The Daycare Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the daycare center, ensuring that the facility is operating in compliance with New York State regulations and providing a safe, nurturing environment for children. This role involves managing staff, ensuring quality care and education, maintaining administrative records, and liaising with parents and regulatory bodies.
Key Responsibilities:
Leadership and Staff Management:
Supervise, mentor, and evaluate daycare teachers, aides, and support staff to ensure a high level of performance and professionalism.
Recruit, hire, and train new staff, ensuring all employees meet New York State certification and licensing requirements.
Develop staff schedules and manage daily staffing needs to ensure appropriate child-to-staff ratios.
Foster a positive, collaborative work environment and address any personnel issues in a timely and constructive manner.
Program Development:
Oversee the creation and implementation of developmentally appropriate curricula and activities that promote the intellectual, physical, and emotional development of children.
Ensure lesson plans and activities align with New York State early childhood education standards and best practices.
Monitor and assess program effectiveness, making improvements as necessary.
Regulatory Compliance and Safety:
Ensure compliance with all New York State licensing regulations, health and safety standards, and childcare laws.
Maintain accurate and up-to-date records, including child enrollment, staff certifications, attendance logs, and incident reports.
Conduct regular safety drills and inspections to ensure the environment is safe and well-maintained.
Stay informed about changes to state and local regulations affecting childcare centers and implement changes as needed.
Parent and Community Relations:
Serve as the primary point of contact for parents, addressing concerns, answering questions, and providing updates on their child's progress.
Organize and facilitate parent-teacher conferences, open houses, and other parent engagement activities.
Handle billing, payments, and financial matters related to the daycare's operations.
Promote the daycare within the community to attract new families and maintain enrollment levels.
Financial and Administrative Duties:
Manage the daycare center's budget, ensuring the facility operates within financial constraints while maintaining high standards of care and education.
Order supplies, materials, and equipment as needed to support daily activities and programs.
Track expenses and revenues, and prepare financial reports for owners or stakeholders.
Ensure timely billing and payments, and manage payroll for daycare staff.
Problem-Solving and Conflict Resolution:
Address issues related to staff, parents, or children, and resolve conflicts in a professional and timely manner.
Step in to provide direct care or instruction if necessary during staffing shortages or emergencies.
Qualifications:
Education: Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
Experience:
Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in early childhood education or daycare management.
Experience managing staff and overseeing educational programs.
Skills:
Strong leadership and organizational skills.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for interacting with staff, parents, children, and regulatory bodies.
Ability to handle administrative tasks, including budgeting, scheduling, and record-keeping.
Knowledge of New York State childcare regulations and licensing requirements.
Certification: Must meet New York State requirements for daycare center directors, including CPR/First Aid certification and any other mandated credentials.