheran social ministry organization with a long history of providing senior care services, early learning programs, and childcare services in Lancaster and Lebanon counties. Luthercare for Kids has two early learning centers located in Reamstown and Annville. Our experienced teaching staff support children within a safe and secure environment, bringing peace of mind to those who need our care and services. We offer individualized care and education for kids of all ages – from 6 weeks through school-age children. In addition to full-day childcare, we offer before- and after-school care, kindergarten wrap-around care, and summer camp.

If this sounds like an organization you would like to be a part of, we invite you to apply today!

We are an equal opportunity employer. Luthercare is committed to providing a drug-free, tobacco-free, healthy, safe workplace for all team members.